The first 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' trailer teases a monster team-up — and 'mini-Kong'

It's been over two years since Godzilla and Kong waged war against each other in "Godzilla vs. Kong" before teaming up to take down Mechagodzilla in Hong Kong. The climactic battle showed how formidable the duo are when working together, hinting at the potential for bigger stories down the line.

Audiences won't have to wait much longer to see them partner up again though. "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" will release on April 12, 2024.

In the meantime, fans of the MonsterVerse can watch Apple TV+'s "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," starring Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell. It fills in the backstory behind the organization which is dedicated to finding Titans across the world in the hopes of preventing future disasters.

"The New Empire" will pick up after the events of "Godzilla vs. Kong," which saw Kong move down into the Hollow Earth to rule over all the monsters that live inside the planet, while Godzilla hibernates somewhere in the arctic.

The first trailer for "The New Empire" arrived in December, revealing that Kong isn't the only giant ape roaming around. A vicious red ape seems to be challenging the king for his title, and the folks at Monarch aren't convinced that Kong will be able to hold his own against the new threat.

Luckily, Kong and Godzilla have made amends after their brief scuffle in the previous film, as the trailer ends with them running alongside each other — presumably to fight the new villain together. Monster friends!

Before the trailer's release, the studio also seemingly revealed the name of the red ape in an Instagram post: "Skar King."

Let's face it, the audience really isn't coming to these movies for the human characters. That being said, "The New Empire" is bringing back a few actors from "Godzilla vs. Kong."

Rebecca Hall, who's featured prominently in the trailer, is reprising her role as Dr. Ilene Andrews. Kaylee Hottle, who plays Andrews' surrogate daughter Jia, also returns in the new movie.

"Eternals" star Brian Tyree Henry is also returning to play conspiracy theorist Bernie Hayes, who had a key role in the previous film.

Meanwhile, "Beauty and the Beast" star Dan Stevens is a newcomer to the franchise. Although his role is being kept under wraps for now, he appears to be working with Hall's Dr. Andrews in the trailer.

Scottish actor Alex Ferns, who was previously seen as the corrupt police commissioner in "The Batman," rounds out the main cast.