Michael Keaton may Head to 'Kong: Skull Island'

Bats, birds, and now apparently gorillas. Michael Keaton has been riding high after his acclaimed performance in Birdman, and may be walking away with an Oscar when all is said and done. Thankfully, he's not going to fade into the background once the buzz winds down. Deadline reports Keaton is now in talks to join Legendary's Kong Kong film, Kong: Skull Island.

Directed by Jordan Vogt-Robert (The Kings of Summer) and set to star Tom Hiddleston and JK Simmons, the film takes audiences to King Kong's dangerous and mysterious home where a team of explorers attempt to find the legendary "king of the apes". With a script by John Gatins (Real Steel) and Max Borenstein (Godzilla), this promises to be a massive film in more ways than one. During his "comeback" Keaton hasn't shied away from potential franchises, appearing in both Need for Speed and Robocop just last year.

Keaton will be seen next in Tom McCarthy's Catholic Church drama, Spotlight. Kong: Skull Island opens March 10th 2017.

Read More

JK Simmons heads to 'Kong: Skull Island' with Tom Hiddleston

While the recent Golden Globes and Critics Choice nominations have muddied the outlook for the Oscars a little bit, one thing seems abundantly clear: JK Simmons' volatile performance in Whiplash is a shoe-in for Best Supporting Actor. He's always made for a great addition to any cast, and now he'll be bringing the intensity to Legendary's King Kong prequel, Kong: Skull Island.

Recently moved from late 2016 to the following year, Kong: Skull Island will be directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (The Kings of Summer) with Tom Hiddleston starring. Simmons' role is unclear but he'll probably be someone with a temper problem, and hopefully he can get Kong to find the right jazz rhythm. The story will be written by John Gatins (Real Steel) and Max Borenstein (Godzilla), centering on the titular island birthplace of the famous movie gorilla.

Kong: Skull Island opens March 10th 2017.  Simmons will be seen next year as part of Terminator Genisys. [Deadline]

Read More