New ‘Monarch’ prequel series brings Wyatt Russell back to the Monsterverse.
Apple TV+ is expanding Legendary’s Monsterverse with a new untitled spinoff series tied to Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, featuring the return of Wyatt Russell as Colonel Lee Shaw.
The new project is a Young Lee Shaw prequel series starring and executive-produced by Wyatt Russell, with Joby Harold as showrunner. Apple TV+ has also announced an overall deal with Legendary, making Harold responsible for the Monsterverse’s television future on the platform.
A Cold War-Era Monsterverse Story
Set in 1984, well before the events of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, the untitled spinoff follows Colonel Lee Shaw, an American operative sent on a covert mission behind enemy lines during the height of the Cold War. According to Apple TV+, the series centers on Shaw’s attempt to stop the Soviets from unleashing a terrifying new Titan—one powerful enough to destroy the United States and shift the balance of global power.
The prequel deepens the Monsterverse timeline with a grounded, character-driven story that places human stakes in a world dominated by Titans and destruction. Russell resumes his role as Lee Shaw, bridging generations within the storyline.
Joby Harold Takes the Monsterverse Helm
Harold, under a new overall deal with Legendary and Safehouse Pictures, will oversee all Monsterverse television for Apple TV+, guiding both new and established projects.
“Viewers can’t get enough of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ since its debut,” said Morgan Wandell, head of international development for Apple TV. “With Joby at the helm, this spinoff will launch an epic Monsterverse expansion.”
Harold expressed gratitude, calling the Monsterverse “wildly iconic” and stressing the importance of honoring its Titans’ legacy.
Returning to ‘Monarch’ and Expanding the Universe
The Young Lee Shaw prequel expands Apple TV+’s Monsterverse lineup, joining Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which returns for a second season on February 27, 2026. Harold remains executive producer on the flagship series.
The new spinoff is executive produced by Harold and Tory Tunnell for Safehouse Pictures, alongside Wyatt Russell, Chris Black, Kyle Bradstreet, Alex Boden, Max Borenstein, and Andy Goddard. Producers include Kei Banno, Brian Rogers, and Kenji Okuhira, with Hiro Matsuoka and Takemasa Arita serving as executive producers for Toho Co., Ltd., which licenses the Godzilla character to Legendary.
A Franchise Built on a Global Scale
Legendary’s Monsterverse started with 2014’s Godzilla and has become a top shared universe in entertainment, spanning several films.
With more than $2.5 billion in global earnings and an interconnected slate of films, series, games, graphic novels, toys, and live experiences, the Monsterverse continues to evolve. The next film chapter, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, is set for release in 2027.
Harold’s Franchise Pedigree
Harold’s credits include executive producing and writing Obi-Wan Kenobi, Edge of Tomorrow, John Wick, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, and The Flash. With Harold guiding and Russell reprising his role, Apple TV+’s Monsterverse expansion aims to delve further into the past and shape the franchise’s future.
Read more News on Nerdtropolis. Subscribe to our YouTube.
Discover more from Nerdtropolis - Movie News, Reviews, Interviews, and Trailers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
