Pacific Rim 2 Set For 2017, Animated Series And Comics Incoming
By Erik Sugay
Guillermo del Toro, the director of Pacific Rim, just announced that he will also be directing Pacific Rim 2, which is slated to release in theaters on April 7, 2017. The first film’s screenwriter, Travis Beacham, is also involved. Beacham was also responsible for the prequel graphic novel, Pacific Rim: Tales from Year Zero. That creative continuity should ensure a great final product.
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Just like with the original film, fans can view the highly anticipated sequel in 3D and IMAX 3D. Frankly, you have to watch it in those formats because they’re the best at really conveying the feel of these giant mechs and monsters.
For the uninitiated, the Pacific Rim series is set in a world where towering creatures designated as Kaiju have destroyed most of civilization. Humanity fought back in the most entertaining way possible: building enormous robotic suits called Jaegers equipped with various appropriately massive weapons like missiles, buzzsaws and swords. Word is that the new film will see some sort of Kaiju/Jaeger hybrid monster because why not? Obviously, the series is very tongue-in-cheek and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
If you go into these movies expecting nothing more than insane fights and impressive CGI, you will walk away very, very pleased. As del Toro puts it, the series will provide “more Kaijus, more Jaegers, kicking each other’s butts.” Many have criticized it as all flash and no substance, which may not be too far off from the truth.
However, for those looking for more narrative, well, the Pacific Rim universe is expanding, so there will be more opportunities to flesh out the characters. In the video above, del Toro also revealed that an animated series and more comic books based in the same universe are forthcoming. No details about the show have been released, but del Toro did let slip that the comic books will continue off from Pacific Rim: Tales from Year Zero. It’s a long wait until the next movie, so here’s hoping these expanded universe properties can hold the fort and do it justice.
Pacific Rim 2 will be released by Universal. Main characters Charlie Hunnam and Rinko Kikuchi are slated to reprise their roles.