'Pacific Rim 2', entitled 'Pacific Rim: Maelstrom', is an upcoming sequel to 2013's film of the same name. Original director Guillermo del Toro has stepped aside for Steven S. DeKnight of 'Spartacus' fame. The film is set to be released in 3D in theaters worldwide.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, DeKnight is set to helm the upcoming science-fiction monster film intended as the sequel to del Toro's 2013 release 'Pacific Rim'. The original film starring Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Ron Perlman, Max Martini and Charlie Day grossed $411 million at the box office. It was received with generally positive response from critics.
The sequel will mark DeKnight's directorial debut on the big screen, according to Cheat Sheet. The television writer, producer and director is best known for creating Starz series 'Spartacus'. He also worked in several popular television series including 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', 'Angel' and 'Smallville'.
It was previously revealed that del Toro prepared the new script and has recently turned it in to studio executives. The filmmaker announced the news through his personal Twitter account saying, "PACIFIC RIM 2: Budget and script went in. No answers yet. If anything happens, I will post. If nothing happens, I will just keep rambling."
Meanwhile, Hunnam is set to reprise his role as Pan Pacific Defense Corps ranger Raleigh Becket. His character is considered one of the most skilled Jaeger pilots in Pan Pacific's history. He is highly skilled in several kinds of martial arts and is fluent in different languages, including Japanese.
Perlman and Martini are also set to return in the second installment of the kaiju series as black marketeer Hannibal Clau and pilot Herc Hansen, respectively. It remains unknown whether any of the other main cast members will reprise their corresponding roles in the new film.
According to Deadline, 'Pacific Rim: Maelstrom' is set to be released in 3D internationally although no release date has been confirmed as of the present.
'Pacific Rim: Maelstrom' is a planned kaiju film directed by Steven S. DeKnight. It is currently in pre-production although its official release date is yet to be confirmed.
