Why The HEAV In Godzilla Vs. Kong Means More Than You Think

Godzilla vs. Kong was released in the U.S. on March 31, 2021, and it gives fans of the MonsterVerse a long-awaited showdown between two of cinema's biggest titans. Starting with the movie Godzilla in 2014, Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment have been teaming up to revive the famous kaiju genre, using the latest in modern computer technology and special effects. When Kong: Skull Island hit theaters in 2017, audiences knew it was only a matter of time before they got to see both movie monsters together on the big screen.

Not only does Godzilla vs. Kong showcase some explosive action and intense monster battles; it also delves deep into the lore of the titans' origins. While the existence of a Hollow Earth was hinted at in Godzilla: King of the Monsters, the newest film takes us into the mythical world itself. A team led by scientist Nathan Lind (Alexander Skarsgard) and funded by the multi-billionaire corporation Apex boldly traverses the gateway into the Hollow Earth realm using new, breakthrough technology in the form of a vehicle called the HEAV, or Hollow Earth Aerial Vehicle. Along with the movie's several other hidden Easter eggs, die-hard kaiju fans may recognize the design for the HEAV transport, and here's why.

In the 1984 film The Return of Godzilla, the King of the Monsters returns after 30 years of hibernation to once again attack the coast of Japan. This time, the government's military forces are ready for him, thanks to the creation of an anti-nuclear aircraft called the Super X. Though originally built to fight against Russian and American forces, the Super X becomes a powerful weapon against Godzilla, using cadmium missiles that nearly kill the giant adversary. Godzilla ultimately wins the fight against the Super X, but that didn't stop new and improved versions of the aircraft from reappearing in sequels like Godzilla vs. Biollante and Godzilla vs. Destoroyah.

Although the HEAV in Godzilla vs. Kong is not equipped with missiles or meant to be used as a weapon, the design of the vehicle was closely modeled after the Super X and Super X2 from previous films. Look at the aircraft side-by-side and you can clearly see the resemblance, from the elongated body of the ship to their four thrusters. The film's creators definitely did their homework with the HEAV design and gave old fans of the classic monster movies a little thrill. 

Godzilla vs. Kong is now showing in theaters and for 30 days on HBO Max.