Kong: Skull Island picks up Jurassic World co-writer Derek Connolly

Perhaps Universal is hoping that a little of their JURASSIC WORLD success will spill over to their other giant monster film; per THR, it seems that Derek Connolly, co-writer of JURASSIC WORLD, will be heading on over to KONG: SKULL ISLAND to take a crack at the script. Max Borenstein (GODZILLA), John Gatins (FLIGHT), and Dan Gilroy (NIGHTCRAWLER) had previously worked on the script, but THR indicates that Derek Connolly won't be doing a complete overhaul, he'll merely be throwing in some last minute touch-ups.

Jordan Vogt-Roberts is directing KONG: SKULL ISLAND which sees "a team of explorers venture into the mysterious, creature-laden isle that is also the home of the king of the apes." The film has endured a few bumps in the road in regards to casting; the film was originally set to star Tom Hiddleston, J.K. Simmons, and Michael Keaton, but the latter two departed and now Tom Hiddleston will be paired up with Brie Larson. STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON's Corey Hawkins has also joined the cast with Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Wilkinson, and John C. Reilly among the other names said to be up for roles.

KONG: SKULL ISLAND is scheduled for a March 10, 2017 release and THR mentions that the production should get started in Hawaii by late October. The film will also shooting in Iceland and Vietnam. I do love me some King Kong and there's certainly some interesting cast being assembled here, but I'm finding it hard to get overly excited about the film since Keaton and Simmons left.