Hot on the heels of his critically acclaimed performance in Birdman, Michael Keaton could be preparing for a return to franchise filmmaking. Deadline reports the veteran actor, who recently received a Golden Globe nomination for his work in Birdman, is in final talks to join the cast of Kong: Skull Island.
The Kings of Summer director Jordan Vogt-Roberts will helm the flick, which takes place prior to the events of King Kong and serves as an origin story, of sorts – and which Legendary Pictures hopes to use as the foundation of a new franchise. Tom Hiddleston has been attached to the project since shortly after it was announced last summer at Comic-Con, and just a few weeks ago another Golden Globe nominee, J.K. Simmons, signed on for a role in the flick.
Kong: Skull Island will be set on the island where the legendary beast was first discovered, although plot details remain shrouded in mystery at this point. Legendary Pictures will release Kong: Skull Island in 3D and IMAX formats on March 10, 2017.
In the spirit of its worldwide blockbuster Godzilla, Legendary Pictures presents a bold new take on the mythos of another iconic beast with KONG: SKULL ISLAND, which stars Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers and Thor series). Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (The Kings of Summer) and written by John Gatins (Flight) and Max Borenstein (Godzilla), KONG: SKULL ISLAND will 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. Thomas Tull (Godzilla, The Dark Knight, Pacific Rim) and Jon Jashni (Godzilla, upcoming Warcraft) will produce and Alex Garcia (Godzilla) will executive produce. The film will be released in 3D and IMAX 3D by Universal Pictures.
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