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Hollow Earth lizards are enormous reptilian superspecies created by Legendary Pictures that first appeared in the 2021 film, Godzilla vs. Kong. One of the creatures would later make a brief appearance in the 2024 film Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, where it scavenges a kill from Kong.

Name[]

The creatures are unnamed currently, as they are not mentioned in dialogue in Godzilla vs. Kong. In the film's novelization, they are simply called "lizard-like monsters." The HBO MAX audio description identifies them as Foetodon, albeit it is not confirmed if this is official, while Godzilla vs. Kong: One Will Fall: The Art of the Ultimate Battle Royale calls them "Scaly Quadrupeds." The creature was given the nickname "Doug" (or "Titanus Doug") among fans,^[2] including Adam Wingard^[6][7] and Legendary itself,^[8] which has generated many memes across on the Internet, especially on YouTube. The nickname has also been printed on an official T-shirt featuring the Hollow Earth lizard.

Design[]

Appearance[]

Hollow Earth lizards are large reptilians, being grayish black in coloration with rows of spikes and osteoderms covering their back, shoulders, and tail, likely as a means of defense from other creatures within the Hollow Earth.

Their heads are short and robust, and possess jaws filled with large teeth. Their eyes are almost forward facing allowing binocular or stereoscopic vision, similar to many modern predatory species, indicating that Hollow Earth lizards are predators. Their eyes also possess a bony ridge right above their eye sockets, similar to a crocodilian.

Portrayal[]

All Hollow Earth lizards are portrayed by CGI.

Personality[]

The Hollow Earth lizards are subterranean predators that inhabit the rocky plains of the Hollow Earth. They demonstrate ambush predatory behavior, utilizing their gray coloration for camouflage and taking advantage of disrupted prey, as observed when Kong disturbed a group of Rockclaws, making them vulnerable to the lizards' ambush. The lizards also display scavenging behavior, as one would later claim a deceased Wart Dog from Kong, who had just hunted the creature.

There are indications of social tendencies within the species, as groups of these lizards are observed traveling or congregating, potentially suggesting a propensity for communal behavior, especially in the pursuit of larger food sources.

Origins[]

The Hollow Earth lizards' origin are relatively unknown. However, they seemingly evolved within the Hollow Earth, growing to their substantial size due to the energy sustaining all species inside the Hollow Earth. In the artbook Godzilla vs. Kong: One Will Fall: The Art of the Ultimate Battle Royale, it is stated that the Hollow Earth Lizards were designed to resemble Godzilla, suggesting but not outright confirming a relation to the Titanus Gojira evolutionary lineage.

History[]

Godzilla vs. Kong[]

A Hollow Earth lizard is seen attacking and eating a Rockclaw, while several more of the creatures can be seen in the distance as Kong and the Hollow Earth Aerial Vehicles pass by.

Godzilla x Kong: The Hunted[]

Kong comes across a cave painting illustrating a Hollow Earth lizard while exploring the Hollow Earth.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire[]

After successfully hunting a pack of Wart Dogs, Kong sits on a cliffside to devour his kills but ends up breaking his upper left canine, revealing a tooth infection. Taking advantage, a Hollow Earth lizard attempts to drag away one of the Wart Dog carcasses but is discovered by Kong. The Hollow Earth lizard engaged into a brief tug-of-war match with the Great Ape over the carcass, until a roar similar to Kong's caught his attention and made let go of the carcass. The creature gave Kong a confused look before turning and running off with its new meal.

MonsterVerse Declassified[]

Abilities[]

Jaw strength[]

The primary strength of the Hollow Earth lizards lies in their powerful jaws, capable of crushing the carapace of Rockclaws. The lizards' jaws are also capable of holding and dragging the carcasses of creatures of comparable size to themselves.

Strength[]

The Hollow Earth lizards exhibit considerable physical strength, as one would engage in a tug-of-war struggle with Kong, attempting to drag a Wart Dog carcass of comparable size.

Gallery[]

Concept art by Jared Krichevsky

Concept art by Jared Krichevsky

Trivia[]

• These giant lizards appear to be a reference to the giant lizard from King Kong vs. Godzilla.
• Because of its size and appearance, it almost resembles the Foetodon from the 2005 remake of King Kong.
  • Additionally, these creatures were called "Foetodon" in the audio description.^[9] However, it is unknown if "Foetodon" is its official name.

List of appearances[]

Films[]

• Godzilla vs. Kong (First appearance)
• Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Comics[]

• Godzilla x Kong: The Hunted (Cave painting)
• MonsterVerse Declassified

Novels[]

• Godzilla vs. Kong - The Official Movie Novelization
• Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire - The Official Movie Novelization

References[]