As we’ve already heard, a sequel to Monsters is moving ahead, with filmmakers Jay Basu (screenwriter) and Tom Green (director) taking over from Gareth Edwards, whose 2010 movie caused such an unexpected impact. Until now, Monsters: Dark Continent has been shrouded in murk, but things have changed somewhat in the last 24 hours; according to Shock Till You Drop, this is the official synopsis from production company Vertigo:
Seven years on from the events of Monsters, and the ‘Infected Zones’ have spread worldwide. Humans have been knocked off the top of the food chain, with disparate communities struggling for survival. American soldiers are being sent abroad to protect US interests from the Monsters, but the war is far from being won.
Noah, a haunted soldier with several tours under his belt, is sent on a mission: an American soldier has gone rogue deep in the Infected Zone, and Noah must reach him and take him out. But when Noah's unit and transport are destroyed, he finds himself with only a young and inexperienced cadet for company - the brother of the man Noah has been sent to kill.
The two soldiers must go on a life-altering journey through the dark heart of monster territory, accompanied by a young local woman to guide them. By the time the three of them reach their goal, they will have been forced to confront the fear that the true monsters on the planet may not be alien after all.
The similarities to Apocalypse Now (or Heart Of Darkness, its source Conrad novel) are obvious, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. What we’re hoping is that Green and Basu have something very different from the original Monsters in mind; Edwards’ film, with its low-key central romance and low-key plot, was a real one off. If Dark Continent can forge into new territory, as James Cameron’s Aliens did, we could be in for a great companion piece rather than a lukewarm retread.
Monsters: Dark Continent is reportedly scheduled for a 2013 release.
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