Apple TV expands Monarch universe with new spin-off

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Apple TV is expanding its Legendary Monsterverse with the announcement of a new spin-off series to "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters." The series will once again focus on Colonel Lee Shaw, played by Wyatt Russell. It will serve as a prequel, adding a crucial chapter from the Cold War era to the universe's story. Joby Harold is developing the project and will assume a key creative role for the entire Monsterverse on Apple TV.

Since the worldwide premiere of "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," it has become clear that the Monsterverse can also reach a large audience in series format. Apple TV is not only relying on familiar titans, but above all on interconnected stories and recurring characters. The new prequel series is another step in expanding and deepening this universe in the long term.

New series about the young Lee Shaw

The as-yet-untitled series, often referred to as "Young Lee Shaw," tells the backstory of Colonel Lee Shaw. The story takes place in 1984. Shaw, an American agent, is on a secret mission behind enemy lines. The objective of this mission is to prevent the Soviet Union from unleashing a new Titan. This Titan is so powerful that it could destroy the United States and fundamentally alter the course of the Cold War.

Wyatt Russell reprises his role as Lee Shaw and also serves as an executive producer on the series.

Joby Harold takes over the Monsterverse on Apple TV

The showrunner for the new prequel series is Emmy-nominated writer and producer Joby Harold. Under a newly signed master deal with Legendary, he will now oversee the entire MonsterVerse for Apple TV. This includes both new projects and existing series featuring iconic monsters. Harold is working closely with Legendary through his production company, Safehouse Pictures.

Harold was already involved as an executive producer on "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters." His first major foray into television was "Obi-Wan Kenobi," which broke records upon its premiere and was nominated for five Emmys. He has also been involved in numerous successful feature films, including "Edge of Tomorrow," the "John Wick" series, "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts," and "The Flash.".

Production and participating studios

The new series is produced by Joby Harold and Tory Tunnell for Safehouse Pictures. Other producers include Wyatt Russell, Chris Black, Kyle Bradstreet, Alex Boden, Max Borenstein, and Andy Goddard. Kei Banno, Brian Rogers, and Kenji Okuhira are also involved as producers.

Hiro Matsuoka and Takemasa Arita serve as executive producers for Toho Co., Ltd., the owner of the Godzilla rights. Toho has licensed the rights for "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" to Legendary, building on their long-standing collaboration on the Godzilla film franchise.

The Monsterverse and its development

Legendary's MonsterVerse is a cross-platform narrative universe centered on humanity's struggle in a world where monsters from myth and legend are real. It began in 2014 with the film "Godzilla" and continued with "Kong: Skull Island" in 2017, "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" in 2019, and "Godzilla vs. Kong" in 2021.

With "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire," the most successful installment in the series to date was released, and it remains the highest-grossing Godzilla film of all time. The MonsterVerse has grossed over $2.5 billion worldwide at the box office. The next sequel, "Godzilla x Kong: Supernova," is already slated for release in 2027. In parallel, the franchise has expanded further with video games, graphic novels, toys, and live-action experiences.

„Monarch: Legacy of Monsters“ and the outlook

„"Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" is the first major series adaptation of the Monsterverse for Apple TV and has been a global success. The second season premieres on February 27, 2026. A new prequel series about Lee Shaw complements this offering and aims to provide additional background information without replacing the existing storyline.

Officials at Apple TV and Legendary emphasize that the goal is to further expand the Monsterverse with more character-driven stories and to highlight the connection between humans and Titans more clearly.

Apple TV as a streaming platform

Apple TV has been available since November 1, 2019, and was the first streaming service worldwide to launch exclusively with original content. The service includes drama and comedy series, feature films, documentaries, and content for children and families.

To date, Apple Original films and series have been honored with 662 awards and 3,006 nominations. Apple TV is available via the Apple TV app in more than 100 countries and regions on over one billion devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, and via web browsers. A subscription costs €9.99 per month and includes a seven-day free trial for new subscribers.

Apple TV is specifically driving the expansion of the Monsterverse forward

With the new prequel series to "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," Apple TV continues to expand its Monsterverse. The return of Wyatt Russell as Lee Shaw, the Cold War setting, and Joby Harold's creative direction mark a clear strategic direction. Apple TV further positions itself as the central platform for the Monsterverse and for large-scale, interconnected franchise narratives. (Image: Apple)