With filming now underway on Pacific Rim: Maelstrom, it was only a matter of time before we got the first batch of set pics. Sure enough, they’ve found their way online tonight and while we only get three snaps, they offer up a good look at Star Wars: The Force Awakens‘ John Boyega resting between takes, getting his makeup done and shooting a scene.
Set to play the son of Idris Elba’s Stacker Pentecost from the first film, we really don’t know much about the actor’s role here, as plot details have been understandably scarce so far. And to be honest, that’s totally fine with us. At this point, we’re just happy to see Maelstrom in production.
After all, it’s been a long and bumpy road for the sequel. Though Pacific Rim scored big with fans and did alright at the box office, it took a long time for the studio to greenlight a second one. For a while, it looked like it wouldn’t happen at all – especially once Guillermo del Toro revealed that he wouldn’t return to direct. Luckily, Legendary came to their senses and gave Maelstrom the green light, with Daredevil showrunner Steven S. DeKnight at the helm and a whole new cast attached.
That new cast comprises Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Jing Tian and Levi Meaden. Ron Perlman is rumored to be returning, but aside from him, it doesn’t seem like anyone from the first outing will be back. Whether or not that spells trouble for the sequel remains to be seen, but we’re hopeful for a worthy follow-up to what was, in our opinion at least, a pretty fantastic blockbuster.
Guillermo del Toro had a hand in writing the screenplay, and DeKnight has certainly delivered in the past, so all things considered, Pacific Rim: Maelstrom should be in good hands. Not to mention that Boyega is an exciting and strong screen presence, one who can surely carry a larger than life film such as this. At least, we hope he can.
Regardless, we’re very, very excited for this particular sequel and with Pacific Rim: Maelstrom now well into production, you can expect some more set photos, and perhaps even the first teaser trailer, to emerge in the near future.