In today’s episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast host Mike DeAngelo uncovers the mystery of Apple TV+’s latest mystery series, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.” The show follows multiple characters in different eras on a twist-filled journey to uncover the mysteries of the organization at the center of the Godzilla MonsterVerse films. The show stars Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, and more.
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Joining Bingeworthy to discuss the ten-episode series is Director/Executive Producer Matt Shakman. During the chat, Shakman talks about his journey from small-time television director on things like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” to “Game of Thrones” and “WandaVision,” and how it has all led to his new series.
After directing the hit Marvel series, “WandaVision,” Shakman had his pick of projects to choose from but was drawn to a series in the “Godzilla” MonsterVerse due to something that many say has been missing from the films themselves – quality human characters.
“A MonsterVerse movie lives and dies on big epic battles between Kong and Godzilla, and that’s wonderful, it’s exciting. I love going to those movies, and I’m so impressed by what they’ve been able to make,” Shakman said. “But a television show requires you to want to spend time with characters week in and week out. You want to make an appointment every week to see what’s happening with your favorite people and to root for them, to succeed, and be scared when they’re in danger. That’s what television does. So ‘Game of Thrones’ was brilliant at that. And I think Monarch has been brilliant at that too. So when I read the script, I was thrilled by what I read. It felt very fresh. It was a very surprising way into this universe. And then meeting Chris Black and Matt Fraction and talking to them about what they had in mind was super exciting. And obviously, I’m a Godzilla fan. I have been since I was a kid. I’ve watched those movies since I was five with my dad at home. And so the chance to be a part of that is it’s pretty hard to pass up, especially when it’s being done so artfully and the characters are so great, the writing is so great.”
The series takes place over different time periods with real-life father and son, Kurt and Wyatt Russell, taking on the same role of Lee Shaw at different points in his life. Shakman and company were instantly sold on the idea from the very beginning.
“And then in our early conversations, they said we had this crazy idea that maybe Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell could play Lee Shaw. And you know, I mean, Godzilla is something I’ve loved since I was a kid. Kurt Russell is someone I’ve loved since I was a kid, too. And the idea of Kurt Russell and Godzilla together is brilliant,” explained Shakman. “And then also the notion of these two great actors, because they’re both great, Kurt and Wyatt are both brilliant. The idea of them playing the same character in two different time periods immediately has a level of authenticity that I just gravitate towards as a filmmaker. And the chance that for them to create a character together, not just to play father and son, I think they’ve been offered that a lot, but to have a joint creative project that who is Lee Shaw, we’re both going to figure out who this guy is, how he walks, how he talks, what he wears. And they were able to borrow a little bit from each other because they’re very different actors. Wyatt is a very different actor than his dad. And they grew from that. And Wyatt drew from his dad and they made this character something really special that’s a combination of what they both do so well.”
Shakman is hard at work on Marvel’s highly anticipated “Fantastic 4,” which has seen a heavy amount of unconfirmed rumors swirling about casting as of late. Most recently, Pedro Pascal was said to be circling the role of Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic. Shakman says the official word is definitely coming soon, but urges fans to be patient. 
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“I’m thrilled that people are as passionate about these characters as I am. The fact that there is so much debate, I love it,” Shakman said. “I have been thinking about who should play these characters before I had the job to direct the movie and I understand why everybody would be thinking in the same way. Chemistry is super important. Who is best for these parts? You know, how do they work together? It’s Marvel’s first family. I have to get it right. I have to get that chemistry right. And so, you know, it’s been a process. It’s been a really wonderful, joyful process, and I’m super excited about, you know, the possibilities there. I can’t say too much, you know, when there’s a strike, there will be an announcement at some point, and I emphasize at some point, it’s not going to be immediately when the SAG strike has resolved, but we’ll be able to share some news at some point. And I hope people are as excited about this cast as I am.”
“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” premiered its first two episodes last week on Apple TV+ with new episodes dropping each week through January 10. Listen to the full interview with Matt Shakman below:

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