Jackson and Reilly are being considered by Universal Pictures to replace recently-exiting actors J.K. Simmons and Michael Keaton while Wilkinson is circling another lead role.
- Aug 7, 2015
AceShowbiz - Following J.K. Simmons and Michael Keaton's exit from Universal Pictures' fantasy movie "Kong: Skull Island", the studio is looking for replacements. According to Deadline, Samuel L. Jackson and John C. Reilly are two potential names to replace Simmons and Keaton.
The actor who portrays Nick Fury in "The Avengers" is reportedly in early talks to take the role that is left vacant by the Oscar winner. Meanwhile, Reilly is at the top of a list of actors being considered to replace Keaton. Additionally, Tom Wilkinson ("Batman Begins") has been offered another lead role in the movie.
However, none of those actors has officially signed on. Previously, Russell Crowe was reported to replace Keaton, but the studio has not confirmed whether Crowe is out of contention or is still attached to the list which also contains Reilly. If the deals are made, Jackson, Reilly and Wilkinson will join the likes of Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson as well as the newly-added actor Corey Hawkins ("Straight Outta Compton").
As of now, plot details are still scarce and there is no word yet about what characters those actors will play. "Kings of Summer" helmer Jordan Vogt-Roberts will direct the movie from a script written by John Gatins and Max Borenstein. Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Mary Parent produce with Alex Garcia and Eric McLeod exec producing. Set to feature the origin story of Kong, the movie is scheduled to be released in U.S. theaters on March 10, 2017.
