Samuel L. Jackson and Tom Wilkinson may join Kong: Skull Island

While J.K. Simmons and Michael Keaton may have dropped out of KONG: SKULL ISLAND, Legendary Pictures is still adding to the cast that features Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson. Rumors had Russell Crowe potentially circling a lead role, but the latest reports have three new names in conjunction with the King Kong movie.

Deadline reports that, in addition to STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON’s Corey Hawkins joining the cast, KONG: SKULL ISLAND is in early talks with Samuel L. Jackson for a role in the film. Jackson would take over the role that J.K. Simmons was set to play. The studio is also looking at John C. Reilly as a potential replacement for Michael Keaton‘s role. It does appear that Tom Wilkinson has officially signed on to a lead role in the film but it is unknown who he will be playing.

KONG: SKULL ISLAND is presumably going to be entirely set on King Kong’s home but how much of the gorilla will feature in the film. Seeing as they added KONG to the title, I would assume we will see a good deal of the giant primate. Universal is hoping to begin production no later than early 2016 so I would expect a final cast to be locked in and announced before Christmas.

I enjoyed Peter Jackson‘s KING KONG, even if it was a bit overlong. There is no doubt the best parts of that film were the ones on Skull Island so here is hoping Jordan Vogt-Roberts can replicate that rollercoaster excitement.

KONG: SKULL ISLAND is slated to hit theaters on March 10, 2017.