“His Immediate Concern”: Monarch Star Had 1 Issue With Reviving His Kong: Skull Island Character

According to showrunner Chris Black and executive producer Matt Fraction, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters star John Goodman had one key issue with reviving his character from Kong: Skull Island. Goodman portrays Bill Randa in the Monsterverse, who was first introduced – and killed off – in 2017’s Kong movie. However, the actor will be reprising his role for the new Apple TV+ series, which will feature new scenes with the character.

Speaking with CinemaBlend, Black and Fraction revealed Goodman was worried his improved health would make his return in the cast of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters seem too jarring. However, both the showrunner and executive producer reassured him it wouldn’t impact his role in the series. Check out what Black and Fraction had to say below:

Fraction: You know what? John, to his great and eternal credit wanted… he is a much healthier man now than he was then. And his immediate concern was, ‘Well, you guys know I’m a lot healthier now.’ Like, his immediate concern was none of those clothes are gonna fit. They’re all gonna feel tense. John was very sweet and exactly the person you wanted to be. Good hearted and open and willing to play, and I think, intrigued by the idea of, oh, there might be more stories to tell about Bill Randa.

Chris Black: Yeah, think he was like, if you really want me and think that I can still pull this off, great. let’s do it!

Fraction: Like, you’re John Goodman! You can pull off anything!

What Role Will Bill Randa Have In Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters?

Goodman’s reprisal as Bill indicates some elements of Kong: Skull Island could also make a return in the series. Since the Monarch researcher’s final mission took place on Skull Island, it’s likely promotional material has been showing new footage of his time there. This can add new context to his death there, tying into the core story of Cate Randa (Anna Sawai) in the present, someone who is no doubt related to him.

Cate’s search for answers will lead her to Lee Shaw (Kurt Russell), whose younger self (Wyatt Russell) is shown working for Monarch alongside a younger Bill (Anders Holm). While Goodman’s return will add context to the series as a whole, it appears the younger version of his character will hold the answers to the organization’s many mysteries. This means that, while his older self is destined to die on Skull Island, his time spent with a younger Lee may be vital to the series overall.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters‘ release timing is also perfect, premiering a few months before 2024’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Because of this, Bill’s story will resonate within the Monsterverse much more, possibly teasing details that will be in the upcoming movie. With Goodman returning for such a major role from Kong: Skull Island, it’s clear many important events will transpire in the series.