Movies KONG: SKULL ISLAND (Dragonlord's Review)

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Update: March 9, 2017

Dragonlord's Review of KONG: SKULL ISLAND (No Spoilers)

Bottom Line: A mixture of Apocalypse Now and Princess Mononoke, Kong: Skull Island lacks the emotional weight and heart from previous iterations but delivers on the action spectacle department.

Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has captured the Avengers. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) recruits a ragtag group of heroes - Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Nova Corpsman Dey (John C. Reilly), Navy operation officer (Corey Hawkins) and S.S.R Chief Roger Dooley (Shea Whigham) - to save the day. Standing in their way is Doctor Doom (Toby Kebbell), who has joined forces with Loki...

Wait. What was I watching again? Oh yeah, Kong: Skull Island. I must have been confused for a moment there since all the actors mentioned above are in Skull Island and have also played (or will play in Brie's case) Marvel movie characters.

Kong: Skull Island takes place in 1973, just after the Vietnam War. A scientific expedition with a military escort arrives on Skull Island but their disruptive presence incurs the wrath of a 100-foot giant ape known as Kong. Stranded on the island, the survivors discover that Kong is the not the only thing they have to worry about as other terrifying monstrous creatures roam the land.

Skull Island is the latest King Kong reboot from Legendary Pictures and the second installment of their MonsterVerse with plans to have a mega crossover with Godzilla in 2020. The connecting tissue between the two films is Monarch, the secret government agency that appeared in 2014's Godzilla. In Skull Island, John Goodman plays a senior official from Monarch that sets the whole thing in motion in the film.

Measuring roughly 100 feet high, this is the biggest Kong yet from a Hollywood production. The new Kong looks great. The design is a throwback to the 1933 version that walks in a upright position. When Kong battles other giant monsters, it's a breathtaking sight to behold and worth the price of admission. The visuals effects are top-notch.

Everybody has been questioning how this 100-foot Kong can go toe-to-toe with the 300-foot Godzilla. (Very mild spoilers) The answer: Kong is still growing! This film is set in 1973, so by the time these two iconic behemoths clash in 2020, who knows how big Kong would be by then.

Skull Island also boasts a variety of exotic and frightening monsters. Aside from Kong, one of the main species are "Skullcrawlers," large two-armed subterranean lizards. These creatures are scary and a worthy adversary for the giant gorilla. If Kong is a "god" on the island, then the Skullcrawlers are the "devils."

Following in the footsteps of Gareth Edwards and Colin Trevorrow, Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kings of Summer) is the latest indie director the studios has entrusted for their big budget blockbuster movie. For the most part, Vogt-Roberts did a stellar job. His pitch for a Vietnam War era origin story is refreshing and his dispense for the slow monster reveal tease is very much welcomed.

The ensemble cast they've assembled is impressive with a lot of recognizable faces in small roles. Unfortunately most of the characters they're portraying are flat and uninteresting. The human characters are the weakest elements of the film but there's a silver lining - at least they're not annoying or obnoxious (see Prometheus, Jurassic World).

Tom Hiddleston plays James Conrad, a former British Special Air Service Captain and hunter-tracker of the Skull Island expedition. For those that haven't watched him in BBC's The Night Manager, this will be a revelation to most that Loki can actually play a credible action hero and a suitable James Bond actor. Hiddleston's character is level-headed and very likable but not really written meaningfully.

Brie Larson plays the "anti-war" photographer Mason Weaver and is one of the more boring main characters. They shoehorned the standard female-befriends-Kong part in Brie's role and it just didn't gel. Samuel L. Jackson (who looks amazing for a 68-year-old) plays Colonel Packard, the leader of the military escort. One of the more compelling characters, Jackson plays the typical Captain Ahab "villain" of the film. But his character becomes a cliche and annoying later on.

The biggest surprise of all is John C. Reilly as the kooky WWII veteran stranded on the island is the best human character in the film (Michael Keaton was originally attached to play the role). Reilly plays the comic relief (and a very funny one I might add) and a much welcomed incorporation to the dourness of the situation. Plus, Reilly's character also serves as the exposition guy, helping disseminate the background history to the audience and to move the plot along. He also seemed to have the most interesting backstory of all of the characters.

Overall, A mixture of Apocalypse Now and Princess Mononoke, Kong: Skull Island lacks the emotional weight and heart from previous iterations but as an action spectacle featuring colossal creatures duking it out, it's a thrilling fun ride. Deduct 1 to 2 stars from my rating if you're not a big fan of the kaiju genre.

Rating: 7.5/10

P.S. There is an important post-credits scene.

Spoiler: post-credits scene details

In the post-credits scene, the survivors of Skull Island are being sequestered at the Monarch base, where they are told top secret information about the existence of other monsters located around the world. They're shown photographs of primitive cave paintings of Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan and King Ghidorah. The last picture is a drawing of Godzilla and King Ghidorah locked in an epic battle with the humans below caught in the middle. The screen goes black and the unmistakable roar of Godzilla can be heard.

Spoiler: spoiler thoughts and musings

In the final monster boss fight, I like how they did a sort of fake out with Kong trying to split the giant Skullcrawler's jaw wide open like how they did in the past with 2014's King Kong and in 2014's Godzilla. But then surprise, it can't be done. So Kong has to find another way to kill it.

Kong's aim is uncannily perfect as he threw a tree and helicopter to hit the moving helicopters spot on.

There was clearly a Predator homage when Samuel L. Jackson's Colonel Packard set up a trap for Kong and called him out.

Not quite on board with the story of Kong: Skull Island, particularly the Samuel L. Jackson part and the direction it took. I do have an alternative story. I'll post the story outline later and update this post.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Critics Reviews for KONG: SKULL ISLAND

Rotten Tomatoes: 80% Approval Rating (128 out of 160 critics like it)

Critics Consensus: Offering exhilarating eye candy, solid acting, and a fast-paced story, Kong: Skull Island earns its spot in the movie monster's mythos without ever matching up to the classic original.

Entertainment Weekly - We didn't come to Kong: Skull Island for the characters (well-developed or otherwise), we came for the damn dirty ape. And director Jordan Vogt-Roberts and Industrial Light and Magic's Kong is a CGI showstopper. [Rating: B-]

James Berardinelli - As a big-budget B-grade monster movie, Kong: Skull Island is a home run. It offers all the tropes and clichés one expects from this sort of endeavor, sparing no expense when it comes to special effects. [Rating: 2.5/4]

Richard Roeper - It's wildly entertaining and it has a sense of humor about itself - and it doesn't hurt when a great big monster movie features an A-list cast including John Goodman, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston and John C. Reilly. [Rating: 3/4]

Newsday - This is one spectacular piece of entertainment. An unusual combination of thunderous monster movie and gritty war film, “Kong: Skull Island” is a fresh take on a nearly 85-year-old classic. [Rating: 4/4]

Rolling Stone - What lifts Kong: Skull Island from the swamp of clichés is the action. Every kind of creature steps up for a go at the ape. The effects are way cool and thunderously exciting. And really, what else do you need to know? Grab your popcorn and strap in for the ride. [Rating: 3/4]

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: February 27, 2017

Final Trailer for KONG: SKULL ISLAND Shows Off a Lot More of the Monsters


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Update: November 16, 2016

Shut Up and Take My Money: New Trailer for KONG: SKULL ISLAND


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Update: July 23, 2016

The King Awakens in First Trailer for KONG: SKULL ISLAND!

 

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Update: July 15, 2016

First Official Image from KONG: SKULL ISLAND; Director Promises Biggest Kong Seen on Screen

Beloved mega-ape King Kong has a cinematic history stretching back 83 years. But director Jordan Vogt-Roberts, who’s helming next year’s reboot Kong: Skull Island, promises bigger things ahead for the character. In an exclusive image from the film shared with EW, stars Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson find themselves in a boneyard, standing amidst the ruins of a massive creature.

“From the size of the skull, you can tell that things on this island are much bigger than audiences are used to with traditional Kong lore,” says Vogt-Roberts. “Our Kong is by far the biggest Kong that you’ve seen on screen, and that translates to a lot of different things on the island.”

Vogt-Roberts has studied the earlier films closely. When asked for clarification, he starts listing size estimates. “In terms of actual size, our Kong is by far the biggest Kong,” he explains. “Peter Jackson’s Kong was around 25 feet. The ‘33 Kong ranged between 25 feet and 50 feet, I want to say he was 50-plus feet when he was on the Empire State Building. He varied in size dramatically! The ’70s Kong was somewhere between them.”

The new Kong is “much larger,” which Vogt-Roberts says cuts to the core of the new film. “The film takes place in the ’70s,” he explains. “The ’70s was a time where it was believable that we could still be confronted with myth. And there was still unknown in the world.” At the start of the decade, NASA launched a satellite program later known as LANDSAT, which involved satellites mapping the world from space – the end of that “unknown.” In the film, “this island pops up,” leading the characters to investigate.

Hiddleston plays an ex-British SAS tracker; Larson is a war photographer, “who’s seen all sorts of terrible, terrible things.” Vogt-Roberts avoids any specific details about what they find on the island, but he’s adamant about what they don’t find. “We’re very explicitly not telling the beauty and the beast story,” he says. “The original is a classic, the ’70s version is great for what it is, and Peter’s version is a great retelling of the 1933 film.”

Instead, Skull Island digs into the mythos of Kong’s homeland. And a key part of that mythos is, well, size. “The thing that most interested me was, how big do you need to make [Kong], so that when someone lands on this island and doesn’t believe in the idea of myth, the idea of wonder – when we live in a world of social and civil unrest, and everything is crumbling around us, and technology and facts are taking over – how big does this creature need to be, so that when you stand on the ground and you look up at it, the only thing that can go through your mind is: ‘That’s a god.’” Pretty big, we’re guessing? “You will see when we drop a trailer,” Vogt-Roberts teases.

Kong: Skull Island director promises 'the biggest Kong that you've seen on screen'
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Update: June 21, 2016

KONG: SKULL ISLAND Will Feature the Biggest Kong Ever

Unsurprisingly, Warner Bros. turned it up for the final presentation on the first day of CineEurope in Barcelona, bursting straight into its expanding DC universe with the promise of at least 10 new superhero movies over the next five years.

A return to the jungle for an extended preview of Kong: Skull Island featured shots of stars Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson and John C. Reilly in action.

"This is going to be the biggest Kong there's ever been," boasted director Jordon Vogt-Roberts. "Not 10 foot or 30 foot, but a 100-foot ape."

CineEurope: 'Wonder Woman,' 'Skull Island,' 'The Accountant' Previewed by Warner Bros.
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Update: April 10, 2016

First Behind-the-Scenes Featurette for KONG: SKULL ISLAND

During the MTV Movie Awards pre-show, the network aired footage from a set visit for Kong: Skull Island, which stars newly minted best actress winner Brie Larson, as well as Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, and John Goodman, among others. Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Kong: Skull Island is out in theaters on March 10, 2017.

The new film focuses on a group of people who head to an uncharted island in the hopes of finding adventure (Hiddleston stars as a former British Special Air Service officer; Larson plays a peace-first photojournalist). There, they encounter a little giant named King Kong. Click the link below to watch the footage.

Kong: Skull Island gets first look during MTV Movie Awards

 

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Update: November 2, 2015

KONG: SKULL ISLAND Casts Up-And-Comer Will Brittain for the Pilot Role

Up-and-comer Will Brittain has nabbed one of the last key roles in Legendary’s monster movie Kong: Skull Island. He enrolls in a production that includes Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, John Goodman, John C. Reilly, Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Wilkinson, Jason Mitchell, Corey Hawkins, Thomas Mann and John Ortiz.

Plot details are being kept secret but the film is based on the premise of a team of explorers venturing on an island inhabited by monsters. Brittain will join Hawkins and Mitchell as pilots. Jordan Vogt-Roberts is directing the feature that is currently shooting in Hawaii. The script was worked on by Max Borenstein, John Gatins, Derek Connolly and Dan Gilroy.

Brittain broke through with the Sundance drama A Teacher and will next be seen in Everybody Wants Some, Richard Linklater’s baseball drama that is his follow-up to his Oscar-winning Boyhood. Paramount is releasing Everybody Wants Some on April 16.

Up-And-Comer Actor Will Brittain Lands Pilot Role in Kong: Skull Island (Exclusive)
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Update: October 14, 2015

GODZILLA VS. KING KONG Announced; Trilogy Release Dates Revealed

Press Release: Following Legendary's and Warner Bros. Pictures' 2014 success with the global reinvention of the Godzilla franchise, the companies have come together to create an epic, new shared cinematic franchise. All-powerful monsters become towering heroes for a new generation, revealing a mythology that brings together Godzilla and Legendary's King Kong in an ecosystem of other giant super-species, both classic and new. Monarch, the human organization that uncovered Godzilla in the 2014 film, will expand their mission across multiple releases.

The announcement that the reinvention of monsters continues was made today by Legendary CEO, Thomas Tull, and Kevin Tsujihara, Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. The initial trio of films are 2017's Kong: Skull Island; Godzilla 2 in 2018; and then Godzilla Vs. King Kong, arriving in theaters in 2020. While Legendary maintains its new home at Universal Pictures, the Godzilla films remain in partnership with Warner Bros., who will now also distribute Kong as a part of this franchise. Production on Kong: Skull Island begins October 19th.

Warner Bros. and Legendary released Godzilla in May 2014 with an agreement to release Godzilla 2 on June 8, 2018. Both films feature the human Monarch organization. Shortly following Legendary's pact with NBC Universal, Legendary acquired rights to additional classic characters from Toho's Godzilla universe, including Rodan, Mothra, and King Ghidorah. This paved the way for developing a franchise centered around Monarch and anchored by Godzilla, King Kong, and other famous creatures.

When Legendary announced films centered on Godzilla and Kong, fans all over the world speculated these two characters might one day meet in the same film. Classic Toho monsters including King Ghidorah, Mothra, and Rodan, as announced at Comic-Con 2014, may also join the Legendary pantheon of giant monster mayhem going forward.

"Audiences really responded to Godzilla," stated Tull. "Today, I'm excited to reveal that film was only the beginning of an epic new entertainment universe. As a lifelong fan of these characters, I've always wanted to see the ultimate showdown, and today we're pleased to be announcing that and more."

"Working with our partners at Legendary, we enjoyed tremendous creative and commercial success with 'Godzilla,'" said Tsujihara. "It's great to be able to revisit these characters and help create a franchise with so many creative possibilities for filmmakers. Fans love these big, globally iconicfilms and it doesn't get any bigger than this."

Warner Bros. and Legendary Announce Release Dates for King Kong, Godzilla Trilogy
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Update: October 1, 2015

Shea Whigham and John Ortiz Join the Cast of KONG: SKULL ISLAND

John Ortiz and Shea Whigham are the latest regular-size primates to join the cast of Legendary's Kong: Skull Island for director Jordan Vogt-Roberts. The story is about a man (Tom Hiddleston) who travels to the mythical island and home of the king of the apes. A team of explorers ventures inside what they find to be a treacherous island.

The story is said to honor the King Kong lore but in a different time period. Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson and John Goodman also star in the project, which is expected to go before the cameras this fall.

Ortiz co-starred on Rake and just wrapped a role in Zach Braff's remake of Going In Style. He will next be seen in Danny Boyle's Steve Jobs and Disney's The Finest Hours. Whigham is coming off five seasons of Boardwalk Empire and played Chief Dooley in Marvel's Agent Carter. Whigham will next be seen in HBO's upcoming comedy series Vice Principals. Next up on the film side for Whigham is Terrence Malik's Knight Of Cups and Term Life with Vince Vaughn.

John Ortiz and Shea Whigham Join the Cast of Jordan Vogt-Roberts' Kong: Skull Island

 

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Update: September 25, 2015

John Goodman Joins KONG: SKULL ISLAND Cast; New Plot Details

John Goodman has joined the cast of Legendary Pictures’ Kong: Skull Island, which is being directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts from a script by John Gatins and Max Borenstein (Godzilla). He is taking the role of Randa, a government official who leads an expedition. The cast also includes Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson (Room), Samuel L. Jackson and John C. Reilly. The project is expected to go before the cameras this fall.

Jurassic World scribe Derek Connolly recently joined the film to do some last minute work on the script. Filming is expected to begin in the coming months. This project has been a priority for Legendary Pictures, whose John Jashni and Thomas Tull are producing along with Mary Parent.

Goodman will star in the upcoming film Trumbo, as well as Love the Coopers and Going Under. The Emmy-winning star is best known for his role in the sitcom Roseanne and such movies as The Flintstones (1994), The Big Lebowski (1998), Argo (2012), and The Hangover Part III (2013)

John Goodman Joins the Cast of 'Kong: Skull Island;' New Story Details Revealed
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Update: September 16, 2015

KONG: SKULL ISLAND to Start Legendary's Monster Universe Trilogy, Possible Monarch Involvement

Following Universal's decision to pass on Kong: Skull Island — with a budget north of $125 million — Warners is stepping in with a three-picture deal that kicks off with Kong; followed by a sequel to 2014's Godzilla, the biggest Warners hit originated by Legendary ($529 million worldwide); followed by a mashup that pits the ape against Godzilla. Warners is said to be kicking in 25 percent of budgets as well as marketing costs on the Kong films.

Now that Legendary has moved Kong, that settles a brewing argument over the script's references to Monarch, the secret government entity in Godzilla that employed the characters played by Ken Watanabe and Sally Hawkins. Obviously, the inclusion of Monarch in Kong is a move to tie the ape into a hoped-for Godzilla "universe." Warners, which held onto the right to participate in any Godzilla sequel, did not relish the idea of a Godzilla element in a Universal-backed Kong movie.

A threshold problem is that Kong supposedly is much smaller than Godzilla. That fact was not lost on Universal. "There were funny comments about him having to be the size of the Empire State Building instead of hanging off of it," says a studio insider. But a source close to Tull says Legendary is confident it can come up with a rationale to explain how Kong and Godzilla can do battle — and possibly become allies.

'Skull Island' Begins Legendary's Plan for Three-Film Godzilla and King Kong Cycle
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Update: September 16, 2015

New Details on Why Universal Let Go of KONG: SKULL ISLAND to Warner Bros.

Universal Pictures' decision last week to let Thomas Tull's Legendary Pictures take its Kong: Skull Island project to Warner Bros. in the midst of a five-year production and financing deal is being read as a symptom of relationship trouble between the companies. One industry veteran notes that the deal brings Tull "back to Warners, which was thrilled to see him leave."

Several sources say there has been strain, in part because Tull kicked off the deal in 2014 with a couple of clunkers that he put through Universal's distribution system and then upset some at the studio who feel he has indulged a bad habit of wrapping himself in credit for hits that he merely helped finance. In this case, the film at issue was the biggest movie of the year to date, Jurassic World.

In a twist, following Universal's decision to pass on Kong — with a budget north of $125 million — Warners is stepping in with a three-picture deal that kicks off with Kong; followed by a sequel to 2014's Godzilla, the biggest Warners hit originated by Legendary ($529 million worldwide); followed by a mashup that pits the ape against Godzilla. Warners is said to be kicking in 25 percent of budgets as well as marketing costs on the Kong films.

Some industry insiders assumed King Kong was a Universal property, probably because of Peter Jackson's 2005 film and the theme park attraction, but the material is in the public domain. Tull wanted Universal to kick in 25 percent of the new film's budget, and sources say some at the studio were excited about the idea of a new Kong movie. But Universal was not convinced that such was the state of Legendary's project. Legendary attorney Skip Brittenham says Tull has talked for years of making a movie that would matchup Kong and Godzilla and asked Universal to let the project go to Warners.

Hollywood Gorilla Warfare: It’s Universal vs. Legendary Over ‘Kong: Skull Island’

 

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Update: September 10, 2015

KONG: SKULL ISLAND Moves from Universal to Warner Bros. for GODZILLA Crossover!

In a movie move that portends a clash of giant monsters, Legendary Pictures' Thomas Tull is moving his untitled Skull Island King Kong film to Warner Bros. This is being done to unite the property with Legendary's other giant franchise, Godzilla. In what would be a pretty epic pairing, the Godzilla sequel that is in the works will be followed by a movie that pits the giant ape versus the giant fire breathing reptile.

Deadline reports this is happening very quickly with moves going all the way to Japan, where Godzilla rights holder Toho is based. Legendary, which moved from Warner Bros to Universal, had developed the Skull Island film at the latter studio. It is unclear at the moment what Universal's position will be, but Deadline hears the studio move is being done because it is just easier to have all the pieces under one roof, something that Marvel Studios has done with superheroes like The Hulk. King Kong is in the public domain, while Legendary got the Godzilla rights from Toho.

The Kong: Skull Island film is casting quickly. Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston and Corey Hawkins are set and Samuel L. Jackson was in line to star, with Tom Wilkinson also offered a big role and John C. Reilly atop the list for another main role. Jordan Vogt-Roberts is directing a script by John Gatins and Max Borenstein, and they are eyeing a production start of late year or early 2016. Universal had been set to release the film March 10, 2017, with a Imax 3D a big part of the release plan.

Legendary's King Kong On Move To Warner Bros, Presaging Godzilla Monster Matchup
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Update: August 25, 2015

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON Actor Joins KONG: SKULL ISLAND

Jason Mitchell, the young actor making a breakout with his portrayal of rapper Eazy-E in Straight Outta Compton, is in negotiations to join the cast of Legendary's Kong: Skull Island. The move will reunite him with Corey Hawkins, his Compton co-star (he played Dr. Dre) who is already cast in the monster movie.

Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and Toby Kebbell are also already on the manifest of the ship that takes a crew of explorers to the mysterious, creature-laden isle that is also the home of Kong, the king of the apes. Insiders say that Mitchell will play an easy going pilot.

Jordan Vogt-Roberts is directing the big-budget project, which last week brought on screenwriter Derek Connolly for rewrites as it heads toward a late-October production start in Hawaii. The movie is scheduled for a March 10, 2017, release.

Mitchell is currently shooting Keanu, the New Line comedy from Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, and will be seen in the indie Vincent-N-Roxxy with Emile Hirsch and Zoe Kravitz. This is his first deal since bursting off the screen in Compton, in which he portrayed the key member of the N.W.A. who died of complications from AIDS in 1995.

'Straight Outta Compton' Star Jason Mitchell Lands 'Kong: Skull Island' Role (Exclusive)
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Update: August 20, 2015

Toby Kebbell Joins Tom Hiddleston in KONG: SKULL ISLAND

Toby Kebbell, who is coming off a villainous turn as Dr. Doom in Fantastic Four, is in negotiations to join the cast of Legendary and Universal's monster movie, Kong: Skull Island. Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and Corey Hawkins are starring in the project, with Samuel L. Jackson and John C. Reilly circling the roll call.

Jordan Vogt-Roberts is sitting in the director's chair to tell the tale of a team of explorers venture into the mysterious, creature-laden isle that is also the home of the king of the apes. Screenwriter Derek Connolly has been brought on to work on the project as it heads towards a late October production start in Hawaii. Legendary's Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni are producing with Mary Parent. The movie is scheduled for a March 10, 2017 release.

Legendary is already a fan of Kebbell's, having hired him for it fantasy movie Warcraft. The actor is also one of the stars of MGM's Ben-Hur and will appear in J.A. Bayona's A Monster Calls.

'Fantastic Four' Actor Toby Kebbell Joins the Cast of 'Kong: Skull Island' (Exclusive)
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Update: August 19, 2015

JURASSIC WORLD Screenwriter Heads to KONG: SKULL ISLAND

Derek Connolly is doing a little island hopping. Monster Island, that is. Connolly, who is director Colin Trevorrow's frequent writing partner, was a co-screenwriter on this summer's Jurassic World, helping reboot the dinosaurs-run-amok-on-an-island franchise.

Now the scribe has been brought on to work on Kong: Skull Island, Legendary and Universal's monster movie that is steeped in the lore of King Kong. The scribe is doing some late minute work as the movie is deep in the casting stages and heading for a late October start in Hawaii. The pic will also shoot in Iceland and Vietnam. Max Borenstein (Godzilla), John Gatins (Flight) and Dan Gilroy (Nightcrawler) are among those that previously worked on the script.

In addition to Jurassic, Connolly also wrote Trevorrow's 2012 Sundance breakout, Safety Not Guaranteed. Other credits include Paramount's Monster Trucks, directed by Chris Wedge and awaiting release, and has Intelligent Life set up at DreamWorks. The latter, a sc-fi love story, reunites him with Trevorrow.

'Jurassic World' Screenwriter Derek Connolly Heads to 'Kong: Skull Island' (Exclusive)

 

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Update: August 6, 2015

Samuel L. Jackson in Talks to Join KONG: SKULL ISLAND

While Legendary Pictures has been rounding out the cast for Kong: Skull Island, they recently added Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston and one of the standout young actors from Straight Outta Compton in Corey Hawkins, they still need to replace the male leads after Michael Keaton and JK Simmons exited.

Deadline is reporting that Legendary is in early talks with Samuel L. Jackson to bring his fire to the role that Simmons vacated. They have a small list of actors to play the one Keaton exited due to scheduling, with John C. Reilly atop it, though no offer has yet been made. Tom Wilkinson has also just been offered a lead role in the picture.

Jackson isn't locked yet, but the actor has shown a liking for being part of blockbuster fare like the Star Wars and the Marvel superhero films. If he doesn't have the greatest gross tally of any actor in film history, Skull Island sounds like the kind of film that could help get him there. Jackson will next be seen starring in Quentin Tarantino's post-Civil War era The Hateful Eight.

Samuel L. Jackson, John C. Reilly and Tom Wilkinson Eyed for 'Kong: Skull Island'
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Update: August 5, 2015

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON's Corey Hawkins Joins KONG: SKULL ISLAND

With his breakout role as Dr. Dre in Universal and Legendary’s Straight Outta Compton already receiving early praise, Corey Hawkins is reteaming with Legendary on its King Kong prequel, Kong: Skull Island. Hawkins is in negotiations to join Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson in the action tentpole. Jordan Vogt-Roberts directs the pic.

Legendary seems to want to keep building on this relationship following early reviews of the N.W.A. biopic that signal the film could be a sleeper hit this summer. Besides Straight Outta Compton, Hawkins can also be seen in the upcoming season of AMC’s The Walking Dead. Hawkins graduated from Juilliard and quickly landed a role in the most recent Broadway production of Romeo and Juliet.

‘Straight Outta Compton’s’ Corey Hawkins Joins ‘Skull Island’ (Exclusive)
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Update: July 23, 2015

Brie Larson Lands the Female Lead in KONG: SKULL ISLAND

Brie Larson has signed on to star as the female lead in Legendary's Kong: Skull Island with Tom Hiddleston. The King Kong origin story will be directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts from a script by John Gatins and Max Borenstein. Kong: Skull Island is an origin story taking place on King Kong's island as a team of explorers trek into his home.

Larson's past film credits includes Scott Pilgrim vs the World, 21 Jump Street, The Spectacular Now and The Gambler. The actress can currently be seen in theaters in hit comedy Trainwreck. Her upcoming films include Digging for Fire and Room, directed by Lenny Abrahamson.

Brie Larson Lands Female Lead in Kong: Skull Island; Russell Crowe Eyed for Role

 

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Update: July 1, 2015

Michael Keaton and J.K. Simmons Exit KONG: SKULL ISLAND

Michael Keaton and J.K. Simmons have exited Legendary Pictures' Kong: Skull Island. Scheduling conflicts are believed to be the principal reason behind both actors' departures. The project, which has Jordan Vogt-Roberts directing from a script written by John Gatins and Max Borenstein, pushed back its production start by a few weeks from the fall to before the end of the year. That, and the fact that it is likely to be a demanding shoot in terms of time, didn't match with their other commitments. Tom Hiddleston remains on board.

Legendary is currently out to cast to replace both actors pronto and does not envisage any delays to getting principal going by the tail end of 2015. Legendary's Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni produce with Alex Garcia and Mary Parent, and Eric McLeod is exec producing. Universal Pictures will release the King Kong-inspired film in 3D and IMAX 3D on March 10, 2017.

The filmmakers have been promising Kong: Skull Island will fully immerse audiences in the mysterious and dangerous home of the iconic ape as a team of explorers ventures deep inside the treacherous, primordial island. Given the giant box office takings of Jurassic World, Universal will be hoping this reboot can deliver some more monster grosses of its own.

Michael Keaton And JK Simmons Exit Kong: Skull Island Due to Scheduling Conflicts
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Update: January 15, 2015

J.K. Simmons Says SKULL ISLAND Takes Place in 1971 Detroit

Casting is deep underway on Legendary Pictures' upcoming Kong: Skull Island, and now one of the new castmembers has let slip the time period and setting of the film. The film is poised to honor the foundations of existing Kong lore while taking place in a new, distinct timeline, essentially meaning it's not a sequel or remake, but more of a reboot. That timeline apparently involves the 1970s, as new castmember and newly minted Oscar nominee J.K. Simmons revealed that the film takes place in 1971 Detroit.

Speaking with MTV, Simmons revealed that he was skeptical at first about the prospect of a new King Kong movie, but that Vogt-Roberts' vision swayed him:

“When it first came to my attention, ‘There’s interest in you for a new King Kong,’ I thought, ‘Okay, why?’…But I met with Jordon Vogt-Roberts who’s going to be directing it, and John Gatins who’s gonna be writing, and Tom [Hiddleston]—Jordan was just so passionate and so smart and there’s such an interesting new take on it, and it’s set in Detroit in 1971 which is where I grew up, and we’re gonna shoot in Detroit during baseball season and I’ll be able to got to Tigers games, so there’s a lot to like about this movie.”

J.K. Simmons Reveals KONG: SKULL ISLAND Will Take Place in Detroit in 1971

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: January 7, 2015

Michael Keaton Joins Legendary Pictures' KONG: SKULL ISLAND

Fresh off rave reviews for his turn in Birdman, Michael Keaton is finalizing a deal to join the cast of Legendary Pictures' Kong: Skull Island. He will join the previously announced Tom Hiddleston (Thor) and JK Simmons (Whiplash). Jordan Vogt-Roberts directs from a script written by John Gatins and Max Borenstein. Universal Pictures will release the King Kong-inspired film in 3D and IMAX 3D on March 10, 2017.

Kong: Skull Island promises to fully immerse audiences in the mysterious and dangerous home of the iconic ape as a team of explorers ventures deep inside the treacherous, primordial island.

Keaton is receiving strong awards-season buzz for his turn as a washed-up actor tormented by his superhero alter ego/nemesis in Alejandro Gonzales Inarittu's Birdman. He recently wrapped his role in Thomas McCarthy's Catholic Church child-abuse drama Spotlight and is also voicing a role in Illumination Entertainment's animated Minions.

Michael Keaton In Talks To Join KONG: SKULL ISLAND For Legendary Pictures
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Update: December 15, 2014

J.K. Simmons Joins Tom Hiddleston in KONG: SKULL ISLAND

J.K. Simmons, the journeyman actor who's hot as a pistol after his turn in the Damien Chazelle-directed Whiplash, has been set to join Tom Hiddleston in Kong: Skull Island, the Legendary Pictures tent pole that Universal Pictures has set for March 10, 2017 release. Jordan Vogt-Roberts is directing a script by John Gatins and Max Borenstein that focuses on the wild island home of the iconic ape King Kong.

The official description states Kong: Skull Island is a bold new take on the mythos of King Kong. The film will delve deeper into the mythology of King Kong's home, Skull Island, which is filled plenty of other dangerous creatures and beasts. Kong: Skull Island hits theaters on March 10, 2017.

Simmons has turned in great performances of every stripe for years, so good as the patient father of a pregnant teen daughter in Juno, and so deliciously evil as cellmate from hell Vern Schillinger in HBO's Oz. Playing the taskmaster trying to coax greatness out of a young drummer (Miles Teller) in Whiplash, he has got Oscar heat and has been on the radar since the film premiered in Sundance last January.

J.K. Simmons Joins the Cast of Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts' KONG: SKULL ISLAND
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Update: December 12, 2014

SKULL ISLAND Gets a New Title; Release Pushed Back to 2017

Because movie titles need to be as obvious as possible, Skull Island has been re-titled to Kong: Skull Island. Starring Tom Hiddleston, and directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kings of Summer), the film has also been moved from November 4, 2016 to March 10, 2017. The re-titling is an obvious branding movie, but the shift in the release date is a little more interesting. Was Universal nervous about going head to head with Marvel's Doctor Strange? Could be. Or it could just be that the studio didn't want to rush the film and felt it needed more time to complete.

The biggest bummer here is obviously that fans have to wait an extra few months to see the newest King Kong film. After Peter Jackson's 2005 King Kong failed to resonate, fans have been waiting to see the beloved beast back on the big screen. The title change also speaks to the studio's desire to build a franchise, but that's not exactly a surprise given that's how big-budget movies are made these days. It's not a big change, but Skull Island was a great title that could have easily stood on its own.

Kong: Skull Island is an origin tale, exploring the king of the apes' home as a team of explorers ventures deep inside the treacherous, primordial island.

SKULL ISLAND Gets a New Title; Release Date Pushed Back to March 10, 2017

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: September 16, 2014

Tom Hiddleston to Star in Jordan Vogt-Roberts' SKULL ISLAND

Press Release: 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.

Jordan 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.

Tom 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 movies, 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.

Tom Hiddleston to Star in King Kong Pic SKULL ISLAND; Jordan Vogt-Roberts to Direct
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Update: July 28, 2014

ATTACK THE BLOCK Director Joe Cornish Offered SKULL ISLAND

Legendary Pictures wowed the crowd in Hall H by unveiling Skull Island, a new feature by Godzilla scribe Max Borenstein based on the mythic origins of King Kong, where mutant giant creatures rule. They set a November 4, 2016, release and are wasting no time staffing up. Deadline is now reporting that the studio has offered the directing job to Joe Cornish, who has been offered big movies since his low-budget alien-invasion breakthrough pic Attack The Block.

It's still uncertain if Cornish will take the job because he’s offered so much — like Universal’s Section Six, the Aaron Berg-scripted drama about the formation of MI6 Brit intelligence branch, for instance. But this is going to be catnip to some hotshot director. When Peter Jackson re-made King Kong, the part where they landed on Skull Island and ran for their lives from over-sized exotic carnivorous creatures was the highlight of the movie.

Comic-Con: Legendary Wants Joe Cornish For ‘Skull Island’
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July 26, 2014

Legendary Announces New KING KONG Film SKULL ISLAND

A couple of years ago, Legendary Pictures surprised audiences at San Diego Comic-Con by revealing test footage of director Gareth Edwards' Godzilla. The fan reaction to that surprise was a significant factor in Legendary and Warner Bros.' decision to greenlight the film, and during the Legendary panel at Comic-Con earlier today, the studio didn't leave without one more surprise. Some fans were expecting a peek at Jurassic World, though given that Legendary isn't the primary studio on that film it seemed unlikely. Instead, fans were shown an ominous teaser that concluded with the reveal of King Kong himself and the title Skull Island, which the studio intends to release in theaters on November 4, 2016.

Now that Legendary is housed at Universal Pictures, home of the monsters, it appears that CEO Thomas Tull is keen on reviving the classic ape King Kong. The Skull Island teaser was incredibly brief, but it opened with a pan over a violent, storm-entrenched ocean while an ominous passage was read through narration. The camera then found an isolated island, also entrenched in storm, and as it crossed through the untouched trees, bypassed swinging monkeys, and flew with wild birds, it finally came upon Kong himself standing tall and pounding his chest.

Legendary Announces New KING KONG Film SKULL ISLAND with Comic-Con Teaser

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Hope it's set in the same cinematic universe as the recent Godzilla movie.

 

[ufcfan4]

That's cool. Hopefully they do something interesting with it. I really liked the Peter Jackson movie but ultimately couldn't help but feel it didnt have much to say that the classic original hadnt addressed. Obviously it's cool to see far better special effects that weren't possible in the 30s but it still seemed like a been there, done that situation.

 

[ufcfan4]

Hope it's set in the same cinematic universe as the recent Godzilla movie.

Then we can get Godzilla vs. King Kong remake. I'm on board.

 

[Talent]

How many King Kongs (2005) would it take to kill Godzilla (2014)?

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Then we can get Godzilla vs. King Kong remake. I'm on board.

I asked this in the other thread but do you guys want the new King Kong to be the same size as the one in Peter Jackson's movie or closer to the size of the new Godzilla?

 

[Pittie Petey]

I hope theres a shitload of monsters on that island

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

How many King Kongs (2005) would it take to kill Godzilla (2014)?

If they were fighting on solid ground, I would guess 20 King Kongs to take down Godzilla with 3 Kongs surviving in the end.

 

[raty tat tat]

I asked this in the other thread but do you guys want the new King Kong to be the same size as the one in Peter Jackson's movie or closer to the size of the new Godzilla?

It would have to be Godzilla's size of course, I hope they do make it I'd like see
Godzilla battle something else then the usual Mothra, Ghidorah or alternate
Godzilla monster.

 

[D Train]

I'm excited for this. He should be standard Kong size.