"Pacific Rim" fans rejoice, because the film's sequel is finally getting a release date of February 23, 2018. The long-awaited sequel to the 2013 film by Guillermo del Toro will feature "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" actor John Boyega, who will play the lead character in the form of the son of Ildris Elba's son. Elba's character, Stacker Pentecost was a commanding officer to Charlie Hunnam's Raleigh Becket.
The upcoming film will be directed by Steven S. DeKnight, who is known for his work on "Smallville," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and "Angel." Cale Boyter will serve as executive producer, while Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, Jon Jashni, and del Toro will produce the film alongside Boyega and Femi Oguns, as part of the pair's Upper Room Productions.
"The Pacific Rim universe will be reinforced with [Boyega] 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," del Toro said of the 24-year old British actor who catapulted to fame in last year's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Deadline reports that Parent credits Boyega's "talent and natural charm" as the reason why they chose him to play the lead role in "Pacific Rim 2."
Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Scott Eastwood is in early negotiations to star in "Pacific Rim 2." The 30-year old actor is reportedly negotiating with the studio to play a yet-undisclosed role in the film. This comes after news that he has come on board the big-budget franchise of "Fast 8," which will be directed by "Straight Outta Compton"'s F. Gary Gray. Eastwood's latest project is "Suicide Squad," which hits theaters this August 3. Warner Bros. has remained tight-lipped about Eastwood's role, though.
"Pacific Rim 2" premieres in theaters on February 23, 2018.
