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Apple TV expands Monsterverse with new spin-off that brings back fan-favorite actor

The prequel focuses on a younger version of Wyatt Russell's Shaw as an American operative in 1984

Apple TV has greenlit a second Monsterverse prequel series. The latest will follow Wyatt Russell's Shaw, and the latest comes after 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' and the upcoming new season set to premiere on February 27, 2026.

Per reports, Russell will be in focus with the younger version of Shaw as an American operative in 1984. He attempts to stop the Soviets from unleashing a Titan who has enough to destroy the United States and change the direction of the Cold War. The show will be produced under Joby Harold's production banner, who serves as the showrunner.

"I could not feel more privileged to be a part of building out this wildly iconic universe," Harold said in his statement, according to Variety. "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."

The outlet also revealed the logline. "The spinoff series will follow the story of Colonel Lee Shaw, an American operative who in 1984 went on a secret mission behind enemy lines in an attempt to stop the Soviets from unleashing a horrific new Titan big enough to destroy the U.S. and turn the tide of the Cold War."

Jason Clodfelter, president and managing director at Legendary Television, shared his thoughts on the new prequel. "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."

As a quick refresher, season 1 of 'Legacy of Monsters' ended with Cate (Anna Sawai), May (Keirsey Clemons), and Keiko (Mari Yamamoto) escaping the Hollow Earth pocket with the help of the Monarch's exploratory vehicle. They ended up on Skull Island in 2017, a couple of years after the disappearance of Cate and May. At the time of writing, there isn't a lot about the plot of Season 2 other than that it takes place on Skull Island. The teaser also confirmed that Shaw (Wyatt Russell) survived the events of Hollow Earth.

Earlier, Russell teased what was in store for fans in season 2. "Season 2 of Monarch was really interesting to be able to get to do because we had to expand on certain themes and stuff that we found in the first season to really work," he said, according to MovieWeb. "I haven't been briefed on what I can tease and what I can't. I can say that the mystery deepens. More monsters arrive that are really fun to explore in the story. We wanted to level it up, I guess you could say, and in the Monarch way, ratchet up the stakes of the relationships as well. I can tease that the relationships really get ratcheted up."

'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' is streaming on Apple TV+