‘Pacific Rim 2’ Removed From Universal’s Release Schedule, But There’s Still Hope

Pacific Rim 2 has been removed from Universal’s release schedule a couple of weeks after being “indefinitely paused.” However, an accompanying press release hints that there’s still hope for the proposed sequel.

The Inquisitr revealed how the sequel was put on hold indefinitely on September 16. The follow up to Guillermo Del Toro’s colossal monsters versus super robots blockbuster, Pacific Rim 2 has been delayed to ensure the filmmakers can bring the fans a finished, polished product, one that builds on and surpasses the original.

Total Film revealed the official comments made on the schedule change.

“Legendary’s Pacific Rim 2, originally scheduled for release on August 4, 2017, will be redated at a later time. 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 2 so that the creative team can continue in its efforts to exceed the amazing experience of the first film.”

It seems all is not lost. If Legendary and Universal Pictures are focused on bringing the right product to the fans, then the fans will be happy to wait. The studios are probably weighing up the budget for such a film, which could surpass the $200 million mark, to secure the green light. With del Toro also working on other projects, the shift may be a tactical decision to accommodate his writing schedule, something heavily hinted at by the director himself.

In an interview with Variety, Guillermo del Toro was asked his thoughts about Pacific Rim 2, and remained optimistic about production.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s not cancelled, just postponed. Right now, we have to put a budget and screenplay together, present it to Universal and Legendary, and they will make a decision.”

Variety also spoke to Jon Jashni, president and chief creative officer of Legendary, who has denied that Pacific Rim 2 is dead in the water, and admitted he loved working with del Toro on the first film.

“He engenders a sense of family, and he’s a great leader. You can be a visionary, but if you’re not a leader, that vision isn’t always realized. The movie continues to be in development, and we’re still working on it with him.”

Despite a dogged development, Pacific Rim 2 seems to be edging ever closer to production. Fans of the original will hope that this is merely a tactic to utilize their time and ensure the sequel does the original justice. If they are to exceed the original film, as the official statement indicates, they will have to bigger and bolder — not an easy feat for such a huge blockbuster.

The original film, Pacific Rim, was released in 2013. Starring Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, and del Toro stalwart Ron Perlman, the film depicted humanity’s ongoing war with the Kaiju, colossal monsters who emerge from a cross-dimensional portal at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. The humans create the Jaeger, super robots piloted by two people who are connected to the machine through a neural bridge. The film picks up in the latter stages of the war, when a last-ditch effort is made to stop the Kaiju once and for all.

Made for a budget of $190 million, and grossing $411 million worldwide, as mentioned above, the film was a financial success. Despite a disappointing financial performance in the U.S., it was successful across international territories, including China, its largest market, where it grossed $114 million. Pacific Rim is currently del Toro’s most successful film to date.

Pacific Rim 2 was originally scheduled for release on August 4, 2017.

[Images — Universal Studios and Getty Images / Michael Loccisano]