Michael Keaton & JK Simmons Exit King Kong Skull Island

It’s learned that both Michael Keaton and JK Simmons have exited Legendary’s King Kong Skull Island movie.

Deadline cites scheduling issues as the reason.

Michael Keaton was recently named on a new comic book movie with Imagine Agents, in which he will both star and produce.

J.K. Simmons, current starring in Terminator: Genisys, is a fan hopeful to return to the Spider-Man franchise as J. Jonah Jameson, and interestingly enough, this follows the news of Marvel announcing Tom Holland as Spider-Man. Obviously, the two may not be connected, but at least there is some hope there.

Tom Hiddleston is still on board Skull Island.

Kong: Skull: Island has a March 10, 2017 directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts with a script by John Gatins and Max Borenstein.

Synopsis:

In the spirit of its worldwide blockbuster Godzilla, Legendary Pictures presents a bold new take on the mythos of another iconic beast with Kong: Skull Island, which stars Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers and Thor series).

Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (The Kings of Summer) and written by John Gatins(Flight) and Max Borenstein (Godzilla), Kong: Skull Island will 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.

Thomas Tull (Godzilla, The Dark Knight, Pacific Rim) and Jon Jashni (Godzilla, Warcraft) will produce and Alex Garcia (Godzilla) will executive produce. The film will be released in 3D and IMAX 3D by Universal Pictures.