Apple TV Expands the Monsterverse With a GODZILLA Prequel Series Centered on Young Lee Shaw

Apple TV is doubling down on the Monsterverse in a big way. The streamer has officially ordered a new prequel TV series that digs deeper into the mythology introduced in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, this time shifting the spotlight to a younger version of one of its most compelling characters.

The untitled series will focus on Colonel Lee Shaw, portrayed by Wyatt Russell, and is set years before the events of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Russell is set to reprise the role, exploring Shaw’s past during a tense chapter of history.

The story takes place in 1984 and follows Shaw as he heads out on a dangerous covert mission behind enemy lines. According to the official description, this mission finds him attempting to stop the Soviets from unleashing a terrifying new Titan powerful enough to devastate the United States and alter the balance of the Cold War.

This new Monsterverse entry will be led by Joby Harold, who will serve as showrunner. Apple TV also revealed that Harold has been tapped to oversee the Monsterverse across the platform moving forward. That larger vision is said to include both brand-new Titans and familiar fan favorites.

The prequel joins Apple TV’s growing lineup of Monsterverse projects. The streamer previously teamed with Legendary on Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which starred Russell alongside Kurt Russell, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett, and Elisa Lasowski.

That series helped expand the Godzilla-connected universe by grounding the kaiju chaos in human drama and secret history. A second season is already locked in and is set to premiere on February 27, 2026.

Apple TV clearly sees strong momentum in the franchise. Morgan Wandell, head of international development for Apple TV, shared his excitement about what’s coming next, saying:

“Viewers around the world haven’t been able to get enough of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters since its global debut, and we cannot wait to unleash the electrifying new stories that Joby and the entire cast and creative team have been working on.

“With Joby at the helm, and alongside our terrific partners at Legendary, this new spinoff will kick off an epic Monsterverse expansion that brings audiences even closer to their favorite Titans along with fantastic character-driven storytelling.”

With Cold War paranoia, secret missions, and a Titan-sized threat looming in the background, the Young Lee Shaw series sounds like it’ll bring some cool Monsterverse mayhem.