‘Pacific Rim’ Sequel: Scott Eastwood Is in Talks for Key Role

Legendary Pictures eyes actor for small-but-important part in monster sequel

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Scott Eastwood is in early discussions with Legendary Pictures to appear in a key role in “Pacific Rim 2,” due in theaters Feb. 23, 2018.

Earlier this month, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” actor John Boyega was cast in a leading role in the futuristic action sequel. He’ll play the son of Idris Elba‘s character from 2013’s “Pacific Rim,” Stacker Pentecost, who led the charge against massive, invading kaiju monsters.

Eastwood is currently filming the next “Fast & Furious” movie and is set to appear in Warner Bros.’ upcoming “Suicide Squad” and the biopic thriller “Snowden,” among other projects.

“Pacific Rim 2” will be directed by Steven S. DeKnight, whose credits include the television series “Smallville” and “Daredevil.”

Guillermo del Toro, who co-wrote and directed the original, will be producing along with Thomas Tull, Mary Parent and Jon Jashni. Boyega will also be producing with Femi Oguns under their Upper Room Productions company.

Del Toro left the director’s chair in February, citing a full schedule.

“Pacific Rim 2” is produced by Legendary Pictures, and Universal will distribute the movie in all foreign territories except China.

Travis Beacham, who created the world of kaiju monsters and giant robots with del Toro, contributed to the sequel’s story. Del Toro wrote the script of “Pacific Rim 2” along with Derek Connolly, Zak Penn and Jon Spaihts.

The 2013 original wasn’t a huge success, grossing $411 million worldwide against a $190 million production budget, which doesn’t include the presumed millions spent on marketing. But its $309 million foreign take made it a strong contender for a return installment.

The sequel represents DeKnight’s feature directorial debut.

He has plenty of experience catering to genre fans in TV, however. He created “Spartacus” for Starz and worked on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel,” “Dollhouse” and the aforementioned “Smallville.”

Eastwood is represented by UTA and Joanne Horowitz Management.

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