‘Kong: Skull Island’ – Director’s Guide to the Film’s Monsters

Kim Taylor-Foster
Movies
Movies

Kong: Skull Island plunges viewers into a lost world of forbidding landscapes and gnarly creatures. A bit like the Galapagos Islands but far stranger and a lot more dangerous, Skull Island developed according to its own unique set of conditions.

An untouched and previously undiscovered land where evolution took its own path, on Skull Island, the creatures are like nothing you’ve ever seen – and man is no longer at the top of the food chain. We sat down with the film’s director, Jordan Vogt-Roberts, to get the lowdown on Kong‘s assorted creatures. Time to issue a mild SPOILER WARNING…

“I made a very conscious decision with these creatures to not give them specific names. Purposely,” he says. “I actually really liked the idea that no scientists and geologists and zoologists have ever been to this island so they don’t have specific names. Anything would be hearsay – it would be something that the villagers [on the island] would have made up. I intentionally didn’t want them to have zoological names.”

A bunch of ‘official’ names for the film’s creatures have cropped up online that Vogt-Roberts disputes. According to the filmmaker, who offers his own alternative names for the creatures below, the names are not ‘canon’ – and he’s asked Fandom to help him set the record straight.

We’re only too happy to oblige.

Skullcrawlers

Kong Skullcrawler
Tom Hiddleston's former SAS man James Conrad cowers from a Skullcrawler.

These are the only creatures ‘officially’ named in the film – and it’s a moniker that John C. Reilly’s character, Marlow, gives them. But even that’s a step too far for Vogt-Roberts.

“I actually originally wanted that creature to be called MacArthur,” he says. Why MacArthur? Because he loves the idea of Marlow having a casual line where he explains he called him that “because he was like General MacArthur – you can’t stop him.”

The skullcrawlers were inspired by a number of screen monsters. Firstly, the one creature in the 1933 King Kong that isn’t a dinosaur. Vogt-Roberts says, “During the log scene, when they’re hiding and Kong reaches down and another creature is crawling up the side? That creature didn’t seem to have hind legs and I thought that was such a cool thing.”

Kong Skullcrawler
Skullcrawler with Flying Creatures in the background.

He also references Bong Joon-ho’s The Host. “I loved the way the creature in The Host had an inelegance to the way that it moved and was clumsy and kind of looked stupid. And I love that it just felt like it evolved poorly.

“And then I became obsessed with the idea that its face had sort of become calcified, because it travels around in the vents below the surface. I just loved the idea of having this stark, bone-white, iconic sort of [face]. I actually didn’t even want the creature to have eyes at first. I designed the creature without eyes. Eyes were put in later. But I loved the idea that it had these false eyes, these black pits that were actually ‘pit sensors’. I wanted the creature to be blind, but it had these things that looked like eyes.”

His influences for the Skullcrawlers don’t end there: “There’s this anime called Evangelion. The monsters they find there are called Angels. In the first episode, there’s this Angel [Sachiel] and it’s got this bone-white face and black scaly skin.”

Finally, he namechecks No Face in Miyazaki’s Spirited Away and Cubone, a Pokémon that wears its mother’s skull on its head.

“We actually had designs of it originally where the skull wasn’t embedded in its face. At one point, there was a version of it that actually wore a skull on its face,” says Vogt-Roberts.

Big Momma Skullcrawler

“There’s the babies,” says Vogt-Roberts. “And then there’s the Big Momma.”

Aesthetically, it’s different from the smaller, younger, more common-or-garden variety. And though they’re threatening enough, Big Momma is even more deadly.

“The calcification grows over time, and sort of develops into spikes on the arms, and the crown changes,” says Vogt-Roberts. “To me, it’s sort of a riff on the Queen Xenomorph in Alien.”

Water Buffalo

Kong Water Buffalo
It's big and scary, but it's harmless... probably.

You’ll find the Internet referring to these creatures as Sker Buffaloes. “I don’t know who made that up. That is not canon as far as I’m concerned,” says Jordan.

“That creature was actually the breakthrough creature, as far as the design goes, for the vibe of the creatures on the island. I didn’t want there to be dinosaurs on the island because a) Peter [Jackson] did such a good job of that in his movie and b) Jurassic World had just come out and I felt like I’d seen it before.

“We looked at thousands of designs. Anytime I would show someone art and they felt like they’d seen it, it was, like, reject pile – and that creature was the one that broke it open. We got the piece of concept art back and it had this mythic Miyazaki-world [feel]. It had this beauty and yet it was terrifying.

“I love that dichotomy. That creature became the guiding light for all the creatures. You don’t know if you should stand there and be in awe of it or pee your pants. And there was a spirituality to that creature that I wanted all the creatures to have.

“I don’t consider it a carnivore and in fact that scene was on the verge of being cut out of the film multiple times. But, to me, it’s almost the purpose of the film – that scene sort of says: ‘OK, you don’t have to shoot everything.’”

Bamboo Spider

Kong Giant Spider
Don't look up!

Otherwise known as Mother Longlegs, the Bamboo Spider was inspired by a walk Vogt-Roberts took through a bamboo forest in Hawaii.

“I loved the idea of these legs camouflaged in your environment, and there were two pieces of concept art that really sold it,” he says. “One was this low angle looking up – which was perfectly represented in the film, where you’re looking up and you see this creature break through the canopy.

“The other was a removed perspective from the side. As if you were completely to chop off the side of a forest and you were looking at a soldier in there, and you saw these legs coming down. There was the tree line, and you saw the spider just existing above it.

“I started doing a bunch of research on spiders and I came across one which had these like small pincers on it. And I was like: ‘Oh, that’s terrifying’.

“Initially the creature’s stomach was going to open up – it was almost going to have this weird crevice that would open up and was going to pull them into it, as opposed to the snappers. [Some of the team] wanted to have spider webs come down. And I was like: ‘We’ve seen it. We’ve seen spider webs before. We’ve seen it in Lord of the Rings, you’ve seen it in so many different movies. So the idea that it has these tendrils that shoot out was fascinating to me.”

Octosquid

We’re re-issuing the SPOILER WARNING here: Read this section only if you’re prepared to have details of one of the film’s key scenes revealed.

Kong Squid
Kong orders lunch.

Or the Mire Squid, as it’s called in some quarters – a name Vogt-Roberts actually makes a snoring sound at.

“It has elements of a squid and an octopus,” he says. “And that very much is a riff on the Toho King Kong vs. Godzilla, because there’s a squid fight in there. But that scene also primarily exists as a ‘Planet Earth’ moment. Which is to say, yes, it’s a big monster battle but it’s actually this weird quiet moment in the film.

“It actually is designed to be this scene where you think they’re fighting but it’s a slice of life and [shows] what Kong’s daily struggle is just to eat. He has to go through that to have lunch?

“To me, that scene’s actually about the quiet moment right afterwards where he’s just sitting there, exhausted, just chewing on the squid with a reference to Oldboy [as the squid is] squirming all over his face.”

Would the Octosquid have attacked a human if Kong hadn’t wrestled it down his throat?

“If Toby Kebbell’s character Chapman had stayed in the water much longer he probably… I don’t even think it would have tried to eat him necessarily – I think it would have swatted him away,” says Jordan.

Flying Creature

Kong Flying Creatures
Hiddleston's Conrad goes sword-to-beak against the Flying Creatures of 'Kong: Skull Island'.

Or, as the Internet wants to call it, Psychovulture.

Vogt-Roberts says, “The first time you see it, it’s just there, and its back is to you and its long beak is up.

“It’s a couple of things – one is actually a throwback to the original Jurassic Park action figures. Which had these really bright, weird-coloured patterns on them that didn’t exist in the movie. And it’s a fusion of a swordfish, a bird and a flying monkey.

“I wanted them to feel jittery. I wanted them to be like the crackheads of the island. Like the hyenas in The Lion King – these annoying things that you see from behind, these pestering things that are going to laugh at you.

“And I wanted them to be stupid. I just imagined them sitting on a telephone line with their weird beaks up in the air just laughing with each other.”

Stick Creature

Kong Stick Creature
More of a log than a stick creature, but still...

Otherwise known as a Spore Mantis, the Stick Creature serves a similar purpose to the Water Buffalo. “It’s like this pacifist thing, where the guy fires because that’s his first instinct and then he dies straight after,” explains Vogt-Roberts.

“But I love that scene because it’s kind of a jump scare, and then you watch it and it’s so sad. The noises that [the Stick Creature] makes afterwards, it’s like: ‘Oh, my God. I’m so sorry I shot you. I didn’t mean it’.

“And that really is based on, you know – there are stick bugs. There are things like that, and I just loved the idea of this giant moss-covered log insect thing. It’s the biggest insect you see on the island.”

Giant Ant

Kong Skull Island
We obviously don't have any images of the Giant Ants, so here's a picture of Tom Hiddleston in a tight T-shirt instead.

We don’t see this creature, but Marlow refers to it when he says, “It sounds like a bird but it’s a f***ing ant”.

Vogt-Roberts picks up the story: “That’s a line that we improvised on set. That’s [actually] John C. Reilly trying to f*** with Corey Hawkins on his coverage and make him laugh.”

The line stayed in, and now the creatures exist as part of Skull Island’s fascinating fauna.

“In my mind, those creatures if you were to see them would be some weird giant ant of sorts that has a beak like a bird and is kind of feathery,” says Jordan.

“At one point, I actually pitched [that] we should cut to the ant and have it be this goofy moment. To design that ant would have been like $150,000. Just to design it, and not even do the shot. So they were like: ‘No, we’re not doing it’.”

Kong

Kong Skull Island
Kong is part-god, part-beast, part-man.

And what of Kong? Vogt-Roberts simply says, “Kong is such a fundamentally different character. You see him using tools and reasoning, and being this fusion of a beast, a god and a man in a way that none of those Toho creatures really are.”

We can look forward to seeing more from this incarnation of Kong, and learning more about what makes him tick as the franchise expands. Whether or not the giant ape will make a cameo appearance in 2019’s Godzilla: King of Monsters remains to be seen, but he’ll definitely return for Godzilla vs. Kong in 2020 – alongside a bunch more monsters.

‘Kong: Skull Island’ is out from March 9 in UK cinemas and from March 10 in the U.S.

Kim Taylor-Foster
Kim Taylor-Foster is Entertainment Editor for Fandom in the UK. She was raised on an unsteady diet of video nasties and violent action flicks.
Here's When Netflix's Sakamoto Days Returns for More Action and Comedy
The Netflix action-comedy anime following a retired assassin is a hit
Copied to clipboard
There's an Actual, Legitimate Chance Mindhunter Will Come Back
Star Holt McCallany has been talking to David Fincher about it
Copied to clipboard
Here's What Book You Should Read Based On Your Favorite Game
Looking to shave down your screentime? Here are some books that pack the same punch as your favorite games.
Copied to clipboard
Mario Kart World's Vibes-Based Free Roam Is Perfect
Mario Kart World isn't an open-world racing game and I love that it isn't.
Copied to clipboard
Here's Why HDR Might Look Worse On Your Switch 2
There are a few issues with the way Nintendo has implemented HDR on the Switch 2.
Copied to clipboard
Donkey Kong: Bananza - Everything We Just Learned About The Switch 2 Exclusive
From the surprise appearance of a fan-favorite Super Mario character to powerful transformations, here's everything we just learned about Bananza.
Copied to clipboard
Donkey Kong Bananza Raises The Possibility Of A DK Multiverse
Hear me out: Cranky Kong and young Pauline should not coexist.
Copied to clipboard
Borderlands 4 Adds Long Requested Features, Like Mission Replay, Seamless World
Being able to heal whenever you want is a game-changer for longer boss battles.
Copied to clipboard
Here's What Book Reacher Season 4 Will Be Based On
Star Alan Ritchson confirmed where we're headed next
Copied to clipboard
NCIS: Tony & Ziva Has a Premiere Date!
The spin-off featuring the franchise's most famous couple is coming to Paramount+
Copied to clipboard
Here's Why The Witcher 4 Is Being Developed With A Console-First Approach
CD Projekt Red has explained why it is focusing on developing The Witcher 4 for consoles first instead of PC.
Copied to clipboard
Red Dead Redemption's John Marston Actor Teases "Exciting News" Coming Soon
Rob Wiethoff is teasing news amid reports of RDR 2 coming to Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Copied to clipboard
Mario Kart World Tips And Tricks To Help You Cross The Finish Line
The first brand-new Mario Kart game in over a decade changes up the formula in exciting ways.
Copied to clipboard
MindsEye Review - Not Like This
MindsEye is a stringent and relentlessly dull video game, wasting its impressive world on formulaic mission design that's both archaic and uninspired.
Copied to clipboard
Nintendo Switch 2 Review - It's A Switch, Too
The successor to one of Nintendo's most popular pieces of hardware is a refined, premium version of what lots of gamers already loved.
Copied to clipboard
Dandadan Season 2: Release Date, Movie, How to Watch, and More
Momo and Okarun are back for more adventures with the occult
Copied to clipboard
FX's Alien: Earth Gets Its First Extended Trailer
'We don't lock them down, it will be too late'
Copied to clipboard
Steam Next Fest June 2025: 25 Of The Best Demos You Can Download Right Now
From literal walking simulators to paranoia-fueled mysteries, here's a look at some of the best demos we've seen in the June Steam Next Fest.
Copied to clipboard
Splatoon Raiders Spin-Off Game Announced For Nintendo Switch 2
A Switch 2-exclusive Splatoon spin-off has players in the role of a mechanic exploring a mysterious set of islands with the members of Deep Cut.
Copied to clipboard
Mario Kart World Review - A Worthy Marquee Launch Game
Mario Kart World expands on almost everything that made Mario Kart 8 such an enduring success, laying the foundation for years of raucous racing.
Copied to clipboard
Xbox Games Showcase Was Missing All These Major Games
Microsoft's showcased packed in a lot of announcements, but a lot of previously announced games were totally absent.
Copied to clipboard
Xbox Games Showcase 2025: All The Biggest Announcements
Here's a closer look at everything announced during this year's big annual Xbox Games Showcase.
Copied to clipboard
The Expanse Returns And All The Cool New Games Just Revealed At This Showcase
Here's a closer look at the biggest game reveals from the Future Games Show Summer Showcase.
Copied to clipboard
After Silent Hill 2, Cronos Might Complete Bloober Team's Redemption Arc
The team's follow-up to the Silent Hill 2 remake is looking impressive in its own right.
Copied to clipboard
Xbox Games Have Started Appearing On The Xbox App On PC, And No One Knows Why
After branding for Xbox PC started appearing, several Xbox games have started popping up on the Xbox app for PC.
Copied to clipboard
Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 3 Battle Pass: All Skins And Rewards
It's the first battle pass with DC Comics characters in four years.
Copied to clipboard
Everything New In Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 3: Super
It's the first time DC Comics has been on the battle pass in four years.
Copied to clipboard
Resident Evil 9 Announced At Summer Game Fest With Trailer And Release Date
After teasing fans earlier in the show, Capcom dropped a bombshell with a trailer announcing Resident Evil Requiem.
Copied to clipboard
Summer Game Fest Live 2025: All The Biggest Announcements And Games
Here's every major announcement from Geoff Keighley's video game showcase.
Copied to clipboard
Marvel's Deadpool Brings The Merc With A Mouth To Virtual Reality
This new Marvel VR game will let you find out what it's like to be Deadpool IRL.
Copied to clipboard
Amazon Prime Members Get These 9 Free Games In June
It's a light month for Prime Gaming subscribers, but there are hidden gems available this month.
Copied to clipboard
Best Nintendo Switch 2 Games At Launch
Here's an early look at the best games to play on Nintendo's new hybrid console on launch day.
Copied to clipboard
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Roster - Every Character Revealed (So Far)
The next Marvel game is being developed by Arc System Works, and it features an all-star cast of heroes and villains.
Copied to clipboard
New Game Pass Titles For June 2025
The Game Pass library welcomes genre-blending survival, Crash Bandicoot, and the next big game from Remedy Entertainment in June.
Copied to clipboard
Revival Review: The Dead Return to Life, and Melanie Scrofano Returns to Syfy
They're not quite zombies, but they're causing mayhem in a Wisconsin town
Copied to clipboard
Final Fantasy Tactics Remake Is Happening: Trailer And Release Date Announced
Square Enix revealed the return of Final Fantasy's tactical spin-off with enhanced graphics and fully voiced character dialogue.
Copied to clipboard
PlayStation State Of Play June 2025: All The Biggest Announcements And Games
Over 40 minutes of game debuts and updates kicked off the summer gaming season.
Copied to clipboard
I Played Madden 26 On Switch 2 And It Didn't Suck
Madden is returning to Nintendo platforms after a 13-year absence, following EA's former abandonment of the platform as an American football space.
Copied to clipboard
Love Weird Lil Guys? Mario Kart World Is The Game For You
Cow was the eureka moment that opened the floodgates to all kinds of unconventional Mario Kart racers, and I love them.
Copied to clipboard
Destiny 2: The Edge Of Fate Draws On Metroidvanias To Bring You Back In
After previewing The Edge of Fate for 8 hours, I am excited to continue uncovering the mysteries of Kepler.
Copied to clipboard
Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat Feels Better Than It Looks
GameChat definitely isn't a marquee game-changer for Switch 2. But it's smartly designed enough to justify its existence as a nice-to-have feature.
Copied to clipboard
Switch 2 Welcome Tour Is A Surprising STEM Showpiece (But Should Be Free)
The Switch 2 Welcome Tour could be a neat, approachable way for students to learn concepts of industrial design--but only if they see it.
Copied to clipboard
The Witcher 4: Check Out 30 New Screenshots From The State of Unreal Tech Demo
The Witcher 4 is continuing to look graphically impressive.
Copied to clipboard
PlayStation State Of Play Announced For June 4
Sony's latest State of Play presentation comes during the busy period that used to include E3.
Copied to clipboard
007: First Light Is Hitman Dev's James Bond Game, Will Be Revealed This Week
IO Interactive is gearing up to reveal more information about its new James Bond adventure.
Copied to clipboard
Elden Ring Nightreign Patch Notes Include Promised Improvements For Solo Play
Here's how Elden Ring Nightreign is improved for solo players with its newest update.
Copied to clipboard
Don't Remove Switch 2's Protective Film, Nintendo Says
Nintendo placed a protective film over Switch 2's screen, and the gaming company strongly recommends leaving it alone.
Copied to clipboard
The Madden NFL 26 Cover Star Is Exactly Who You'd Guess It Is
After the Eagles' title run and his incredible season stat totals, Saquon Barkley is your Madden 26 cover star.
Copied to clipboard
Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Week Restocks - Where To Buy The Console On Launch Day
If you weren't able to secure a Switch 2 console preorder, you'll have chances both in stores and online during launch week.
Copied to clipboard
The Last of Us Season 3: Everything We Know
'We haven't seen the last of a lot of people who are currently dead in the story'
Copied to clipboard
Elden Ring Nightreign - Guides Hub
Elden Ring Nightreign is a game jam-packed with content, and we have you covered with dozens of guides to help you survive the Living Lands.
Copied to clipboard
Elden Ring Nightreign Tips You Need To Know Before You Play
Elden Ring Nightreign can be a complex experience, so we have compiled a list of beginner tips to help get you started in the Living Lands.
Copied to clipboard
The Biggest Game Releases Of June 2025
From new Nintendo hardware to the return of Sam Porter Bridges, here’s a closer look at the biggest highlights of June 2025.
Copied to clipboard
Trump's Tariffs Blocked By Court With Refunds Possible
A panel ruled that Trump has overstepped his authority.
Copied to clipboard
To A T Review - A Sweet-Natured Fable Without Much To Do
To A T is a quirky and charming story about an underexplored topic; if only the act of playing it were a little more fun.
Copied to clipboard
CFB 26 Officially Unveiled With Reveal Trailer And First Details On What's New
Here's everything new and improved for this year's College Football game from EA.
Copied to clipboard
Elden Ring Nightreign Players Warned Of PC Performance Issues In Patch Notes
Elden Ring Nightreign's day-one patch notes are here and indicate that the game may have performance issues on PC.
Copied to clipboard
Elden Ring Nightreign And Twitch Release Exclusive Launch-Event Rewards
If you're diving into Nightreign, watching or streaming the new Elden Ring title on Twitch could bag you more than just a fun time.
Copied to clipboard
EA Cancels Black Panther Game, Closes Its Developer, And Lays Off More Staff
EA is cancelling Black Panther and closing its developer, Cliffhanger.
Copied to clipboard
Elden Ring Nightreign Review - Distilled Souls
Elden Ring Nightreign successfully condenses the ER experience, cramming challenging combat, exploration, and more into a multiplayer game.
Copied to clipboard
Nintendo Switch System Update Out Now, Here Are The Patch Notes
The new 20.1.0 update makes some small tweaks to the interface to better match the upcoming Switch 2.
Copied to clipboard
The PS5 Pro Has Received Its First Discount For Days Of Play 2025
PlayStation's high-powered PS5 Pro is available for $50 off alongside deals on more hardware, accessories, and games until June 11.
Copied to clipboard
F-Zero Is Going Through A Quiet Resurgence
Between F-Zero 99's updates and a regular stream of re-releases, Nintendo's forgotten racing series is suddenly more prominent than it's been in years
Copied to clipboard
CoD Season 4 Battle Pass Adds Stitch And Two New Guns In BO6 And Warzone
New weapons, operators, and cosmetics arrive with the Season 4 battle pass.
Copied to clipboard
Switch 2 Consoles Seem To Already Be In People's Hands
Check out an early unboxing video for the Switch 2.
Copied to clipboard
PlayStation's DualSense Edge PS5 Controller Is On Sale For Its Best Price Yet
PlayStation's Days of Play 2025 sale includes $30 discounts on the pro-style PS5 controller and $20 off all regular DualSense controller colors.
Copied to clipboard
The Handmaid's Tale Series Ending Explained
All the farewells, reunions, and major moments from Hulu's Emmy winner
Copied to clipboard
Sirens Boss Reveals Where She Thinks Devon, Simone, and Michaela End Up
Netflix's miniseries ends with a twist and many question marks
Copied to clipboard
More PlayStation Plus Premium/Extra Games Revealed And Coming Very Soon
PS Plus subscribers can look forward to a diverse selection of games this month.
Copied to clipboard
The Last Of Us Showrunners Tease Season 3's New Direction
Following the Season 2 finale, The Last of Us Season 3 is shifting perspectives turning back the clock.
Copied to clipboard
Pokemon Go Delightful Days Starts June 3, Adds More New Gen 8 And 9 Pokemon
Several new Pokemon from the Galar, Paldea, and Hisui regions are making their debut during Pokemon Go's summer season.
Copied to clipboard
Fortnite Is Giving Away A Free Skin To Celebrate Return To US App Store
You can get this free skin through Fortnite Mobile for a limited time.
Copied to clipboard
Challenge Accepted | ‘Game of Thrones: Kingsroad’
Johnny Chiodini and Luke Westaway battle for the throne in 'Game of Thrones: Kingsroad'
Copied to clipboard
Squid Game and More New Netflix Shows and Movies Coming in June 2025
The light is turning green one last time in Squid Game Season 3
Copied to clipboard
CoD Season 4: Start Date, Ana De Armas Operator, Return Of Zombies Grief Mode
Here's everything we know and what we've heard so far about Black Ops 6's Season 4 update.
Copied to clipboard
Game Pass Now Has A Retro Games App, Including A PS1 Game
The new Retro Classics app on Xbox will let you access dozens of classic games from a variety of platforms.
Copied to clipboard
Catch These Five Games Before They Leave Game Pass At The End Of May
Remnant 2 is among the games leaving Game Pass on May 31, but there's still time to play them or keep them.
Copied to clipboard
Mario Kart World - 14 New Details Nintendo Just Revealed
Nintendo has revealed a boatload of new information about Mario Kart World.
Copied to clipboard
More New Game Pass Titles For May 2025 Include 2024's Best And Day-One Releases
Metaphor ReFantazio, Stalker 2, and To a T lead the second wave of titles coming to Game Pass this month.
Copied to clipboard
You Could Be Playing Battlefield 6 Playtests Very Soon, Here's How
As DICE announces an invite-only pre-alpha playtest for the new Battlefield game, here's how to access it.
Copied to clipboard
2025's Best-Selling Games So Far In The US
Here are the best-selling games of 2025 so far.
Copied to clipboard