Although its theatrical release has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Godzilla vs. Kong has become one of the most highly-anticipated upcoming movies since dropping its first action-packed trailer. Naturally, Godzilla vs. Kong has drawn comparisons to another universe-building blockbuster that pitted two iconic characters against each other, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but director Adam Wingard has explained how his showdown film will differ from Zack Snyder’s.

During an interview with Collider, Wingard said, “This is just my opinion, but my issue with [BvS] is really that it’s a new Batman... so it felt like, okay, now that we’re doing Batman v Superman, we’re also restarting Batman. So, this feels like a different universe, which it is, and so this is a different Batman.” One of the most common criticisms of Batman v Superman is that its plot is overstuffed. Like Wingard said, in addition to setting up a conflict between the two most beloved superheroes in the world, it also had to set up a whole new Batman franchise while laying the groundwork for the formation of the Justice League and the coming apocalypse.

RELATED: Godzilla vs. Kong Could Answer A Big Question From 'King Of The Monsters'

As the fourth entry in the ongoing MonsterVerse, the titular beasts featured in Godzilla vs. Kong have already been established in their own movies. 2014’s Godzilla and 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters introduced audiences to the former, while 2017’s Kong: Skull Island introduced them to this new version of the giant ape. Consequently, Wingard’s movie doesn’t have the burden of setting up the origin or characterization of either monster.

Godzilla vs. Kong Legendary Warner Bros HBO Max Netflix streaming

The plot of Godzilla vs. Kong will involve Kong being taken to find his true home and crossing paths with a furious Godzilla along the way. The trailer teased a big showdown on a boat, which is terrible for Kong because the ocean is Godzilla’s domain while the ape is primarily a land mammal. While the already-established universe separates Godzilla vs. Kong from Batman v Superman, it is borrowing one element from the polarizing DC movie. The official plot summary indicates that the battle is going to be instigated by unseen meddlers, which echoes Lex Luthor’s role in Batman v Superman as the true mastermind behind the conflict between the DC heroes.

The release date of Godzilla vs. Kong has been changed a number of times, even before the pandemic. It was later delayed to May 14, 2021, to accommodate the shutdown caused by the virus. Eventually, Warner Bros. controversially included Godzilla vs. Kong in its plan to release 17 films from its 2021 slate on HBO Max day-and-date with theaters.

The decision nearly landed Warner Bros. in legal trouble with Legendary Pictures, the company that financed most of Godzilla vs. Kong's budget. Legendary reportedly took issue with WarnerMedia blocking a multi-million offer for the film from Netflix, but both parties were able to resolve their issues and agreed on terms to release the MonsterVerse film on HBO Max.

Godzilla vs. Kong is scheduled to be released in select theaters and on HBO Max on March 31, 2021.

MORE: Godzilla vs. Kong Can Take This Lesson From Peter Jackson's King Kong

Source: Collider