Pacific Rim

‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ is finally here! Though ‘Pacific Rim’ was something of a surprise hit when it arrived in the summer of 2013, Legendary Pictures certainly took their sweet time on the sequel. To be sure, that’s not the worst thing. Better a movie be done right than done quick, after all. But it can nonetheless get frustrating with a franchise as rife with potential as this one.

Of course, potential all well and good, but the real question is whether or not it will be realized. Now, it’s still a bit early to say with any certainty whether or not ‘Pacific Rim 3’ is in the cards, but at the very least we know that Stephen S. DeKnight is well prepared should the call come in. Speaking to Cinema Blend, the director outlined his hopes for the future:

“I can’t give any details, but yes, I have a very clear idea [for the future]. When we were developing ‘Uprising’ I was constantly jotting down notes about what I would want to do for the next movie. So I have a very, very rough outline of what that movie would be. And the plan was always to do the third installment, and then at the end of that movie expand the universe to a ‘Star Wars’/’Star Trek’-style [franchise] where it could go in many different directions. Different stories, main canon, standalones, the whole thing.”

DeKnight’s plans are nothing if not ambitious, a fact that makes perfect sense given his background in episodic television. Creative success in that world often hinges on an ability to plan ahead, particularly when one’s resume runs the gamut from ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ to ‘Daredevil’. If nothing else, it’s good to know that ‘Pacific Rim’ continues to benefit from that level planning and ambition.

Directed by Stephen S. DeKnight, ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ stars John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Charlie Day, Burn Gorman, and Rinko Kikuchi. The film is now playing in theaters. You can check out our review here.