Usually when you come across a famous movie character you expect its origins to lie in a novel or a comic book or a television show. That is not the case with King Kong, who was made for the movies 84 years ago and is still pounding his chest today.
Tonight we get to watch his latest incarnation on the big screen at M-Net Movies Night Out as we reawaken our monster mania for Kong: Skull Island. In preparation for the greatest movie ape of all time, we take a look back at the character’s cinematic history.
King Kong (1933)
This was the movie that started it all and gave us the immortal line “it was beauty killed the beast.” Fay Wray - a “scream queen” before Jamie Lee Curtis or Neve Campbell ever took the title – was cast as Ann Darrow, the aforementioned beauty. As for the film, it was a smash hit both critically and commercially, lauded for its special effects, its music, and, of course, its island-stomping, beauty-snatching, horror-inducing ape.
Son of Kong (1933)
We complain about sequels today, but just nine months after the first Kong movie was released, this follow-up followed suit. As is the case with many sequels that try to cash in on the former’s success, it was a dismal failure.
King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)
Godzilla is another character born on screen, birthed by the Japanese. His first appearance was in 1954, and in 1962 he met his match in King Kong for a movie monster mash-up produced in Japan. As for who wins that monumental fight, our lips are sealed for reasons that will be revealed later on.
King Kong Escapes (1967)
Hollywood was perhaps too busy with Dracula and Bond to fret much about King Kong in the ‘60s – so the Japanese launched him into another adventure, based on the anime The King Kong Show.
King Kong (1972)
This was the year that Hollywood decided to introduce Kong to a new generation. Based on the 1933 original, it outperformed its classic counterpart commercially, but was not as well received by critics. It is nevertheless well remembered in the Kong canon, also laying claim to an Oscar and introducing movie fans everywhere to Jessica Lange.
King Kong Lives (1982)
History repeated itself with this dismal sequel, which explained Kong’s survival as an ape-sized coma. It might have been a mess of a movie, but it serves its purpose as escapist, adventure cinema.
King Kong (2005)
As far as cinema was concerned, Kong lay forgotten for the next 23 years. And then Peter Jackson came along. A legend in his own right for the cinematic scale, soul and scope he brought to Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, he sought to do the same with Kong. Having been obsessed with the giant ape from a young age, and the reason he became a filmmaker, made him perfect for the job. True to the classic’s sprit, and a stronger contender to the ‘70s version, the film garnered plenty of praise and three Academy Awards.
Kong: Skull Island (2017)
We’re almost two decades into the 21st century and it’s high time King Kong was not only retold, but retold with new characters, new stories, and new effects. Dropping the simpering Ann Darrow, the female protagonist is Brie Larson’s war photojournalist Mason Weaver. Joining her is a star-studded, cult-riddled cast that includes Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson and John Goodman. Based on their versatile work, we have no idea what to expect; but there can be no doubt there will be horror, adventure, a bit of humour and hopefully a happier ending for Kong.
Godzilla vs. Kong (2020)
A happy ending for Kong seems assured, or survival at any rate, seeing as he’s set to reteam with his old nemesis, Godzilla. The latter received his own revival three years ago, and a monster reunion has been confirmed for the future.
If you won tickets to M-Net Movies Night Out, enjoy the movie and share your experience on social media using the hashtag #MMNightOut.
Kong: Skull Island will be released nationwide on 10 March 2017.
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