Godzilla vs. Kong (2020) Ending Explained
TL;DR
The ending of Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) sees the two titans reluctantly teaming up to defeat Mechagodzilla, a man-made robotic monster controlled by the malevolent Apex Corporation. After an intense battle in Hong Kong, Kong nearly dies but is revived by Godzilla's atomic breath, and the two share a moment of mutual respect before parting ways. Kong retreats to Hollow Earth, while Godzilla remains the surface's protector. The film leaves open the possibility of future conflicts or alliances, hinting at a larger MonsterVerse. The ending balances spectacle with emotional weight, though some plot threads remain unresolved.
The Climactic Battle and Team-Up
The final act of Godzilla vs. Kong centers on the showdown between the two titular titans and Mechagodzilla, a mechanized version of Godzilla created by Apex Cybernetics. After initially fighting each other, Kong and Godzilla realize they must join forces to stop the greater threat. Mechagodzilla, powered by the consciousness of King Ghidorah (from Godzilla: King of the Monsters), proves nearly unstoppable, outmatching both monsters in speed and firepower. The tide turns when humans intervene-specifically, the young girl Jia, who communicates with Kong via sign language, and Dr. Nathan Lind, who helps recharge Kong's axe with Godzilla's atomic breath. This allows Kong to deliver the final blow, decapitating Mechagodzilla and ending its rampage.
The Aftermath and Titan Hierarchy
With Mechagodzilla destroyed, the film shifts focus to the aftermath. Godzilla, who had been aggressively asserting dominance over Kong earlier, recognizes the ape's strength and spares his life. In a poignant moment, Kong drops his axe, signaling he no longer sees Godzilla as an enemy. Godzilla roars in acknowledgment before retreating into the ocean, re-establishing himself as the alpha titan of the surface world. Meanwhile, Kong, severely wounded, is taken back to Hollow Earth-a vast subterranean ecosystem-where he can rule without conflict. This resolution suggests a fragile peace between the two titans, though their rivalry could reignite in future installments.
Unresolved Questions and Theories
- What is Godzilla's true motivation for attacking humans?
- Possible Answer: He sensed Mechagodzilla's emergence and was trying to eliminate the threat preemptively.
- Will Kong and Godzilla fight again?
- Possible Answer: Their rivalry may resurface if territorial disputes arise, or they may ally against bigger threats like Destoroyah or SpaceGodzilla.
- What role will Hollow Earth play in future films?
- Possible Answer: It could introduce new titans or serve as a battleground for ancient rivalries.
- Is King Ghidorah's consciousness truly destroyed?
- Possible Answer: His residual energy might manifest in another form, setting up a future villain.
Human Storylines and Emotional Closure
While the monster battles dominate the film, the human subplots provide emotional grounding. Jia's bond with Kong is central, and her ability to communicate with him adds depth to his character. Meanwhile, Madison Russell (from King of the Monsters) and her conspiracy theorist friend Bernie uncover Apex's shady experiments, reinforcing the theme of human arrogance. The ending ties up these threads loosely - Apex's leadership is presumably dismantled, and the surviving humans, including Dr. Lind and Dr. Ilene Andrews, reflect on the consequences of meddling with nature. However, the human characters remain secondary, serving mostly as conduits for the titans' stories.
Personal Opinion and Final Thoughts
Godzilla vs. Kong delivers a satisfying, action-packed finale that honors both monsters' legacies. The team-up against Mechagodzilla is thrilling, and the visual effects are spectacular. However, the human narratives feel underdeveloped compared to the titans' arcs. The ending's ambiguity leaves room for sequels, but it also feels slightly rushed - Kong's survival via atomic breath revival is a bit contrived. Still, the film succeeds as a crowd-pleaser, balancing destruction with emotional beats. If future MonsterVerse films explore Hollow Earth or new titans, they could deepen the lore in exciting ways. Overall, it's a fun, explosive conclusion that sets up more to come.