It appears that there will be no “Pacific Rim 2” after all. Director Guillermo del Toro is rumored to be setting his sights on remaking the 1960s film, “Fantastic Voyage.”
The Hollywood Reporter stated that “Pacific Rim 2” has been shelved and Del Toro is actively looking for his next project, which may be “Fantastic Voyage.” The director is reportedly discussing to develop and lead the 1966 sci-fi classic, which is currently being made by Twentieth Century Fox and Lightstorm Entertainment.
Del Toro was supposed to follow up “Crimson Peak” with “Pacific Rim 2,” the sequel to his 2013 movie by Legendary Pictures. The movie delved on the battles between giant mechas and monsters. “Pacific Rim 2” seemed to have been removed from the release schedule for further development, although sources at present claim that the second film is off the table indefinitely, allowing the director to pick his next project.
However, fans can still hope for a sequel to happen in the future, considering the imminent acquisition of Legendary Pictures by Wanda, a Chinese conglomerate. “Pacific Rim” was most popular in China, compared to any other country in the world, so Wanda might later decide to provide a follow-up film, ScreenCrush wrote. Globalization may play a part in the potential release of a sequel, since the first movie performed better in China than the United States. The kaiju-fighting mechas may be better appreciated by Wanda. ScreenRant said that in the meantime, fans of can still enjoy the comic version in “Pacific Rim: Tales from the Drift.”
As for “Fantastic Voyage,” Uproxx wrote that the story is about a group of scientists who were shrunk to a very small size to allow them to explore the human body via a submarine and save another scientist’s life in the process. 2016 is the 50th anniversary of the original film, so if talks are successful, Del Toro might be able to come up with the remake within the year. IndieWire reported that for several years, James Cameron has been developing the remake of “Fantastic Voyage,” while David S. Goyer was hired as writer. Goyer will continue to write the script and develop the story with Del Toro. The two last worked together in “Blade 2.” Cameron will still be involved as producer.
More updates and details on “Pacific Rim 2” and the “Fantastic Voyage” remake are expected in the coming months.