Earlier this afternoon Guillermo Del Toro once again reiterated that his sequel to PACIFIC RIM has not been cancelled, but merely postponed. That postponement became very real today as Universal Pictures announced that they have removed PACIFIC RIM 2 from their release calendar. The sequel was previously occupying August 4, 2017, but Universal was quick to fill the date with PITCH PERFECT 3.
Despite this news, Universal still claims to remain committed to producing a PACIFIC RIM sequel and said as much in a statement released today:
Legendary and Universal Pictures are committed to having Pacific Rim 2, the sequel to 2013’s Pacific Rim, which generated more $411 million at the global box office, be the vanguard, fully-immersive experience that the franchise deserves. To this end, the decision was made to delay the production and release of Pacific Rim 2 so that the creative team can continue in its efforts to exceed the amazing experience of the first film.
While Guillermo Del Toro waits for Universal to give the okay, he has said that he will be working on a "small, independently financed movie that he is keeping under tight wraps." As we've already become quite accustomed to Guillermo Del Toro projects encountering delays or outright cancellations, I wish I could say that I was surprised by this news. What do you folks think, will the sequel actually happen or are we in for another year or two of "no, no, it's still happening" from Del Toro and the studio?