‘Kong’ Moves to WB With ‘Godzilla’ Hinting at Epic Crossover

Here’s a bit of news that will definitely raise an eyebrow or two: Legendary Pictures executive Thomas Tull is relocating Kong: Skull Island from its home at Universal over to Warner Bros., where it will join Legendary’s other famous monster, Godzilla. It’s a move that obviously hints at a crossover between the two titans, who previously came to blows in 1962's King Kong vs. Godzilla.

Deadline reports that Tull has moved Kong: Skull Island over to Warner Bros., which currently has distribution rights for Godzilla. Legendary recently moved from Warner Bros. to Universal, while Godzilla — and any future sequel — remains with the former. According to the report, Legendary is planning a Godzilla and King Kong crossover film after the release of the Godzilla sequel, which is currently in development, although there’s no confirmation yet if Gareth Edwards will return to helm the sequel following his work on Star Wars: Rogue One.

So far we know that Kong: Skull Island will return the iconic movie monster to his mythological home, a dangerous place where creatures thought to be extinct still roam freely. The film stars Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, and Straight Outta Compton duo Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell. Samuel L. Jackson, John C. Reilly and Tom Wilkinson are also in talks for leading roles. Jordan Vogt-Roberts is directing the film, which heads into production this fall in Hawaii. John Gatins, Max Borenstein, Dan Gilroy previously contributed to the screenplay, with Jurassic World scribe Derek Connolly recently brought aboard for rewrites.

Kong: Skull Island is targeting a March 20, 2017 release date.