Scientists, soldiers and adventurers unite to explore a mythical, uncharted island in the Pacific Ocean. Cut off from everything they know, they venture into the domain of the mighty Kong, igniting the ultimate battle between man and nature. As their mission of discovery soon becomes one of survival, they must fight to escape from a primal world where humanity does not belong.
It was back in July that plans were announced for the forthcoming production of Skull Island, an origin telling based on the iconic gorilla monster who has legacy has endured since the 1930’s. The project is being developed by Universal Pictures in association with Legendary Entertainment, the studio currently making a monster of a killing with Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla and its sequel, in addition to Jurassic World next year.
This week, Legendary is now updating their developments with news of a casting addition in the form of actor Tom Hiddleston who will be joined by director Jordan Vogt-Roberts, the helmer previously said to be working on the new Metal Gear Solid film with producer Avi Arad. Time will tell if that film still comes through since the earlier report back in June. In the meantime, read the official word from Legendary on Skull Island:
Legendary announced its plans to make a feature film based on the cinematic origins of King Kong during this year’s San Diego Comic Con with an original draft of the script by Max Borenstein. Previous works have touched on the island, but staying on and exploring this mysterious and dangerous place offers Legendary the opportunity to take audiences deeper inside this rich world with a style and scope that parallels other Legendary productions. Universal Pictures will distribute the film on November 4, 2016.
Vogt-Roberts directed and executive produced the Sundance darling THE KINGS OF SUMMER. He has also directed the pilot and multiple episodes of FX’s new series “You’re the Worst” and is set to direct METAL GEAR SOLID for Sony. His other credits include directing the pilot of “Cocked” for Amazon Studios and directing and executive producing the concert documentary NICK OFFERMAN: AMERICAN HAM. He is represented by UTA, 3 Arts Entertainment and attorneys Alan Wertheimer and Andy Gawker.
Hiddleston’s credits include MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE, and WAR HORSE. He is also known for portraying Thor’s nemesis and brother, Loki, in Marvel’s THOR, THOR: THE DARK WORLD, and THE AVENGERS. Upcoming projects include Legendary’s gothic horror CRIMSON PEAK from director Guillermo del Toro, Ben Wheatley’s adaptation of J.G. Ballard’s HIGH-RISE and Marc Abraham’s Hank Williams biopic I SAW THE LIGHT. He is repped by William Morris Endeavor, Hamilton Hodell and Authentic Management.
Legendary’s recent releases include GODZILLA, 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE and the Guillermo del Toro directed PACIFIC RIM as well as the Jackie Robinson biopic 42 and MAN OF STEEL with Warner Bros. In addition to WARCRAFT, highlights from Legendary’s upcoming slate include BLACKHAT and CRIMSON PEAK
Video game movies are still a thing, and Sony is jumping on the bandwagon this week, this time with the attachment of The Kings Of Summer helmer, director Jordan Vogt-Roberts for a live action adaptation of Metal Gear Solid. The film has reportedly been in the works since game director Hideo Kojima’s initial announcement in 2006 and saw a series of ups and downs with several names otherwise rumored for the project, including voice actor, multifaceted filmmaker David Hayter said to be writing the script before those rumors were quelled.
Initially released on several Playstation platforms in 1998 courtesy of Konami with more games that followed, Metal Gear Solid tells the story of Snake, a soldier on a stealth mission to rescue two hostages and neutralize a nuclear threat from renegade special forces unit, Foxhound. Avi Arad is producing the film with Michael DeLuca steering the production.
The big question is, who will play Snake. Actor Christian Bale once showed his interest in playing the role several years ago and maybe he is still a contender. But we won’t know until further reports materialize and decipher just what’s what. But I suppose speculating is fun too.
Who do you want cast for the lead role of snake? Comment below and share your opinions!
H/T: Deadline