Even though Apple TV+ currently offers a MonsterVerse series called Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of the franchise to the big screen with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, set to release later this year. The recent trailer for the film teased intriguing details, such as Kong sporting a mysterious mechanical glove and the introduction of an adolescent member of his species affectionately dubbed Mini-Kong. Godzilla x Kong merchandise has now unveiled not only a fascinating tidbit about the glove but also the official name of Mini-Kong, which is arguably more exciting.
While the term Mini-Kong has been a playful way to refer to the young gorilla, it’s gratifying to discover that he will have an actual name in the upcoming 2024 movie. According to one of the toys showcased by Kaiju News Outlet, the juvenile ape will be known as Suko. Additionally, the toy set includes Titanus Doug, a Titan that made a cameo in Godzilla vs. Kong. It remains uncertain whether Doug will feature in the new movie, but fans are hopeful for an extended appearance.
As for the nomenclature of Mini-Kong, speculation leans toward Brian Tyree Henry’s character, Bernie Hayes, a returning face in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’s cast. In the trailer, Bernie affectionately coins the term Mini-Kong, making it plausible that he will also be the one to dub the young ape as Suko. Alternatively, the name Suko has an ancient ring to it, and it could be stumbled upon by characters like Rebecca Hall’s Ilene Andrews while translating ancient languages.
Turning attention to Kong’s enigmatic yellow mechanical glove, another revelation from Godzilla x Kong merchandise discloses that it is named the B.E.A.S.T. Glove. Whether B.E.A.S.T. is an acronym denoting the glove’s purpose or its origin is unclear. Fans are left to speculate if B.E.A.S.T. is a Monarch division or a separate entity like Apex Cybernetics.
Regardless of its origins, the hope is that the B.E.A.S.T. Glove will give Kong an advantage against the movie’s primary antagonist, the Skar King, another Titan of simian descent armed with a weapon known as Whiplash. The film also promises a power-up for Godzilla, evident in his pink spines, fueling speculation that he can now harness gamma radiation. Fans can anticipate an action-packed cinematic experience when Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire hits theaters on April 12, while the first four MonsterVerse movies are available for streaming with a Max subscription.