Legendary Pictures announced today that Thor: The Dark World and Only Lovers Left Alive star Tom Hiddleston is in talks to star in the new King Kong film, Skull Island, with The Kings of Summer and You’re the Worst director Jordan Vogt-Roberts at the helm.
Unfortunately we still don’t know much about the project, though it will explore the titular island that King Kong and various other mysterious and monstrous creatures call home. Previous reports suggested that Attack the Block helmer Joe Cornish was on the studio’s mind for the directing job, but they must have found something special in Vogt-Roberts.
This is not the only high-profile project on Vogt-Roberts and Hiddleston’s plates, however. Vogt-Roberts is already signed on to direct Metal Gear Solid for Sony, though that project will likely get pushed aside for now. Hiddleston, on the other hand, has a few upcoming films on his slate, and is in contention for the Ben-Hur remake.
You can read Legendary’s press release below. Skull Island is set to hit theaters on November 4, 2016.
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.
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. He is represented by UTA, 3 Arts Entertainment and attorneys Alan Wertheimer and Andy Gawker.
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, THOR: THE DARK WORLD, 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. He is repped by William Morris Endeavor, Hamilton Hodell and Authentic Management.
