Legendary Television and Amazon Join Forces for 'Pacific Rim' Expansion
Amazon Prime Video is officially developing a live-action Pacific Rim television series, in collaboration with Legendary Television and Amazon MGM Studios. The news, first reported by Variety, marks a major step forward for the sci-fi franchise and is set to expand its cinematic universe with a series that acts as a prequel to the original films.
Eric Heisserer to Lead Development Under Chronology Banner
Writer and producer Eric Heisserer will spearhead the series under his Chronology production company. The project is part of Chronology’s first-look television deal with Legendary. Heisserer, known for his work on Shadow and Bone and Arrival, brings an impressive track record in genre storytelling and adaptation.
Although plot details remain under wraps, sources indicate that the show will explore the origins of the kaiju threat and the early development of the Jaeger program, potentially setting the stage for both future seasons and new Pacific Rim films.
Pacific Rim Universe Continues to Grow
The Pacific Rim franchise began with Guillermo del Toro‘s 2013 feature film, which earned over $400 million globally. The follow-up film, Pacific Rim Uprising, premiered in 2018. More recently, Netflix hosted the animated spinoff Pacific Rim: The Black, which aired from 2021 to 2022 and introduced fans to new characters and lore.
In the franchise’s universe, a dimensional rift at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean allows massive creatures known as kaijus to invade Earth. In response, humanity creates giant humanoid mechs called Jaegers to fight back—leading to large-scale battles that have become a hallmark of the series.
Beyond film and television, the Pacific Rim brand includes comics, novels, toys, and games, making it a lucrative property for franchise expansion.
Legendary and Amazon Continue Strategic Development Spree
The new Pacific Rim series is the latest collaboration between Legendary Television and Amazon MGM Studios. The two companies are actively developing other high-profile projects, including a series adaptation of Murdle, based on G.T. Karber’s popular murder mystery puzzles.
Legendary’s current slate also features major projects like Dune: Prophecy at Max, The Legend of Lara Croft animated series on Netflix, and the Monarch: Legacy of Monsters live-action Monsterverse show at Apple TV+.
Heisserer’s Impressive Sci-Fi Credentials
Eric Heisserer’s involvement adds serious creative weight to the project. In addition to his Oscar-nominated screenplay for Arrival, he’s credited with writing the Netflix hit Bird Box, Bloodshot, Lights Out, and the Nightmare on Elm Street reboot. His TV work on Shadow and Bone for Netflix was praised for its adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s bestselling Grishaverse novels, showcasing his skill in developing complex fantasy and sci-fi worlds for streaming audiences.
As Amazon continues to invest in genre television, Pacific Rim could become one of its flagship franchises, especially with the resurgence of interest in expansive cinematic universes.