The review embargo for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters lifted on Friday (around the same time as that thrilling new trailer was released) but how is the Monsterverse's first TV series faring with critics?
While only a handful of verdicts have been counted thus far, the show holds an impressive 92% on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. As we first explained on SFFGazette.com, critics were given access to half the season (5 episodes) so they arguably had enough to form a solid impression of whether the series works or not.
It sounds like Kurt Russell is the highlight, but many reviews caution that Godzilla's role is limited at best. In fact, while "Monsters" may be in the title, it's the mystery surrounding Monarch that both sounds like the focus and a highlight.
Fans of these movies have often criticised the human component so if Legendary has finally got that right, it's certainly not a bad thing. However, anyone going into Monarch: Legacy or Monsters expecting or excited about seeing heaps of epic monster action on screen could walk away underwhelmed.
Check out the show's Tomatometer reveal and check here soon for our verdict!
"Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco, and the shocking revelation that monsters are real," reads the synopsis, "'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch."
"Clues lead them into the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army Officer Lee Shaw, taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows."
Based on the Monsterverse from Legendary, and starring Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski, this dramatic saga - spanning three generations - reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.
Developed by Chris Black (Severance) and Matt Fraction (Hawkeye), the first two episodes were helmed by WandaVision and Fantastic Four director Matt Shakman.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters premieres November 17 on Apple TV+. Will you be tuning in? As always, you can let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.