"Pacific Rim 2," the sequel to the 2013 Guillermo del Toro blockbuster film "Pacific Rim" is finally in production. The "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" actor John Boyega will play the lead role in the upcoming science fiction movie. "Pacific Rim: Maelstorm" is the official title of "Pacific Rim 2."

According to Gamespot, "Pacific Rim 2" was originally scheduled for release on August 4, 2017. However, owing to unspecified problems during pre-production, the filmmakers Legendary and Universal Pictures announced that the sequel to "Pacific Rim" has been removed from its official release slot. The reason behind this, according to Universal is to allow its creative team to "continue in its efforts to exceed the amazing experience of the first film."

Deadline, John Boyega will portray the son of Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba). Guillermo del Toro, director of the "Pacific Rim," welcomed Boyega into the "Pacific Rim" universe noting that the franchise will be reinforced with Boyega "as the leading man as it continues to be a multicultural, multi-layered world." Del Toro added, "'The World saving the world' was our goal and I couldn't think of a better man for the job."

The "Pacific Rim 2" will be directed by Steven S. DeKnight (Daredevil) while Guillermo del Toro will still be involved in the film by staying as one of its producers. Del Toro, Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, and Jon Jashni are set to produce the action-adventure film along with John Boyega and Femi Oguns under their Upper Room Productions shingle. Cale Boyter is the executive producer of "Pacific Rim: Maelstorm."

Also reported to be starring in "Pacific Rim: Maelstorm" are Scott Eastwood, Zhang Jin, Cailee Spaeny, and Jing Tian. "Pacific Rim 2" is set to be released in theaters on February  23, 2018.