When it comes to massive action films that feature no-holds-barred destruction and awesome fight sequences, most viewers don't have to look much further than kaiju films. These films often feature massive creatures duking it out to either protect or destroy the human race. One of the genre's forefathers is none other than the King of the Monsters himself, Godzilla. For decades, the massive amphibious titan has been roaring on movie screens as both the hero and the villain. One key component in most forms of kaiju media has always been the humans that help convey the monster's motivations and emotions. But one of the co-writers for most of the MonsterVerse films believes that a great kaiju film can exist without human influence.
Introducing a big-budget kaiju film without a huge cast seems like an unorthodox decision. Still, following the events and success of Godzilla vs. Kong, co-writer Max Borenstein (Godzilla, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Kong: Skull Island and Godzilla vs. Kong) believes it's possible. During an interview with Slashfilm, he stated, "I do think it could be done. I was thinking about the same thing. I think it would be amazing, actually." Borstein later goes on to explain that it would also be an ambitious undertaking, with, at the very least, a heavily minute inclusion of humans. Of course, conceptualizing a film like this would take careful planning to convey a believable story with these massive characters. Still, the conclusion of Godzilla vs. Kong has already done most of the legwork.
At its core, Godzilla vs. Kong is a character piece for Kong and his journey off of Skull Island. His human companions do their best to explain his feelings and motivations, but the real heart is with Kong and his friend, Jia, a deaf child who teaches him to sign. Not only can Kong convey his emotions through sign language, but his face and actions are human-like enough to garner sympathy from the audience. Now that he is ruling over the Hollow Earth, it's possible to see a film that focuses on his journey to understand his new home and fight off its threats, with either no human involvement or minimal interaction through Jia and her sign language.
While Kong is a species that is easier, visually, to connect with and has a companion who helps him express himself, Godzilla is a slightly more difficult creature to showcase without human interaction. That being said, his exit in Godzilla vs. Kong sets him up for a chance to try since Godzilla has spent decades crossing paths with humans. Depending on the film, Godzilla is shown as either a hero or a menace to civilians. But earlier films from the Showa Era also place him on Monster Island, where he spends most of his time interacting with other Kaiju. He has also shown skills in communicating with them to organize attacks against enemies.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters offers a glimpse of this with Godzilla and Mothra working together against King Ghidorah. Giving the King of the Monsters a chance to find a home on Skull Island, whether it becomes Monster Island or somewhere new, also offers an opportunity to see him in a place with little to no human involvement. From here, he can be a protector, facing off against enemies emerging from the Hollow Earth and showing a more peaceful side since he will have more downtime in between facing other kaiju.
Because of the big names that have been attached to Legendary Picture's MonsterVerse, seeing a kaiju film devoid of humans is highly unlikely. Still, if films like Dawn of the Planet of the Apes prove anything, it's that animal characters can convey the same emotional weight as actors. This is teased with Kong and deserves to be explored in a future project. However, on the Godzilla side, being at odds with characters has been a staple for the kaiju. Still, an adventure to maintain a solitary life without human or kaiju interference could offer an emotional weight not seen with the character. It's an amazing idea that has potential, but it remains in the realm of wishful thinking for the time being.