“Legendary’s ‘Pacific Rim 2,’ originally scheduled for release on August 4, 2017, will be redated at a later time. The filmmakers, Legendary and Universal Pictures are committed to having ‘Pacific Rim 2,’ the sequel to 2013’s ‘Pacific Rim,’ which generated more $411 million at the global box office, be the vanguard, fully-immersive experience that the franchise deserves. To this end, the decision was made to delay the production and release of ‘Pacific Rim’ so that the creative team can continue in its efforts to exceed the amazing experience of the first film.”
So taking over the August 4th 2017 date will be Pitch Perfect 3, which had previously been set for a month earlier. The only details available on that one are that Kay Cannon will once again pen the script with Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson returning.
While Del Toro is already busy helping Jon Spaihts and Travis Beacham hammer out a screenplay for Pacific Rim 2, it won't be the next film he directs. In a recent Variety piece, Del Toro revealed he would next film "a small, independently financed movie that he is keeping under tight wraps." A little over a year ago he talked about making a small black & white movie before jumping into another blockbuster kaiju flick, and that's probably what he's referring to.
For now, fans can continue to get pumped for Del Toro's horror Crimson Peak which opens October 16th.
