“Pacific Rim 2: Maelstrom” is a highly anticipated movie that will once again see giant robots (“Jaegers”) take on giant monsters (“Kaiju”). The film is set for release on Feb. 23, 2018 following a couple of setbacks.
The last time out, Game N Guide reported on who could return to reprise their roles. Original director Guillermo Del Toro teased at the potential return of Charlie Hunnam or Rinko Kikuchi though everything would depend on new director, Steven S. DeKnight.
Based on that interview with THR, there may be someone returning though a latest reveal from Charlie Hunnam has struck him out of the list.
No time to reprise role in “Pacific Rim 2”
Hunnam was at the San Diego Comic Convention to promote “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” but was eventually asked about his possible part on “Pacific Rim 2: Maelstrom”.
Best known as the one who portrayed “Raleigh Becket”, Hunnam bared that he will not be returning to reprise his role due to conflicts in scheduled.
Kikuchi-Boyega team up?
With Hunnam out, Kikuchi could be the sole one returning. Taking into account the events of “Pacific Rim 1”, her return could make sense. John Boyega will be appearing in the sequel, where he is rumoured to play “Stacker Pentecost’s” (Idris Elba) son.
In the prequel, everyone knows the relationship of “Pentecost” and “Mako Mori” (Rinko Kikuchi). If Boyega does portray Pentecost’s son, it may not be surprising to see both teaming up and piloting one of the Jaegers.
All that falls in the hands of DeKnight but the first order of business is confirming the return of Kikuchi to reprise her role. If not, rumors tying up Scott Eastwood to join the cast could materialize. That was covered in detail in a previous post.
With “Pacific Rim 2: Maelstrom” still more than a year away, it will be interesting what develops for the sequel.
