After helping director Colin Trevorrow build the story for Universal's mega-blockbuster Jurassic World, Warner Bros. is bringing on screenwriter Derek Connolly to write the script for Kong: Skull Island. The Hollywood Reporter reveals that the writer is coming in to do some last-minute work on the script, as the studio continues casting, leading up to an October production start date. Production will start in Hawaii, with the adventure then moving to Iceland and Vietnam.

Kong: Skull Island was first announced at Comic-Con 2014, revealed as a a bold new take on the mythos of King Kong. This new adventure 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. 

Tom Hiddleston has been attached to the project from the start, with Brie Larson and Corey Antonio Hawkins also set to star. The studio is also eyeing stars such as Samuel L. Jackson, John C. Reilly and Tom Wilkinson, after Michael Keaton and J.K. Simmons recently dropped out. It isn't known how many other roles have left to be cast in this action-adventure.

Jordan Vogt-Roberts (The Kings of Summer) is set to direct, with Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni producing, and Alex Garcia (Godzilla) executive producing.  The film will be released in 3D and IMAX 3D by Universal Pictures on March 10, 2017. The big-budget film will go up against 20th Century Fox's Captain Underpants on March 10, 2017.

Derek Connolly made his feature writing and producing debut with the 2012 indie Safety Not Guaranteed, co-writing the script with director Colin Trevorrow. He also wrote the screenplay for Paramount's upcoming Monster Trucks. Are you excited this writer is taking over the scripting duties on Kong: Skull Island?