“Kong: Skull Island,” the upcoming King Kong movie from Legendary Pictures, has been in development for so long now it’s been growing and shrinking cast wise as actors have to drop out to fulfill commitments elsewhere. The film recently lost Michael Keaton and J.K. Simmons, but it’s also added a bevy of actors. The latest batch of actors joining the cast are Samuel L. Jackson, John C. Reilly, Tom Wilkinson, and “Straight Outta Compton” star Corey Hawkins, who are coming aboard with recent addition Brie Larson, and lead Tom Hiddleston, who has been attached since last fall.
While there were rumors of Russell Crowe joining the film, it sounds like that hasn’t panned out. Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts — who will make his Colin Trevorrow-like leap from small indies to massive tentpoles — the script has been credited to Max Borenstein and John Gatins, but as the film is not due until 2017, it’s obviously been a work in progress for some time.
READ MORE: Michael Keaton And J.K. Simmons Are No Longer Visiting ‘Kong: Skull Island’
Jackson is apparently in early talks for the role Simmons vacated, and John C. Reilly could replace Keaton, but all of it sounds very preliminary at the moment. "Kong: Skull Island" is due March 10, 2017, is eyeing a early 2016 start date, and plans to make IMAX 3D a big part of its release. The film centers on a group of explorers who encounter various dangers as they land on a inhospitable primordial island. This is something you’ll surely see showcased in a big way at San Diego Comic-Con next summer.