Michael Keaton & J.K. Simmons Depart Kong: Skull Island

Michael Keaton (Batman, Birdman) and J.K. Simmons (Spider-Man, Whiplash) have departed Legendary Pictures' Kong: Skull Island, according to Deadline.

The reason? Scheduling conflicts. Production on Kong: Skull Island, which Jordan Vogt-Roberts is directing and is written by John Gatins and Max Borenstein, has been delayed from late fall to the end of December. Keaton and Simmons weren't able to reshuffle their schedules around for it as it is expected to be a long shoot.

Tom Hiddleston (Thor: The Dark World) remains on board.

Kong: Skull Island 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.

Kong: Skull Island will be released in 3D and IMAX 3D on March 10, 2017.