From the dysfunctional trio of Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe and Kiersey Clemons to the father-son dynamic between Kurt and Wyatt Russell to the charming chemistry between Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters isn’t just a show set the Godzilla-inspired Monsterverse: it’s a huge display of talent and camaraderie. If you haven’t watched Monarch yet, what are you waiting for? The Apple TV+ show has it all: compelling drama, giant monsters, chemistry between the cast, and the most seamless actor-swapping for the same character ever done.
I recently had the enormous pleasure of chatting with some of the main cast from this series: Kurt and Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe, Kiersy Clemons, Joe Tippett, and Elisa Lasowski. These incredibly talented and lovable people are part of what makes Monarch: Legacy of Monsters so damn good. I have seen the show in its entirety twice now, and I am literally craving more.
Let’s take a look at the highlights from my interviews; and don’t worry, I kept this spoiler-free.
“Surprise: you’re siblings!” Talking monster fandom with Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe and Kiersey Clemons
In this interview, Anna Sawai (Cate), Ren Watabe (Kentaro) and Kiersey Clemons (May) dive into their onscreen sibling/ex-lover/lover dynamic. The surprise sibling storyline, with all its initial awkwardness, translates beautifully onscreen thanks to their authentic performances. And let’s not forget their shared love for Godzilla (except for Clemons, who has a soft spot for those gross little bug-like Titans).
Anna Sawai loves the fact that Cate is my kiddos’ favorite character. My girls do love every single character in this show very, very much, but Cate is the one who definitely stole their little baby MonsterVerse fan hearts, and it’s not difficult to see why.
These three are so in sync and their chemistry flow so naturally both on and offscreen; it’s truly a treat to witness them work.
Kurt and Wyatt Russell: Like father, like son
Kurt and Wyatt Russell are the iconic father-son duo playing Colonel Lee Shaw at different stages of his life. Their dedication to syncing up mannerisms across decades is as impressive as their preference for King Kong over Godzilla is horrifying.
Just kidding: as a gigantic Godzilla fangirl, I was
totally throwing some shade their way
slightly disappointed in their choice for King Kong over Godzilla. We can’t all be perfect, you know?
Also, I have to admit, being a big fan of the 1994 Stargate movie since I was 5 and of the Netflix moviesThe Christmas Chronicles (the only “real” Christmas movies I will ever watch or care for), I was shaking in my boots a little while speaking to Kurt Russell.
Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski onscreen sparkle
Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski are literally everything.
Their portrayals of Tim and Duvall bring a balance of light and dark, humor and depth. Their offscreen friendship clearly translates into onscreen chemistry, making every scene they share a pure dose of delight. And when it comes to favorite Titans? Both Tippett and Lasowski stand with Godzilla, with Tippett joking about how a Godzilla vs. King Kong movie should be made at some point, unaware that it already was!
I do hope he was just kidding.
Speaking of a Godzilla v Kong showdown, there is a new movie coming out in April 2024 titled Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. I already cannot wait.
Final thoughts: Monarch is a show steeped in talent and humor
What’s clear from these interviews is the immense talent and genuine connections among the cast of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Whether it’s the playful banter, deep character studies, or shared monster preferences, this exquisite cast brings life to a series that’s as entertaining as it is emotionally resonant.
Don’t miss out on this phenomenal show on Apple TV+ — it’s a monstrous hit in every sense! New episodes drop Fridays.
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