PACIFIC RIM 2 (otherwise known as PACIFIC RIM: MAELSTROM) has had a bit of a rocky start, with the project being delayed and Guillermo del Toro stepping down as director, but the following news is sure to be a welcome shot of adrenaline to the series. Deadline is reporting that FN-2187 himself, John Boyega, will be taking a leading role in PACIFIC RIM 2. To add an extra dash of “awesome” to this dish, he’ll be playing none other than the son of Idris Elba‘s character from the first film. Can a movie be any more bad ass? Well, I suppose you could throw in giant robots fighting monsters!
Guillermo del Toro on casting John Boyega:
I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox. 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.
Steven S. DeKnight (Daredevil, Dollhouse) is stepping in to helm this sequel, but del Toro will stay on in a creative capacity, fortunately. Honestly, I loved the first film and I think it struck the right balance of simple and fun. As much as I wish del Toro was back in the director’s chair, I trust his judgment in bringing DeKnight into the mix, and I can’t wait to see some giant robots punch the crap out of monsters again!
Production on PACIFIC RIM: MAELSTROM will begin in the fourth quarter of this year.