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Kong: Skull Island

Kong: Skull Island is a 2017 American monster adventure film directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kong: Skull Island is a 2017 American monster adventure film directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts. It is a reboot of the King Kong franchise and the second film in the MonsterVerse series. The story follows a team of scientists, soldiers, and adventurers who travel to a mysterious Pacific island and encounter Kong and other dangerous creatures.

Plot

The film follows a scientific and military expedition sent to map an uncharted island in the Pacific. After the team reaches Skull Island, they discover that Kong is not the only deadly force there, and survival becomes their main goal.

Production and release

Kong: Skull Island was directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts and released by Warner Bros. Pictures in 2017. It ran for 118 minutes and received a PG-13 rating for intense sci-fi violence/action and brief strong language.

Place in the franchise

The film serves as a reboot of the King Kong story and is the second entry in the MonsterVerse. It is positioned as an origin-style chapter that expands the shared universe later used in crossover films.

Key facts

  • The film is a reboot of the King Kong franchise and part of Legendary’s MonsterVerse.
  • Its story is set in 1973, during the aftermath of the Vietnam War.
  • The plot centres on an expedition to Skull Island, where the group encounters Kong and other prehistoric creatures.
  • Major cast members include Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson, John Goodman, and John C. Reilly.
  • The film was released theatrically on March 10, 2017.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed in Canada as a major Hollywood release and is part of a globally marketed franchise that has been widely available to Canadian audiences in cinemas and home media.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kong: Skull Island about?
It follows an expedition to Skull Island, where scientists and soldiers encounter Kong and other dangerous creatures while trying to survive.
Who directed Kong: Skull Island?
Jordan Vogt-Roberts directed the film.
When was Kong: Skull Island released?
It was released theatrically on March 10, 2017.
Is Kong: Skull Island part of MonsterVerse?
Yes. It is the second film in the MonsterVerse franchise.
Who stars in the film?
The cast includes Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson, John Goodman, and John C. Reilly.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kong:_Skull_Island
    Supports: Release year, director, franchise placement, cast, and basic plot overview.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3731562/
    Supports: Plot summary and setting in 1973 after the Vietnam War.
  3. Turner Classic Movies — https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/2073301/kong-skull-island
    Supports: Synopsis describing the expedition to the island and Kong.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kong_skull_island
    Supports: Genre, rating, release date, runtime, and synopsis.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3731562/releaseinfo/
    Supports: Original title and release information.
  6. Movie Insider — https://www.movieinsider.com/m12704/skull-island
    Supports: Theatrical release date and home-media release information.