by: S. Scott Stanikmas – Senior Staff Writer

First it was aliens. Then intergalactic evil empires. Now John Boyega will take on kaiju.

A press release from Legendary proves that the studio isn’t giving up on a sequel to Pacific Rim as it was once thought. With Daredevil season one showrunner Steven S. DeKnight directing and Jurassic World’s Derek Connelly scripting it looked like the second installment in the series was in good hands. But now that Boyega has been confirmed as the star this film is really picking up steam.

The actor has shown a real knack for picking up quality sci-fi roles. While not my favorite film I did enjoy his breakout role in Attack The Block. And he stole the show with his enthusiasm and quick wit as Finn in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

It’s being said that the film will see Boyega take on the role of the son of Idris Elba’s character. While we don’t know any story specifics the first movie ended with the portal being closed and the kaiju now cut off from invading Earth. It’s conceivable that this film would take place a decade or so after the first film, with the monsters finally finding another way to get back to Earth to try and take over.

I’m just excited about the idea of giant mechs fighting crazy looking monsters again. The added bonus of an actor on the rise like John Boyega only makes it better.

No release date has been given yet but I’m sure as soon as the project starts firming up more we’ll get something from the studio. For now here’s the official press release:

JOHN BOYEGA SET TO STAR IN THE SECOND INSTALLMENT OF LEGENDARY’S PACIFIC RIM FRANCHISE

The Action Adventure Film Will be Directed by Steven S. DeKnight

BURBANK, CA, June 6, 2016 – Legendary Pictures has tapped John Boyega, one of today’s most talented rising stars, the lead role for the second installment of its PACIFIC RIM franchise. The film, which is targeting a 4th Quarter start date is rapidly taking shape as a key project on Legendary’s upcoming slate with Boyega playing the son of Idris Elba’s character from the original film.

The project will be directed by Steven S. DeKnight based on the world created by Guillermo del Toro and Travis Beacham. Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, Jon Jashni, and del Toro will produce the action adventure film along with Boyega and Femi Oguns under their Upper Room Productions shingle. Cale Boyter will serve as the film’s executive producer.

“It is undeniable that with all his talent and natural charm, John stands out amongst today’s generation of young leading men,” said Mary Parent, Legendary’s Vice Chairman of Worldwide Production.

“I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox. The Pacific Rim universe will be reinforced with him as a leading man as it continues to be a multicultural, multi-layered world. ‘The World saving the world’ was our goal and I couldn’t think of a better man for the job,” stated del Toro.

John Boyega’s previous credits include STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS and ATTACK THE BLOCK. His upcoming projects include STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII, THE CIRCLE opposite Tom Hanks and Emma Watson, IMPERIAL DREAMS, WATERSHIP DOWN alongside James McAvoy and Sir Ben Kingsley, and he will star on stage next year in WOYZECK at The Old Vic. He is represented by WME and Identity Agency Group in the UK and Hansen Jacobson.

The film will be distributed by Universal Pictures around the world with the exception of China.

About Legendary Entertainment
Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with film (Legendary Pictures), television and digital (Legendary Television and Digital Media) and comics (Legendary Comics) divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to mainstream audiences with a targeted focus on the powerful fandom demographic. Through complete or joint ownership, Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world’s most popular intellectual property. In aggregate, Legendary Pictures-associated productions have realized grosses of more than $12 billion worldwide at the box office.