Apple TV announces prequel series of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters with Wyatt Russell

Apple TV expands the so-called Monsterverse with a new prequel series that goes back in time and focuses on a younger version of Colonel Lee Shaw. Viewers are already familiar with the character Lee Shaw from Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, where the older Lee Shaw is portrayed by Kurt Russell and his younger counterpart by Wyatt Russell, who is his son in real life. In the new, still untitled prequel, Wyatt Russell takes center stage once again. It is currently unknown whether Kurt Russell will make an appearance.

©The Hollywood Reporter - Apple TV

The prequel is set in 1984 and follows Colonel Lee Shaw during a secret mission behind enemy lines. He attempts to prevent the Soviet Union from unleashing a new, terrifying Titan, a creature powerful enough to destroy the United States and drastically alter the balance of power in the Cold War. This series closely ties into the larger mythology of the Monsterverse, which features gigantic monsters like Godzilla and King Kong.

The series is led by Joby Harold, who serves as showrunner and holds an overarching role within all Monsterverse projects being developed for Apple TV. He is also an executive producer of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

According to Apple TV, the global success of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters has spurred the further exploration of the universe. The new prequel aims to deliver not only more spectacular Titan action but also strongly focus on character-driven stories. Harold himself calls it a privilege to contribute to this "iconic universe" and emphasizes that the monsters are brought to the small screen with respect for their film history.

Meanwhile, it has already been announced that the second season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters will premiere on Friday, February 27, 2026, on Apple TV. The Monsterverse originally began with Godzilla in 2014 and expanded through films like Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong, and recently Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. With this prequel series, Apple TV takes the next step in further expanding that universe.