A couple weeks ago, The Hollywood Reporter announced that work on Guillermo del Toro's PACIFIC RIM 2, which was slotted in for an August 4, 2017 release from Universal, had been halted indefinitely, with THR suggesting that the sequel to the 2013 "mech vs. kaiju" film may not be made at all. The director himself had a less negative view on the issue, saying that the project is still in development, the script is being written and a budget being put together.
Universal has now removed PACIFIC RIM 2 from their release schedule completely, filling in the August 4th vacancy by pushing PITCH PERFECT 3 back two weeks. Lest fans be upset by this move, however, the studio has also released a statement on what's happening with del Toro's film:
Legendary’s 'Pacific Rim 2,' originally scheduled for release on August 4, 2017, will be redated at a later time. The filmmakers, Legendary and Universal Pictures are committed to having 'Pacific Rim 2,' the sequel to 2013’s 'Pacific Rim,' which generated more $411 million at the global box office, be the vanguard, fully-immersive experience that the franchise deserves. To this end, the decision was made to delay the production and release of 'Pacific Rim' so that the creative team can continue in its efforts to exceed the amazing experience of the first film.
When you put it like that, the situation doesn't sound so bad. It's disappointing that the project had to be delayed, but the filmmakers having extra time could work out for the best.
The screenplay for PACIFIC RIM 2 is being written by del Toro, Travis Beacham, and Jon Spaihts.