Universal Takes ‘Pacific Rim 2’ Off Their Release Calendar

Technically the apocalypse isn’t cancelled. But it’s definitely delayed.

First came word that Pacific Rim 2, the sequel to the Guillermo del Toro-directed sci-fi extravaganza about giant robots fighting giant monsters, was “halted indefinitely.” Then del Toro told us at the junket for Crimson Peak that the movie was still happening (“We’re working on the budget. We’re working on the screenplay. And I think the need was to send a budget and screenplay that fit. Once that is done, we’ll know if it goes or not. For the moment, it’s not canceled.”)

Today the seesaw swings back in the other direction with another new development: Universal has, officially now, yanked Pacific Rim 2 from their upcoming release calendar. Here’s the press release (via Collider):

Legendary’s Pacific Rim 2, originally scheduled for release on August 4, 2017, will be redated at a later time.  The filmmakers, Legendary and Universal Pictures are committed to having Pacific Rim 2, the sequel to 2013’s Pacific Rim, which generated more $411 million at the global box office, be the vanguard, fully-immersive experience that the franchise deserves.  To this end, the decision was made to delay the production and release of Pacific Rim 2 so that the creative team can continue in its efforts to exceed the amazing experience of the first film.

Pacific Rim 2 is the follow-up to Guillermo del Toro’s 2013 epic action-adventure, with a script penned by del Toro, Jon Spaihts (Passengers,Prometheus) and Travis Beacham. Universal Pictures will release the film worldwide in 3D and IMAX.

The Pacific Rim 2 delay will also affect Pitch Perfect 3. The third installment in the epic a capella franchise will now slide into that August 4, 2017 release date. That’s not a huge change; the film was originally scheduled to open on July 21, 2017. (“Today, we are postponing the aca-pocalypse!”)

So how bleak do things look for Pacific Rim 2? Maybe not quite apocalyptic yet, but we’re getting there. The press release claims this is a delay, not a cancellation, and that Universal “will release the film worldwide in 3D and IMAX.” But anytime a movie gets pushed back without a firm replacement date, you have to wonder if it’s ever going to see the light of day.

Pacific Rim was an expensive proposition, and it wasn’t a massive blockbuster; grossing a good-not-great-$411 million worldwide. If you really want to see this movie, you should probably make sure you buy a ticket to Crimson Peak. If del Toro proves he can turn artful weirdness into big box office, someone’s going to be much more inclined to fork over the bucks he needs to make Pacific Rim 2.