Michael Keaton In Talks To Join KONG: SKULL ISLAND

Michael Keaton has earned rave reviews for his stellar performance in 2014's Birdman, and now it would seem he's parlaying his career resurgence into a role in what could be one of the biggest blockbusters of 2017. THR reports that Keaton is in talks to join the cast of Kong: Skull Island, the King Kong spin-off film that already has Tom Hiddleston and J.K. Simmons set to star.

I'm definitely on board with Keaton joining a big blockbuster like this, but there's no word yet on what character he might play, largely because most of the film's details are still shrouded in secrecy. The script is still being worked on by Flight and Need For Speed scribe John Gatins (Godzilla writer Max Borenstein wrote the original draft), and Legendary Pictures and Universal have set a release date of March 10th, 2017. The Kings of Summer helmer Jordan Vogt-Roberts is directing, and here's what little information we do have about the film thus far:

In the spirit of its worldwide blockbuster Godzilla, Legendary Pictures presents a bold new take on the mythos of another iconic beast with KONG: SKULL ISLAND, which stars Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers and Thor series). Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (The Kings of Summer) and written by John Gatins (Flight) and Max Borenstein (Godzilla), KONG: SKULL ISLAND will fully immerse audiences in the mysterious and dangerous home of the king of the apes as a team of explorers ventures deep inside the treacherous, primordial island. Legendary’s story honors the foundations of existing King Kong lore, but places it in an entirely new, distinct timeline. Thomas Tull (Godzilla, The Dark Knight, Pacific Rim) and Jon Jashni (Godzilla, upcoming Warcraft) will produce and Alex Garcia (Godzilla) will executive produce. The film will be released in 3D and IMAX 3D by Universal Pictures.