"Star Wars" actor John Boyega has been confirmed for the "Pacific Rim 2" cast. He will be taking on the lead role in the sequel.
Deadline reported that Legendary Pictures has confirmed "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" actor John Boyega as part of the "Pacific Rim 2" cast. Boyega will portray the son of Idris Elba's character in the original film.
Steven S. DeKnight will be replacing Guillermo del Toro as director for "Pacific Rim 2." Production is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
Guillermo del Toro along with Thomas Tull, Mary Parent and Jon Jashni will produce the film. Cale Boyter is executive producer.
Apparently, the production has found what they wanted in the "Star Wars" actor. "It is undeniable that with all his talent and natural charm, John stands out amongst today's generation of young leading men," Parent said.
"I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox," del Toro added. "The 'Pacific Rim' universe will 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."
According to The Guardian, "Pacific Rim 2" will be DeKnight's feature directorial debut. He has previously written and directed episodes for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel and Dollhouse" as well as "Smallville."
"Pacific Rim 2" has had a difficult time with pre-production. In 2014, it was already announced by Legendary Pictures and Universal. Last September, its summer 2017 release date was canceled. The project was resurrected this February.
/FILM noted that "Jurassic World" co-writer Derek Connolly has been enlisted to write "Pacific Rim 2." The sequel's working title is said to be "Pacific Rim: Maelstrom."
Originally, the sequel is set "many years after the original movie and where the monster-fighting robot suits known as Jaegers have become commonplace." There are no details yet for the new plot by Connolly.
