Two years ago, Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. ended their eight-year collaboration, with the former striking a new deal with Universal Pictures. This partnership has proved successful, as Legendary enjoyed some of the massive profits from "Jurassic World" ($1.65 billion worldwide). However, Legendary may be going back to WB with their upcoming "Kong: Skull Island" in an attempt to recreate a historic crossover.
Deadline recently reported that Legendary and WB are mutually interested in a King Kong/Godzilla crossover. The report indicates that the former is still planning on developing "Godzilla 2," but that the follow up after that will see the King of the Monsters square off against the last Great Ape. Of course, "Kong: Skull Island" likely has to hit it big at the box office to spur any further action on this idea, but the seeds have been planted.
Last year's "Godzilla" grossed $529 million worldwide but was met with mixed critical reception. Similarly, Peter Jackson's 2005 movie "King Kong" notched $550 at the global box office but wasn't everyone's cup of tea.
Universal's role in all of this is unknown at this point. But Deadline reports that Legendary prefers to have the possible crossover franchise under one studio roof to making the development process run smoother.
At this moment, though, "Skull Island" has gone through some rough waters. Michael Keaton and J.K Simmons were originally signed on but recently dropped out. Despite this, director Jordan Vogt Roberts has still amassed an impressive cast that includes Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Toby Kebbell, Tom Wilkinson, John C. Reily and possibly even Samuel L. Jackson.
Devoted fans will no doubt point to the 1962 film "King Kong vs. Godzilla" upon reading this. But with modern CGI and visual effects, a new movie featuring these two would be an entirely different animal.
"Kong: Skull Island" is slated for a 2017 release.
