Following the exit of both J.K. Simmons and Michael Keaton, the cast for Legendary Pictures and Universal’s Kong: Skull Island was starting to look bare bones. Now, Deadline brings word that Trainwreck and Short Term 12 star Brie Larson is in talks for the film’s female while also noting that Russell Crowe is being eyed to fill one of the previously vacated roles. The pair would join the god of mischief himself, Tom Hiddleston, in the film attached to star.
Set for release on March 10, 2017, Kong: Skull Island aims to fully immerse audiences in the mysterious and dangerous home of the king of the apes as a team of explorers ventures deep inside the treacherous, primordial island. Legendary’s story honors the foundations of existing King Kong lore, but places it in an entirely new, distinct timeline. Previously, Simmons revealed a surprise setting for the film, saying it would take place in Detroit in 1971; however, given the title of the movie, it’s a safe bet that the jungles of King Kong’s homeland will be the primary setting.
The Kings of Summer‘s Jordan Vogt-Roberts will direct the film from a script by John Gatins and Max Borenstein. Thomas Tull (Godzilla, The Dark Knight, Pacific Rim) and Jon Jashni (Godzilla, Warcraft) will produce and Alex Garcia (Godzilla) will executive produce. The film will be released in 3D and IMAX 3D by Universal Pictures.
