Much like the rest of Hollywood, it seems that Legendary Pictures remains committed to creating a cinematic universe capable of matching Disney/Marvel’s decade-long success. However, to the studio’s credit, the ongoing MonsterVerse franchise has built itself up decently over time, rather than simply rush the concept of classic monsters fighting each other from day one. Beginning with the well-received 2014 Godzilla starring Aaron-Taylor Johnson, Legendary saw similar success with last year’s Kong: Skull Island, which offered audiences a bombastic high budget B-movie that nevertheless retained the spirit of King Kong’s original films.

Now, the MonsterVerse has found itself a non-monster star in rising teen actor Julian Dennison, who, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, will be cast in the upcoming Godzilla vs. Kong. Dennison, who starred in Taika Waititi’s 2016 film Hunt for the Wilderpeople, has since garnered more mainstream attention this year for his performance as Russell Collins (i.e. Firefist) in Deadpool 2. He will be starring alongside a cast that includes Van Marten (Ant-Man and the Wasp), Ziyi Zhang (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things). The film will be directed by Adam Wingard, whose previous work includes The Guest, You’re Next and the 2016 Blaire Witch sequel.

Godzilla vs. Kong will be the fourth film in the MonsterVerse franchise, following 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters starring Kyle Chandler and Vera Farmiga. The film is currently set for a May 22, 2020 release date.