The upcoming sequel to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is in talks to bring back Dan Stevens, who played the fan-favorite veterinarian Trapper in the 2024 film. This news, reported by The Hollywood Reporter, signals a potential shift in the Monsterverse’s approach to human characters.
Development for the sequel has been steadily progressing, with Godzilla writer David Callaham returning to pen the script and Grant Sputore taking over directing duties from Adam Wingard. Kaitlyn Dever has also recently joined the cast in an undisclosed role. 1 While plot details remain scarce, sources indicate the film will introduce new human characters alongside returning Titans to face a “cataclysmic world-ending threat.”
Stevens’ potential return is significant. Trapper’s comedic and resourceful nature made him a standout among the human characters in The New Empire. His expertise in Titan biology and his creation of Kong’s exoskeleton glove suggest a continued role in developing technology to aid the Titans (and potentially humanity) in future conflicts. This connection to both Kong and scientific innovation positions him as a key figure in the ongoing Monsterverse narrative.
The Monsterverse has often struggled to create compelling human characters to complement the monster action. While Millie Bobby Brown played a central role in previous films, the focus shifted to Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry in The New Empire. With Hall and Kaylee Hottle’s characters’ stories seemingly concluded, Stevens’ return could provide a new human anchor for the franchise. His established rapport with the Titans and his potential for further technological contributions make him a logical choice to carry the human narrative forward.
From a narrative perspective, Trapper’s return offers exciting possibilities. His expertise could be crucial in facing the rumored Skar King and other emerging threats. His inventive skills could lead to the creation of new tools and technologies for the Titans, potentially showcasing even more impressive set pieces and action sequences. Whether he’s developing new defenses for Kong or uncovering secrets about the Titans’ origins, Trapper’s continued presence promises to add another layer of depth to the Monsterverse.