It looks like Pacific Rim 2 is finally cranking up to go before the camera after a few years of waiting, with news today that Star Wars: The Force Awakens star John Boyega has signed on to appear in the sequel.
Boyega, who played Finn in J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars sequel, is set to play the son of Idris Elba’s character Stacker Pentecost in the first film. In addition to starring, Boyega’s production company Upper Room Productions will co-produce alongside Legendary Pictures and original director Guillermo del Toro. Steven S. DeKnight (Daredevil) is directing the film.
On the casting, del Toro said: “I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox. The Pacific Rim universe will be reinforced with him 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.”
“It is undeniable that with all his talent and natural charm, John stands out amongst today’s generation of young leading men,” added Mary Parent, Vice Chairman of Legendary Pictures.
The first Pacific Rim, which featured Elba and Charlie Hunnam, grossed $411 million worldwide in 2013 and has had fans hoping for a sequel ever since.
. url=”.” . width=”100%” height=”150″ iframe=”true” /]