The last time we checked in on Legendary Pictures’ Kong: Skull Island, the word was that Michael Keaton would join J.K. Simmons and Tom Hiddleston on the project. A lot can change in half a year, as Deadline is reporting that both Keaton and Simmons have now exited the production:
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 doesn’t see this as much of a setback, as the company is focused on replacing both principle actors ASAP. They don’t seem to be worried about any setbacks, and still aim to begin production by year’s end to keep in line with Universal’s updated plans to release this beast in 3D and IMAX 3D on March 10, 2017.
(Via Deadline)
