Summary

• Legendary Entertainment is developing a Pacific Rim prequel TV series in collaboration with Eric Heisserer.
• The show will extend the Pacific Rim universe, though the plot has not yet been revealed.
• Although a Pacific Rim 3 remains uncertain, the TV series further demonstrates the franchise's storytelling transition towards television.

The Pacific Rim universe is expanding through a new prequel series. Pacific Rim was originally a 2013 film directed by Guillermo del Toro, featuring a leading cast including Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Burn Gorman, Charlie Day, and Max Martini. The plot focuses on a war between humans and the kaiju that begin to take over the world, and was followed up by the poorly-reviewed film Pacific Rim Uprising.

As per Variety, a new Pacific Rim TV series is now in development. The show will come as a result of a first-look deal between Legendary Entertainment and Eric Heisserer, which includes multiple projects. The plot has not yet been revealed for the Pacific Rim show, but it is confirmed to be a prequel to the film franchise. Legendary Television president Jason Clodfelter spoke highly of Heisserer in a statement, citing the creator's "track record of critical and commercial successes." Check out the full quote from Clodfelter below:

Eric is a multitalented, prolific creator whose track record of critical and commercial successes speaks for itself. We are thrilled to launch our partnership with Eric, Chronology, and Carmen, with a new entry in the epic, globally popular ‘Pacific Rim’ universe. We are certain their vision will make for an enthralling expansion to Legendary’s beloved franchise.

What Does This Mean For Pacific Rim 3's Chances?

Pacific Rim 3 Has Been Floated

While the announcement of the prequel series is news, the continuation of the Pacific Rim series has been long-discussed. A potential Pacific Rim 3 has been the main subject of said discussion, though the 2018 sequel did not perform well financially or critically. Original franchise star Hunnam has even said that he would return for Pacific Rim 3, provided that del Toro were to return in the director's chair. This promise has sparked further discussion of a potential third movie, though nothing has been confirmed.

Hunnam did not return for Pacific Rim Uprising, which was instead led by John Boyega and directed by Steven S. DeKnight.

The development of a Pacific Rim TV series would suggest that Legendary is looking elsewhere within the IP for now. However, the Heisserer series does not necessarily rule out the possibility of another movie. If the show was a direct sequel to the previous movies, it would be easier to assume that the possibility of Pacific Rim 3 would be nixed. As a prequel, however, the television series has the space to be able to explore various plot points without getting in the way of any potential arcs in Pacific Rim 3.

Even though Pacific Rim 3 remains a possibility, it still seems like the IP is trending in the direction of television. This pattern is further seen with the computer animated series Pacific Rim: The Black, which aired two seasons on Netflix in 2021 and 2022. With another Pacific Rim series on its way, the wait for a potential third movie may grow, but at least more stories in the IP can be explored with Legendary's next franchise project.

Source: Variety