Pacific Rim 2 may not be officially cancelled, but the news from Universal and Legendary Pictures isn’t encouraging.
Back in September of last year, Pacific Rim 2 was not officially cancelled, but instead removed from Legendary’s release schedule for more development. In a statement at the time, Universal said:
“The filmmakers, Legendary, and Universal Pictures are committed to having Pacific Rim 2, the sequel to 2013’s Pacific Rim, which generated more than $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 so that the creative team can continue in its efforts to exceed the amazing experience of the first film.”
Now, embedded in a report from The Hollywood Reporter comes another, troubling statement: “sources now say the sequel is off the table indefinitely, leaving del Toro wide open to choose his next project.”
Off the table indefinitely? Yikes. The report points out that Legendary is in the process of acquisition by Wanda , a Chinese conglomerate, which may affect the future development of Pacific Rim 2 . As the first Pacific Rim ’s Chinese sales outdid its numbers anywhere else, Wanda may be motivated to urge the project along, but that’s all nebulous now.
For the moment, all that seems certain is that Pacific Rim 2 is dead in the water. Universal has its hands full with its quest to create a shared monster universe like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing together creatures such as The Mummy, King Kong, Frankenstein, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Wolf-Man.
The last we’d heard from del Toro, he had submitted both a budget and a script for the Pacific Rim sequel, to no avail. But del Toro has always taken pains to emphasize his commitment to Pacific Rim 2, stating to Entertainment Weekly last September, “As far as I’m concerned, it’s not gone. We’re still on it.”
As for doing another movie before Pacific Rim 2 , del Toro has never been against the idea. “If moved further, I may do another movie in the middle,” he said at the time.
In the meantime, del Toro is in talks to direct and develop Fantastic Voyage , a remake of a sci-fi classic from 1966. Will his “movie in the middle” be Fantastic Voyage , or will the Wanda Group free Pacific Rim 2 from the shackles of non-development hell?
At least fans of Pacific Rim have one minor consolation: the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California will host a motion-controlled short film attraction based on the 2013 movie. Park president Don McCoy announced:
“Bringing in an intense, high-energy and popular movie like Pacific Rim to our Iwerks 5D Theater is a great addition to our thrill line-up. Kids and adults alike will be blown away being part of the ground-shaking action.”
We’ll take what we can get. Plans to visit Vallejo? Feel free to discuss the latest Pacific Rim 2 news below.
UPDATE: Del Toro remains optimistic, tweeting out the following:
Pac Rim 2 cancelled? Don't believe everything you read. It's still going and I'll remain w it in one way or another!
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) January 11, 2016
