Last month, Warner Bros.‘King KongprequelKong: Skull Islandsuffered a bit of a casting setback, when previously-announced starsJ.K. SimmonsandMichael Keatonbacked out due to scheduling conflicts. Today,Deadlinereports the studio may have found replacements for thoseKong: Skull Islandroles withSamuel L. JacksonandJohn C. Reilly.Tom Wilkinsonis also being eyed for a lead role.Samuel L. Jacksonis in early talks with the studio to take overJ.K. Simmons’ role, withJohn C. Reillyatop Warner Bros.' wish list to take overMichael Keaton’s role, although an offer has not been made yet.
Tom HiddlestonandBrie Larsonare set to star, withCorey Antonio Hawkins(Straight Outta Compton) recently signing on. No details have been given for any of these actors' roles. The story centers on a group of explorers who go on an expedition deep inside the treacherous, primordial island. This new adventure will fully immerse audiences in the mysterious and dangerous home of the king of the apes, while honoring the foundations of existingKing Konglore, but the story is set in an entirely new, distinct timeline.
Russell Crowehas also been eyed for a role, but his involvement has not been confirmed yet.Jordan Vogt-Roberts(The Kings of Summer) is directing from a screenplay byJohn Gatins(Need for Speed,Real Steel), who rewrote the original script byMax Borenstein(Godzilla,Seventh Son). It isn’t known how many more roles are still needed to be cast. Warner Bros. has set a March 10, 2017release date, with production slated to begin in either late 2015 or early 2016.
Before he dropped out,J.K. Simmonsrevealed earlier this year thatKong: Skull Islandwill be partially set in 1970s Detroit, but it isn’t known how much of the story will take place there. Given the title, it’s probably a safe bet that a majority of the story takes place onSkull Island. The timeframe and setting were never confirmed by Warner Bros., so it’s possible that this may all change before shooting begins.
Kong: Skull Islandwill go up against 20th Century Fox’sCaptain Underpantson June 01, 2025.Samuel L. Jacksonmost recently starred inAvengers: Age of Ultron,Barely LethalandBig Game, and he will next be seen inThe Hateful Eight, hitting theaters onChristmas Day.John C. Reillywill next be seen inThe Lobster.
