Pacific Rim 2 Delayed, But Still Happening

There has been some confusion as to the status of the Pacific Rim sequel over the past few weeks. It has now been officially removed from its scheduled release slot, but distributors Universal have confirmed that this is just a delay, not a cancelation.

As Entertainment Weekly reports, Universal has issued a statement, clarifying that the sci-fi action movie will no longer be released on August 4, 2017. The statement reads:

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."

The August 4 slot is now occupied by the comedy sequel Pitch Perfect 3, which has been moved back two weeks.

Earlier this month, there was some suggestion that Pacific Rim 2 might be cancelled entirely, despite the healthy worldwide box office of its predecessor. This was refuted by director Guillermo Del Toro, who stated: "We are still turning in a screenplay and a budget in three weeks. As far as I'm concerned, it's not gone. We're still on it."

Pacific Rim was released in July 2013, and starred Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, and Ron Perlman.