Spartacus and Daredevil showrunner Steven S DeKnight will direct Pacific Rim 2

It looks like Pacific Rim 2 is moving forward today as Deadline brings word that Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures‘ Pacific Rim 2 has found a director in Steven S DeKnight. DeKnight, best known for his work on Spartacus and Marvel’s Daredevil (and, of course, for guest hosting Most Craved), will make his feature film directing debut with the followup to Guillermo del Toros’ 2013 Kaiju showdown. Until now, it was believed that Del Toro himself would return to helm the followup. The Crimson Peak director just confirmed via Twitter, however, that he’s still closely involved with the project and that the plan is to “expand big.” Check out his tweets on the matter below:

Met w DeKnight and we are all so happy with our choice to take Pac Rim 2to where we know it can go!! — Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) February 24, 2016

Now Pac Rim is a known property and we can expand big! — Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) February 24, 2016

Pacific Rim 2 was originally scheduled for release on April 7, 2017 before being pushed to August 4, 2017 and ultimately removed from the calendar altogether. In a statement, Universal declared they were “committed to having ‘Pacific Rim 2,'” but that the delay was needed so the “creative team can continue in its efforts to exceed the amazing experience of the first film.” That seems to be exactly what is happening with the addition of Steven S DeKnight.

Pacific Rim hit theaters in summer 2013 and grossed just $101 million at the domestic box office but went on to take in over $400 million worldwide. The original film starred Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Robert Kazinsky, Max Martini, and Ron Perlman.

What do you think of Steven S DeKnight as the Pacific Rim 2 director? Let us know in the comments below!

(Photo credit: PNP / WENN.com)