'Skull Island' Rewrite Coming From 'Flight' Screenwriter

So far, it's been nothing but good news on the Skull Island front. After the surprise announcement at Comic-Con, we found out that Jordan Vogt-Roberts will direct. Then we heard Tom Hiddleston will star. And now it's more good news as Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Gatins has been brought on for a rewrite.

How is a rewrite good news? Well, besides the addition of a talented new team member, the original script by Max Borenstein was strong enough to attract the star, director, and a two year advance release date. Hopefully, things can only get better. Read more about the Skull Island script below.

Deadline broke the news of Gatins coming on board the project. There are no details on what, if anything, he's specifically being called upon to do. Looking at his previous projects, though (Summer Catch, Hardball, Coach Carter, Dreamer and Real Steel before the Oscar nomination for Flight) it probably has something to do with inspirational sports stories.

All kidding aside, Gatins' task probably is to add more emotion into the story. That's obviously his forte and something all the best big blockbusters have. (And which most blockbusters lack.)

Skull Island is a pseudo-prequel to the original King Kong explaining how the 8th wonder of the world became the ape we all know and love. It's set for release November 4, 2016, the same day as Marvel's Doctor Strange. Here's the official press release:Legendary announced its plans to make a feature film based on the cinematic origins of King Kong during this year's San Diego Comic Con with an original draft of the script by Max Borenstein. Previous works have touched on the island, but staying on and exploring this mysterious and dangerous place offers Legendary the opportunity to take audiences deeper inside this rich world with a style and scope that parallels other Legendary productions. Universal Pictures will distribute the film on November 4, 2016.Vogt-Roberts directed and executive produced the Sundance darling THE KINGS OF SUMMER.  He has also directed the pilot and multiple episodes of FX's new series "You're the Worst" and is set to direct METAL GEAR SOLID for Sony. His other credits include directing the pilot of "Cocked" for Amazon Studios and directing and executive producing the concert documentary NICK OFFERMAN: AMERICAN HAM. He is represented by UTA, 3 Arts Entertainment and attorneys Alan Wertheimer and Andy Gawker. Hiddleston's credits include MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE, and WAR HORSE. He is also known for portraying Thor's nemesis and brother, Loki, in Marvel's THOR, THOR: THE DARK WORLD, and THE AVENGERS. Upcoming projects include Legendary's gothic horror CRIMSON PEAK from director Guillermo del Toro, Ben Wheatley's adaptation of J.G. Ballard's HIGH-RISE and Marc Abraham's Hank Williams biopic I SAW THE LIGHT. He is repped by William Morris Endeavor, Hamilton Hodell and Authentic Management. 

Header image: King Kong Portrait by Wei Lin Ke