Michael Keaton in Talks to Join Universal's New Movie 'Kong: Skull Island'
Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures has reportedly tapped Michael Keaton to join their upcoming action adventure film "Kong: Skull Island," which is set for release in 2017.
Word has gone around that Keaton is finalizing a deal with Universal and Legendary to play a part in the Jordan Vogt-Roberts-helmed film, which is slated to come out March 10, 2017. Should Keaton reach a deal with both companies, he'll be joining the likes of previously confirmed actors, Marvel's "The Avengers" actor Tom Hiddleston and "Spider-Man" actor J.K. Simmons.
The production of a "Kong: Skull Island" film was first announced at last year's Comic-Con. Reports have it that instead of showing King Kong, his capture and his move to the big city, the film will explore the events prior to that and explore the giant ape's dangerous jungle habitat.
Reports also claimed that the story will center on a team of explorers that planned to venture deep inside the primordial island of King Kong's home. It hasn't been confirmed if Keaton, Hiddleston or Simmons will be part of the rumored team.
Joining Vogt-Roberts in "Koing: Skull Island" are writers Max Borenstein and John Gatins. It will be produced by Jon Jashni, Alex Garcia and Thomas Tull, with Eric McLeod as executive producer. The film will reportedly come out in IMAX 3D and 3D.
Keaton is currently making headlines due to his performance as Riggan Thomson in last year's "Birdman" by Director Alejandro González Iñárritu. The black comedy has been nominated in the Golden Globe Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
He also appeared in last year's "Need for Speed" and "RoboCop" and wrapped up work on drama film "Spotlight" by Director Tim McCarthy, in which he will star alongside Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams. He is set to appear as one of the voices for DreamWorks Animation's animated spinoff film "Minions" in July.