Apple TV+ greenlights Monarch: Legacy of Monsters prequel with Wyatt Russell returning

Apple TV+ has officially announced the expansion of its popular Monarch: Legacy of Monsters series with a thrilling prequel, focusing on the younger years of Colonel Lee Shaw, a pivotal character in the Monsterverse. The series releases on February 27, 2026. Wyatt Russell will take up the role of Colonel Lee Shaw again.

The prequel (yet to be officially titled) will follow Colonel Lee Shaw’s journey back to 1984, as he initiates a covert mission behind enemy lines to stop the Soviets from unleashing a new Titan. This Titan, capable of devastating the United States, threatens to shift the balance of power in the Cold War.

In his attempt to prevent global catastrophe, Shaw’s mission brings new dangers and intrigue, giving viewers a deeper understanding of his character’s motivations and struggles.

Harold and Safehouse Pictures will executive produce the series with Wyatt Russell. Famous for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Joby Harold will direct the prequel series.

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Wyatt Russell’s return to Monarch: Legacy of Monsters prequel

Wyatt Russell’s return as Colonel Lee Shaw in the prequel series is a highly anticipated development for fans of the Monsterverse. In Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Russell plays the younger version of the character, with his father, Kurt Russell, portraying Shaw in his later years.

As a key operative within the covert Monarch organization, Shaw’s past is filled with secrets, missions, and challenges that shaped his hardened persona.

Wyatt Russell will play Shaw's early days, when his devotion to preserving the planet from Titans is tested, setting the groundwork for his Monsterverse position. Russell's portrayal of a younger Shaw juggling Cold War tensions and Titans in the 1980s will fascinate audiences.

As per Deadline article, published on December 17, showrunner Joby Harold stated,

"I could not feel more privileged to be a part of building out this wildly iconic universe. Apple and Legendary have been exemplary partners throughout this process, and we will continue to bring these Titans of cinematic history to audiences with the reverence they deserve."

According to an article of Hollywood Reporter aired on December 17, 2025, Jason Clodfelter, president and managing director at Legendary Television, stated about Joby Harold,

"Joby is a remarkable storyteller with a deep understanding of what makes the Monsterverse resonate with fans globally. We’re thrilled to bring him and Safehouse Pictures into a broader partnership alongside Apple, marking an exciting new era for the franchise.”

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Monarch: Legacy of Monsters prequel explores cold war tensions

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters prequel will be releasing on February 27, 2026 (Image via YouTube/Apple TV)

The prequel series will focus on Colonel Lee Shaw’s covert mission in 1984, where he is tasked with preventing the Soviets from unleashing a massive new Titan that could devastate the United States. Shaw must navigate enemy territory while facing the terrifying power of Titans, in a race against time to stop a catastrophe that could alter the course of history.

The prequel series places Colonel Lee Shaw amid the Cold War, bringing geopolitical interest to the Monsterverse. Shaw's 1984 mission to stop the Soviet Union from unleashing a Titan that may change power generates friction.

Wyatt Russell’s portrayal of Shaw during this critical mission will highlight his character’s resourcefulness, resilience, and the immense pressure he faces in preventing the annihilation of the U.S. The secretive and dangerous nature of his mission also offers plenty of opportunities for intense action sequences, as well as moments of personal reflection for Shaw.

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The Monsterverse expands with more titans

Wyatt Russell at Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - April 28, 2025 - Source: Getty

Apple TV+ and Legendary Entertainment are clearly committed to expanding the Monsterverse, which began with the release of Godzilla in 2014 and continued with Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and Godzilla vs. Kong.

With the success of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, the franchise is set to grow even further, with multiple spinoff series planned for the future. The new prequel focusing on Colonel Lee Shaw is just the beginning of a broader expansion that will introduce fans to more Titans and new characters, all while continuing to build on the rich mythology of the Monsterverse.

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You can catch Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and the prequel series on Apple TV+.