Pacific Rim, which hit theaters three years ago in 2013, was never as popular anywhere else in the world as it was in China. The eastern audience made up over a fourth of the worldwide viewership, grossing $112 million just from that country alone. Now, with Legendary Pictures having been acquired by the Wanda Group, Pacific Rim: Maelstrom has added one more Chinese actor to its cast. Zhang Jin will be joining the likes of Wesley Wong, Lily Ji, Jing Tian, Qian Yongchen, Lan Yingying, and Chen Zitong. Plot details have yet to emerge, including the movie’s setting. We do know, however, that Chinese influence will feature prominently in the film, as a quote by Wanda Group Vice President Jack Gao states:
“We are very excited that we have such amazing Chinese talent joining us on Pacific Rim – our new story has a strong connection to China and this great Chinese cast will help us bring it to life.”
There’s plenty of western talent on the scene as well. Director Steven S. DeKnight brings with him John Boyega (Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens), Scott Eastwood (Suicide Squad), and Cailee Spaeny. It’s a wide variety of actors with a wide variety of titles on their resumes, from superheroes to space operas to martial arts flicks. The far-reaching talent was one of the most notable high points of the first film, and it seems as though that element will continue to be present in the sequel. With production having begun in earnest, Pacific Rim: Maelstrom is set to arrive on the big screen on August 4, 2017.
If for some inscrutable reason, giant robots battling giant monsters isn’t your thing, there’s plenty more movie goodness at The Nerd Stash to get your fill from.
