J.K. Simmons spoke briefly with MTV, revealing a major surprise concerning his role in the upcoming Kong: Skull Island. He says that the film will take place in Detroit in 1971.
“When it first came to my attention, ‘There’s interest in you for a new ‘King Kong,’ I thought, ‘Okay… Why?’” Simmons explains, “But then I met with Jordan Vogt-Roberts, who’s going to be directing it and John Gatins, who’s writing and Tom [Hiddleston]. Jordan was just so passionate and so smart. It’s such an intersting, new take on it. It’s set in Detroit in 1971, which is where I grew up. We’re going to shoot it in Detroit during baseball season, so I’ll be able to go to Tigers games! There’s a lot to like about this movie!”
Cast includes J.K. Simmons and Hiddleston, it was recently revealed that Michael Keaton is being sought for a role in the movie as well. It is not confirmed yet but seems more likely.
Kong: Skull Island aims to fully immerse audiences in the mysterious and dangerous home of the king of the apes as a team of explorers ventures deep inside the treacherous, primordial island. Legendary’s story honors the foundations of existing King Kong lore, but places it in an entirely new, distinct timeline.
Release Date March 10, 2017.