Though Pacific Rim was a bit underwhelming in the U.S, where it grossed $101 million, but found huge overseas numbers, particularly in China, where it grossed $111 million. Those numbers were just enough to garner a sequel, Pacific Rim 2, that will be directed by Steven DeKnight. Currently, the film stars John Boyega and Scott Eastwood, and it’s still not clear if anyone from the first film will be returning. While Charlie Hunnam has said he will not be reprising his role in the sequel, Guillermo del Toro that most of the original cast would return.

With most the major pieces already in place, it was only a matter of time before Legendary would be announcing a start date for the production. Now the production company can say that Pacific Rim 2 will begin lensing this November, and Chinese actress Jing Tian will be joining the cast. More on the story below.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, filming will take place in both Australia and China in November. We still know next to nothing about the film, other than it will follow the events of the first film which was directed by del Toro. In fact, the only plot detail that was offered in the announcement was that the sequel is “based on the world created by Guillermo del Toro and Travis Beacham.” While del Toro won’t be directing the sequel, he will still remain on board as a producer. Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, and Jon Jashni will also be producers on the film.

As for the addition of Tian, she is best known for starring in Chinese productions such as New Police Story and Special ID. She will also star in two Legendary productions next year, starring alongside Matt Damon In The Great Wall in February 2017 and Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson in Kong: Skull Island in March 2017. It’s no surprise that there is a large Chinese influence in casting and shooting locations considering that Legendary is owned by the Wanda group.

While I wasn’t fully on board for the first Pacific Rim, I am willing to give the sequel a chance considering there is a new director and even a new cast. Certainly, the first film ended on a note where Kaijus could run amuck once again.

Derek Connolly (Jurassic World) wrote the final draft, with Beacham, Zak Penn, and Jon Spaihts all taking passes at the script at some point in time.

Pacific Rim 2 also stars Cailee Spaeny. It opens in theaters on February 23, 2018.

[Source: The Hollywood Reporter]