‘Kong: Skull Island’ Adds Samuel L. Jackson

Big day for news out of Kong: Skull Island. Legendary’s new King Kong movie has had some actor shuffles over the last couple of months, but they may be close to finalizing their cast pretty soon. Samuel L. Jackson is in talks to head to the island along with Tom Wilkinson, while John C. Reilly is being sought after for a role as well.

Deadline reports that Jackson is in early talks for Skull Island, taking the role previously held by J.K. Simmons. Russell Crowe was also recently in talks to replace Simmons — so that gives you an idea of the intensity the role requires. The production has been diversifying their casting, as Variety reported yesterday that Straight Outta Compton breakout Corey Hawkins has also joined the roster.

Wilkinson is also in talks for a leading role, while director Jordan Vogt-Roberts is very interested in casting John C. Reilly in a supporting role.

Kong: Skull Island also stars Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson, though details remain scarce on their characters. The film was written by John Gatins and Max Borenstein, with Nightcrawler writer / director Dan Gilroy recently working on a draft. Here’s the official and very vague description from Legendary:

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.

Kong: Skull Island hits theaters on March 10, 2017.