PACIFIC RIM: MAELSTROM is actually happening, which constantly shocks and surprises me, but there's one person it will be happening without: original star Charlie Hunnam, who played heroic Jaeger pilot Raleigh Beckett. However, it's not for lack of trying.
He said “I’m very excited about it. I’m glad they’re making it,” but his shooting schedule just wouldn't fit the demands of the PAC RIM itinerary. He will however, be appearing in the 2017 feature KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD, so there's that.
The role of Handsome White Dude will be filled instead by Scot Eastwood, who has now officially joined the cast.
Production begins in the fourth quarter of this year, with STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS' John Boyega attached to play the son of Idris Elba's character in the original.
PACIFIC RIM 2 will be helmed by Daredevil season 1 showrunner Steven S. DeKnight, replacing original director del Toro, who remains on board as a producer. The script was penned by JURASSIC WORLD screenwriter Derek Connolly.