"Pacific Rim 2" just got a lot more exciting as "Star Wars: Episode 7" star John Boyega is poised to become one of the film's major characters.
The possibility of a "Pacific Rim" sequel has been up in the air but Legendary Pictures ultimately decided to green-lit the project. Director Guillermo del Toro has been hard at work on conceptualizing new Jaegers and there will also be an animated series before the sequel hit movie screens.
The production team expressed their excitement on Boyega's inclusion to the cast. Producer Mary Parent said that the addition of the "Star Wars" actor will be a huge boost to the franchise and will give them a fresh outlook on how to approach the new plot.
"It is undeniable that with all his talent and natural charm, John stands out amongst today's generation of young leading men," Parent told Deadline.
"I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox. The 'Pacific Rim' universe will be reinforced with him as a leading man as it continues to be a multicultural, multi-layered world," del Toro told the publication.
He also said that the same concept will apply in the sequel where pilots will be tasked to protect the world from another invasion. "'The World saving the world' was our goal and I couldn't think of a better man for the job," del Toro added.
With Boyega's addition, it seems like del Toro will indeed go with his initial concept of different countries creating their own Jaegers to battle new Kaijus. The director hinted that there will be a Mexican Jaeger.
Meanwhile, Charlie Hunnam, the protagonist of the first installment is said to be joining the cast as well. He also expressed his concern on character depth and he felt like the movie focused on special effects too much. His partner in the first movie, Rinko Kikuchi will also reprise her role as Mako.
Upon the announcement of Boyega's inclusion, some theories surfaced online where Boyega's character will be the son of Stacker Pentecost, the character Idris Elba portrayed in the first film, Ars Technica reported.
Here are other fan ideas on "Pacific Rim 2."