When both Michael Keaton and J.K. Simmons exited KONG: SKULL ISLAND recently due to scheduling issues, the race was on to fill some of the holes their absence had left. Today brings the news that two actors are currently in talks to star in KONG: SKULL ISLAND, the upcoming King Kong reboot said to take place in 1971 Detroit.
Russell Crowe is being pursued for either the Michael Keaton or J.K. Simmons role but The Wrap reports that Crowe has yet to have read the script as he's waiting for a new draft to be delivered. The other actor is of a little more interest to me as it's not someone whom you'd normally associate with this type of role; per Deadline, Brie Larson is also in talks for a role in KONG: SKULL ISLAND. While the absence of Michael Keaton and J.K. Simmons still hurts a little, I'd be quite interested to see Brie Larson tackle a role in a film like this. As for Crowe, I suppose he'd be a nice addition as well.
KINGS OF SUMMER director Jordan Vogt-Roberts will direct KONG: SKULL ISLAND from a script by John Gatins and Max Borenstein. Production was set to begin in the fall but now we're hearing that things may not get started until early next year. KONG: SKULL ISLAND is set to be released on March 10, 2017.