Before his debut in 28 Years Later, one of the film’s stars has landed a major role in Legendary Pictures’ next Godzilla x Kong movie. In 2024, the Monsterverse returned with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, where the two titans teamed up to fight threats from Hollow Earth. It also expanded into TV with Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Grant Sputore will direct the untitled sequel, with Dan Stevens returning as Trapper Beasley, a kaiju veterinarian.
The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that 28 Years Later star Jack O’Connell will join Dan Stevens in Sputore’s Godzilla x Kong sequel. He’ll play the brother of Kaitlyn Dever’s character from The Last of Us, though his exact role remains a secret. O’Connell is known for playing Louis Zamperini in Unbroken, Peter Collins in Ferrari, and Paddy Mayne in SAS: Rogue Heroes. He’ll also appear as the vampire Remmick in Ryan Coogler’s 2025 horror film Sinners.
It’s unclear how O’Connell’s character will fit into the Godzilla x Kong sequel. Most human characters in the Monsterverse change with each movie, except for a few like Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle, who returned from Godzilla vs. Kong alongside Stevens’ Trapper. Their return for the sequel hasn’t been confirmed yet. Dever and O’Connell’s sibling characters will likely be new additions, especially with Sputore replacing Adam Wingard as director.
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O’Connell’s past roles show his skill in portraying sibling relationships. He proved this with his breakout role as the immature but well-meaning James Cook in the UK teen drama Skins and as British soldier Gary Hook in the 2014 thriller ’71, set during the Northern Ireland Troubles. Both roles highlight his ability to capture the struggles of being an older sibling. With O’Connell and Dever set for major roles in 2025, many fans are excited to see more of them.
With only O’Connell, Dever, and Stevens confirmed for the Godzilla x Kong sequel, more casting news is expected soon. Sputore’s direction brings a fresh take to the Monsterverse, but having a strong human cast still matters. While the giant monsters grab attention, well-developed human characters make the story more engaging and help build a richer universe.
While O’Connell’s role remains a secret, his 2025 projects are building more excitement for the Godzilla x Kong sequel. He plays a ruthless vampire leader in Sinners and a cult leader in 28 Years Later. If his character in the Monsterverse takes on a more positive role, it could highlight his acting range and surprise fans.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter