Last year, the Guillermo del Toro-directed "Pacific Rim" sequel had been removed from Universal Pictures' release schedule, prompting many to believe that "Pacific Rim 2" would never come to life.
As it turns out, the sequel is actually happening, except that Del Toro will serve only as a producer, rather than a director.
Pacific Rim director Guillermo del Toro has confirmed over Twitter that Pacific Rim 2 is currently in the works. "Good news will break soon on Pacific Rim 2!! Stay tuned," he wrote.
Good news will break soon on Pacific Rim 2!! Stay tuned!!
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) February 24, 2016
It hasn't been confirmed yet, but MoviePilot notes that it's highly likely that Charlie Hunnam and Rinko Kikuchi will reprise their roles as Raleigh Becket and Mako Mori.
On the other hand, Guillermo del Toro has also mentioned that Maisie Williams, popularly known for her role as Arya Stark in HBO's "Game of Thrones," might be joining the cast as well.
Dream of Kaijus and Mecha!! — Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) February 24, 2016
Steven S. DeKnight, of "Spartacus" fame will be taking over Guillermo del Toro's director duties for "Pacific Rim 2." According to Deadline, the film will be DeKnight's first "feature directorial debut."
DeKnight recently served as an executive producer and head writer for the Netflix series, Marvel's "Daredevil." He has also written, directed and produced on several TV shows like Joss Whedon's "Buffy The Vampire Slayer," "Angel," "Dollhouse," and "Smallville."
Met w DeKnight and we are all so happy with our choice to take Pac Rim 2to where we know it can go!!
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) February 24, 2016
Meanwhile, the screenplay will be written by Jon Spaihts, known for co-writing "Prometheus," who is also currently developing reboots of "Van Helsing" and "The Mummy" for Universal Pictures.
Spaihts was also responsible for Marvel's "Doctor Strange" and the upcoming movie, "Passengers," starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt.
"Pacific Rim 2" release date is slated for 2017.
