The director of the upcoming monster movie sequel Godzilla: King of Monsters has been confirmed. Krampus director Michael Dougherty will helm the 2019 release, as well as co-write the screenplay.

　　Dougherty had already been announced as co-writer and was rumoured to be under consideration as director back in October. At the time, it was reported that this job depended on Legendary's approval of his and co-writer Zach Shields' screenplay.

　　As Variety confirms, he has now signed on as director. Godzilla: King of Monsters is the sequel to Gareth Edwards' 2014 blockbuster Godzilla, and is set for release on March 22, 2019.

　　Dougherty previously directed the Christmas-themed horror movie Krampus, as well as the acclaimed Halloween anthology Trick R' Treat. As a writer, he worked on Bryan Singer's superhero movies X-Men 2 and Superman Returns.

　　In May, Edwards left the Godzilla sequel amicably, with Deadline reporting that he would instead focus on smaller projects. His Star Wars spinoff Rogue One was released in December.

　　Godzilla: King of Monsters will form part of Legendary's ongoing big monster universe. Kong: Skull Island is set for release this March, while the monster mashup Godzilla vs. Kong will follow in 2020. For the latest Skull Island trailers, click here.