Godzilla X Kong Sequel Casts 28 Years Later Star As New Lead Character's Brother

Ahead of his debut in the long-awaited 28 Years Later, one star of Danny Boyle’s long-awaited sequel has been cast in a key role in Legendary Pictures’ upcoming Godzilla x Kong follow-up. 2024 saw the Monsterverse not only return in a kaiju team-up against Hollow Earth threats in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, but expand into television with Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. The currently unтιтled Godzilla x Kong sequel will be helmed by Grant Sputore, and will see the return of Dan Stevens as kaiju veterinarian Trapper Beasley.

The Hollywood Reporter has now confirmed that 28 Years Later star Jack O’Connell will join Stevens in Sputore’s Godzilla x Kong follow-up. The actor will star alongside fellow newcomer and The Last of Us star 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 in Unbroken as Louis Zamperini, Ferrari as Peter Collins, and SAS: Rogue Heroes as Paddy Mayne, and will also star in Ryan Coogler’s 2025 vampire horror Sinners as 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 of Godzilla 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 H๏τtle carried over their roles from Godzilla vs. Kong‘s cast alongside 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.

O’Connell’s past roles offer plenty of experience of capturing a sibling bond on-screen. Whether it is his breakout portrayal of the immature but trying James Cook in UK teen drama Skins or 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

Emma resting her chin on Jude's shoulder in Little Fish.

As only O’Connell, Dever, and Stevens have been confirmed for Godzilla x Kong‘s sequel, it is clear that there are still many more announcements on the way. While Sputore joining the franchise offers an opportunity to add a new vision to the Monsterverse, strong human casts are still important. The two тιтular monsters and other тιтans may attract the most spectacle, but clearly developed and concise human characters help invest an audience and build up an engaging universe.

Furthermore, while O’Connell’s role may be carefully hidden, his upcoming 2025 projects can help create more excitement for Godzilla x Kong‘s follow-up. Between his sadistic vampire leader in Sinners and his post-apocalyptic cult leader in 28 Years Later‘s cast, the actor could surprise Monsterverse fans should his older sibling show a more positive side, showcasing his range.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter