The Pacific Rim universe is about to expand with a new live-action prequel series, and the big question on fans’ minds is whether Charlie Hunnam, the original pilot of Raleigh Becket, will return for the new show.
A New Chapter for Pacific Rim
The prequel series, set to stream on Prime Video, is a major milestone for the Pacific Rim franchise. The series is being developed by Legendary Television and Amazon MGM Studios. Oscar-nominated writer Eric Heisserer, known for his work on Arrival and the Shadow and Bone series, will write and executive produce. Heisserer’s involvement is expected to bring a fresh yet familiar perspective to the Pacific Rim saga.
While plot details remain scarce, the prequel will explore the early days of humanity’s battle against the Kaiju, the monstrous creatures that emerge from an interdimensional rift in the Pacific Ocean. This timeline takes place before the events of the 2013 Pacific Rim film, where Hunnam’s character, Raleigh Becket, was one of the heroic Jaeger pilots.
Charlie Hunnam’s Potential Return
The new series’ timeline makes it difficult for Charlie Hunnam’s character, Raleigh Becket, to return. However, it’s not entirely impossible. Fans remember Hunnam’s role as a Jaeger pilot in the original Pacific Rim film, directed by Guillermo del Toro. His performance helped propel the movie into a global hit, grossing $411 million worldwide.
In interviews, Hunnam has been clear about his loyalty to del Toro, stating that if del Toro were involved in any future Pacific Rim projects, he would be more than willing to return. “I would do anything that Guillermo was doing. If Guillermo invites me to do Pacific Rim 3, I’ll be there, or anything else he wants me to do,” Hunnam told Inverse in 2024.
However, while the director’s involvement with the series has not been confirmed, Hunnam’s return would depend heavily on the show’s creative direction. A cameo or flashback role could be a possibility, given the series’ focus on the earlier years of the Pacific Rim universe.
The Development Of The Pacific Rim Series
The prequel series is just the beginning. Reports suggest that new Pacific Rim films could also be in the works, with the franchise still ripe for further exploration. While the series takes priority, there are still plenty of opportunities for new movies in the Pacific Rim universe.
The 2018 sequel, Pacific Rim: Uprising, introduced a new generation of Jaeger pilots, with John Boyega playing the role of Jake Pentecost, the son of Stacker Pentecost, portrayed by Idris Elba. Boyega has hinted that a third film might explore the possibility of Jaeger pilots traveling to the Kaiju’s world, expanding the Pacific Rim universe even further.
Despite this, Heisserer’s prequel will likely introduce fresh characters and plotlines, which could sideline Hunnam’s character, Raleigh Becket, in favor of new heroes. As for now, fans will have to wait for more details about the casting and the series’ premiere date.
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