Adam Wingard, who has directed the last two of Legendary’s ‘Godzilla’ hit MonsterVerse movies, will not be returning for a third installment, multiple sources tell THR. The reason being given for his departure are “timing issues”
Wingard co-wrote and directed this year’s “Godzilla x Kong: New Empire,” which grossed over $564 million worldwide since its March 29 opening. This suspiring news might have to do with Wingard having recently signed on to go back to his original filmmaking roots on a new film.
Several studios were in a bidding war for Wingard’s “Onslaught.” A24 finally landed the rights for the action-thriller with Wingard on board to direct.
“Onslaught” will reunite Wingard and writer Simon Barrett, they’re the team behind 2013’s “You’re Next” and 2014’s “The Guest.” Plot details are currently being kept under wraps, but the film is said to be in the same vein as Wingard’s earlier indie films. Principal photography will begin in Fall 2024.
Despite the success of “Godzilla’, I recently wondered if Wingard would ever direct another original film:
It’s a real shame that Wingard, whom I’ve interviewed in the past, has decided to expend all of his creative energy on silly Kaijus and monsters. Remember, this is the same guy who showed great potential with 2011’s “You’re Next” and 2014’s “The Guest.”
Looks like Wingard is taking a break from kaijus and making actual cinema. A wise decision, and I’m sure he’s already made plenty of money directing the first two ‘Godzilla’ flicks. THR adds that he can always come back for the fourth installment, but don’t hold your breath.
Edward Berger seems to have settled on what comes next. His Lance Armstrong biopic, starring Austin Butler, is now holding casting calls, with production eyed for January.