The Stars of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ Disclose What It’s Like Navigating the Monsterverse

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters features a talented ensemble cast, including Ren Watabe, Anna Sawai, and Kiersey Clemons, who bring their unique perspectives to a world where the legendary kaijus are not just myths but a reality. Their characters, deeply embedded in the lore and conflict of this universe, offer a fresh viewpoint on the challenges and complexities of coexisting with these colossal creatures.

Early Encounters with Godzilla and Kaijus

Discussing their initial exposure to the iconic Godzilla and the broader kaiju genre, each actor shared their unique experiences. Anna Sawai, growing up in Japan, mentioned her lifelong familiarity with Godzilla, reflecting the cultural significance of the character in her homeland:

“It’s such an iconic creature in Japan. So I can’t even remember when I was first introduced to him then.”

-Anna Sawai, Cate Randa in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters–

Kiersey Clemons, whose introduction to Godzilla was more recent, highlighted the influence of her family in her growing interest in the Monsterverse:

“My first kind of introduction was honestly right before the show. My little brother loves Godzilla, and that was probably the most that I’ve ever learned about anything in the Monsterverse.”

-Kiersey Clemons, May in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters–

Ren Watabe recalled having Godzilla figures in his house as a child, indicating an early, albeit indirect, exposure to the genre.

Getting Ready to Live in the World of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters

When asked about preparing for roles in a world where monsters exist, Anna Sawai related her character’s experiences to her own during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, using personal experiences to anchor her portrayal in reality:

“I had to kind of like replace that with things in my life.”

-Anna Sawai, Cate Randa in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters–

Kiersey Clemons and Ren Watabe discussed the challenges of filming scenes with imaginary monsters, with Clemons noting the uncertainty of where to direct their attention during these scenes:

“We never knew where to look… Because Godzilla is so big, so it would be like, look in this vicinity.”

-Kiersey Clemons, May in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters–

The Challenge of Bilingualism in Performance

The actors also touched on the complexity of their characters speaking multiple languages. Anna Sawai, who is bilingual, found it challenging to put an American accent on her Japanese, a testament to the authenticity she brings to her role:

“I speak fluent Japanese. So, you know, kind of switching up the way I speak in my mother tongue was a little bit of a new experience.”

-Anna Sawai, Cate Randa in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters–

Ren Watabe highlighted the nuances in acting when switching languages, reflecting on the different emotional expressions tied to each language:

“I think how you act when you speak Japanese is different from how you act when you speak English.”

-Ren Watabe, Kentaro Randa in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters–

Dream Kaiju Gifts

In a lighter moment, when asked about their ideal Godzilla or kaiju-themed gift, all three actors expressed a desire for something soft and cuddly, showcasing their playful side:

“I would want a stuffed one, like a soft one,” said Clemons, with Sawai and Watabe agreeing.

-Anna Sawai, Cate Randa in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters–

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters promises to be a captivating addition to the Monsterverse, with Ren Watabe, Anna Sawai, and Kiersey Clemons at the forefront. Their insights into their characters’ development, the challenges of filming, and the nuances of bilingual performance add depth to the anticipation for this new chapter in the world of kaijus and giant monsters.

Season One of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is now streaming on AppleTV+ with new episodes releasing on Fridays.

Keep Reading:

Unleashing the Titans: Chris Black and Matt Fraction Dive Deep into the Heart of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters