Rejoice, Pacific Rim fans. There will be more big-screen battles between Jaegers and Kaiju.
After removing the Pacific Rim sequel from its upcoming release schedule a while back (and disappointing everyone hoping to see more of the film’s giant robot-versus-monster brawls), Universal Pictures has released a statement confirming that a sequel to director Guillermo Del Toro’s 2013 sci-fi blockbuster is indeed still in the works.
“[Legendary Pictures’] Pacific Rim 2, originally scheduled for release on August 4, 2017, will be redated at a later time,” reads the statement from Universal. “The filmmakers, Legendary, and Universal Pictures are committed to having Pacific Rim 2, the sequel to 2013’s Pacific Rim, which generated more $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.”
Taking the place of Pacific Rim 2 in Universal’s schedule is Pitch Perfect 3, which was moved from its original July 21 release date.
While Pacific Rim fans should be optimistic about the fact that Universal felt the need to confirm development of the sequel, the lack of a release date — even a vague one — does leave some questions about when (if ever) we might see it.
The studio’s stated reasons for the delay are also worth noting, as Del Toro has previously expressed some interest in taking the world of Pacific Rim beyond the movie screen and has shown an affinity for immersive, virtual-reality technology like the Oculus Rift. During last year’s Comic Con International in San Diego, attendees were given the chance to “pilot” one of the massive Jaegers using the Oculus Rift, and Del Toro has indicated that he envisions the Pacific Rim franchise as a multimedia experience that takes advantage of the evolving technology available to modern audiences.
Although the first Pacific Rim underperformed in the U.S. to the tune of just $101 million, the film went on to earn $309 million internationally, for a respectable $411 million worldwide.
The sequel to Pacific Rim is currently being penned by Del Toro, Jon Spaihts (Prometheus), and Travis Beacham, and if/when it does arrive in theaters, it’s expected to be screened in 3D and IMAX theaters as well as standard venues.
