Pacific Rim 2is getting a sci-fi genre fan-favorite, and it’s a pretty big deal! It may be a little hard to believe, but it has already been three years sinceGuillermo Del TorobroughtPacific Rimto the big screen. Though the film didn’t quite kill it at the domestic box office, it did do pretty well internationally and spawned comic books, an in-development animated series and a whole lot of merchandise, so the franchise potential is there and a sequel is on the way. Though a lot of focus has been on who won’t be returning, we finally got word on a huge new addition toPacific Rim 2.
According to a new report fromDeadline,Star Wars: The Force AwakensstarJohn Boyegahas been tapped to not only star in the film, but to take on the lead.Boyegawill be playing the son ofIdris Elba’s character from the firstPacific Rim movie, who of course won’t be returning for reasons relating to him no longer being alive. Legendary Pictures made the casting official, which seems like something of a no brainer after the success ofThe Force Awakens.Del Torohad nothing but nice things to say aboutBoyegaand the decision.
“I am very proud and happy to welcomeJohninto a fantastic sandbox. ThePacific Rim universewill be reinforced with him as a leading man as it continues to be a multicultural, multi-layered world. ‘The World saving the world’ was our goal and I couldn’t think of a better man for the job.”
Speaking ofGuillermo Del Toro, he will unfortunately not be returning to the director’s chair forPacific Rim 2, but it is his creation so he will remain involved as a producer.DaredevilshowrunnerSteven S. DeKnighthas been tapped to direct this second sic-fi thriller, which is slated to begin production later this year. As of right now it is unclear exactly what cast members from the original will be returning, but withBoyegain the lead, it seems perhaps less likely thatCharlie Hunnamwill be back, being that he was the lead in the first film. Or, he could be a co-lead alongsideBoyega.
The firstPacific Rimmade $411 million worldwide, which is a pretty decent haul just as a number itself. However, when the reported $190 million price tag is factored in, which doesn’t account for marketing costs, the number is much less impressive. It was enough to justify a sequel though, but the shaky numbers have likely contributed to the delay in getting the project off the ground.
With the uncertainty and shakeups that have surroundedPacific Rim 2up until now,Boyega’s casting is a nice bit of information that helps let fans know that things are moving in the right direction.Boyegawill be seen next inThe CirclealongsideTom HanksandEmma Watsonand of course, he will be reprising his role as Finn forStar Wars Episode VIII. Be sure to stay tuned as we will likely learn a lot Rim 2and the second fight againstKaijusin the coming weeks.
