Originally set for release on April 7th, 2017, Pacific Rim 2 was removed from Universal’s release schedule and seemingly delayed indefinitely. Of course, the addition of Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ John Boyega changed things, and they’ve now dated it for February 23rd, 2018. That means it will open a week after Black Panther, a risky move by the studio.

Regardless, things do now seem to be coming together as it has been revealed tonight that Scott Eastwood is being eyed for a key role. No details beyond that have been made available, but this looks set to be a pretty big deal for the actor (who is the son of Clint Eastwood) after smaller roles in blockbusters like Suicide Squad and Fast and Furious 8.

Production on Pacific Rim 2 is set to begin later this year. Boyega will play the son of Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba’s character from the first instalment). Steven S. DeKnight (Daredevil) will direct from a script by Jurassic World co-writer Derek Connolly. Original helmer Guillermo del Toro and franchise co-creator Travis Beacham look set to produce the follow-up.

Pacific Rim grossed $411 million worldwide back in 2013, and as with Warcraft, most of that came from overseas (China, specifically). While the movie was certainly divisive, it’s gained a pretty devoted fanbase who have been hoping for a sequel for the past few years now, so a lot of people will no doubt be excited about this happening despite Del Toro not directing.