Ahead of his appearance in the long-awaited28 Years Later, one star of Danny Boyle’s long-awaited sequel has been cast in a key role in Legendary Pictures' upcomingGodzilla x Kongfollow-up. 2024 saw the Monsterverse not only return in a kaiju team-up against Hollow Earth threats inGodzilla x Kong: The New Empire, but expand into television withMonarch: Legacy of Monsters.The currently untitledGodzilla x Kongsequelwill be helmed by Grant Sputore, andwill see the return of Dan Stevens as kaiju veterinarian Trapper Beasley.
The Hollywood Reporterhas now confirmed that28 Years Laterstar Jack O’Connell will join Stevens in Sputore’sGodzilla x Kongfollow-up. The actor will star alongside fellow newcomer andThe Last of Usstar Kaitlyn Dever as her human character’s brother, though details about his role are still being kept under wraps. O’Connell is known for his roles inUnbrokenas Louis Zamperini,Ferrarias Peter Collins, andSAS: Rogue Heroesas Paddy Mayne, and will also star in Ryan Coogler’s 2025 vampire horrorSinnersas the vampire Remmick.
What O’Connell’s Casting May Mean For Godzilla X Kong’s Sequel
Past Roles Set Up High Expectations For The Actor
With O’Connell, it remains to be seen how the actor’s character will play into the story ofGodzilla x Kong’s sequel, as save for a handful of consistent cast members, each movie has seen the majority of its human cast come and go. Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle carried over their roles fromGodzilla vs. Kong’s castalongside Steven’s Trapper, but are unconfirmed to return for the sequel at this time. As such,Dever and O’Connell’s sibling characters will likely be all-new additions, especially with Sputore set to take on directing duties from Adam Wingard.
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O’Connell’s past roles offer plenty of experienceof capturing a sibling bond on-screen. Whether it is his breakout portrayal of the immature but trying James Cook in UK teen dramaSkinsor British soldier Gary Hook in the 2014 Northern Ireland Troubles thriller'71, the actor has shown clear understanding in capturing the nuances that playing a character with the weight of being an older sibling entails. Furthermore, with both he and Dever having high-profile roles in 2025, many may be eager to see more of them.
Our Thoughts On O’Connell’s Godzilla X Kong Casting
The Actor’s 2025 Roles Could Set Him Up For Greater Success
As only O’Connell, Dever, and Stevens have been confirmed forGodzilla x Kong’s sequel, it is clear that there are still many more announcements on the way. While Sputore joining the franchiseoffers an opportunity to add a new vision to the Monsterverse, strong human casts are still important. The two titular monsters and other titans may attract the most spectacle, but clearly developed and concise human characters help invest an audience and build up an engaging universe.
7 Godzilla x Kong Twists The Monsterverse Already Set Up
Some details were more important than they seemed, as several major twists from Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire were built on existing developments.
Furthermore, while O’Connell’s role may be carefully hidden, his upcoming 2025 projects can help create more excitement forGodzilla x Kong’s follow-up. Between his sadistic vampire leader inSinnersand his post-apocalyptic cult leader in28 Years Later’s cast,the actor could surprise Monsterverse fansshould his older sibling show a more positive side, showcasing his range.
