Netflix revealed the first trailer, release date and voice cast for its upcoming animated Monsterverse series, Skull Island.
The animated series, taking off from Monsterverse's 2017 Kong: Skull Island, will premiere on Netflix on June 22. The voice cast for Skull Island includes Nicolas Cantu as the protagonist, Charlie, with additional cast including Mae Whitman, Darren Barnet, Benjamin Bratt and Betty Gilpin. Powerhouse Animation, famed for its work on Castlevania and Blood of Zeus, animated the series.
A synopsis for Skull Island reads, "Skull Island takes viewers on a thrilling adventure as a group of kind-hearted explorers rescues Annie (Mae Whitman) from the ocean, unaware that their act of heroism will lead them to the treacherous Skull Island. This enigmatic place is home to bizarre creatures and terrifying monsters, including the mighty titan himself, Kong."
Netflix's Animated King Kong Series Follows Skull Island
Netflix confirmed plans for animated adaptations of King Kong and Tomb Raider in 2021. The animated series follows up on 2017's Kong: Skull Island, starring Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman and John C. Reily. That film saw a team of scientists and military explore the mysterious Skull Island in 1973, only to be stranded among its many dangerous creatures. The film acted as a spinoff to 2014's Godzilla, further expanding on Legendary Pictures' Monsterverse. The films spawned two sequels, with 2019's Godzilla: King of the Monsters and 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong.
The Monsterverse has an upcoming sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong titled Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which has teased a much darker vibe than previous installments. While little is known about the plot, director Adam Wingard previously confirmed his interest in exploring Kong's domain of the Hollow Earth. "The clear starting point we teed up, exploring Hollow Earth, I think there is a lot more to do there. This is a pre-history of Planet Earth, where all the [Titans] come from," he said. "We tee up some mystery in [Godzilla vs. Kong], things I want to see resolved and explored and pushed to the next level."
In addition to Wingard as director, the film confirmed that Legion actor Dan Stevens had joined the cast in a leading role. While other cast and plot details remain under wraps, the film has reportedly begun production. It will be filmed in Australia, the same location as used in Kong: Skull Island.
Skull Island premieres on Netflix beginning June 22.
Source: Netflix