Michael Keaton, who could win an Oscar next month for his stellar performance in Birdman, is reportedly in talks to join Kong: Skull Island, the King Kong spin-off in the works at Legendary.
The casting was first reported by Deadline, which notes that the former Batman star is in final negotiations to join the project. He will join an already talented cast that includes J.K. Simmons and Thor’s Tom Hiddleston. (Coincidentally, Simmons is also expected to be up for an Oscar for his supporting performance in Whiplash.)
Back in December, Legendary and Universal, which will distribute the film, decided to add the Kong name to the title. It is being directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts from a script by John Gatis and Mav Borenstein.
Skull Island will answer the mysteries of the island that Kong comes from, where giant apes live alongside dinosaurs and giant spiders.
Before Skull Island, Keaton will also be seen in Spotlight, Thomas McCarthy’s film about child abuse in the Catholic Church. He’s also lending his voice to the Despicable Me spin-off Minions.
Skull Island is scheduled for release on Nov. 4, 2016.
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