Key Takeaways:
– The Pacific Rim Franchise revolves around interdimensional monsters (Kaiju) and human-made battlebots (Jaegers).
– Start by watching the series chronologically, i.e., ‘Pacific Rim’, ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’, and then ‘Pacific Rim: The Black’.
– The Netflix series ‘The Black’, though not mandatory, offers a more emotionally rich narrative.
– Rumors of a third Pacific Rim Movie and a potential TV prequel are yet to yield tangible news.
Introducing the Pacific Rim Universe
The Pacific Rim saga began captivating audiences in 2013. The franchise’s concept revolves around massive interdimensional creatures, known as Kaiju, that emerge from the Pacific Ocean. In response to this daunting threat, humans unite and construct massive Jaeger mech suits to battle these alien beasts.
Starting with Pacific Rim
The story’s commencement is the 2013 movie ‘Pacific Rim’. A portal called “The Breach” opens in the Pacific Ocean in 2013, inviting the Kaiju to our world. Humans develop Jaegers – gigantic mech suits that need two pilots mentally linked through a process called “Drifting”. But by 2025, questions arise around the effectiveness of Jaegers. All remaining Jaegers are shifted to Hong Kong under Marshal Stacker Pentecost’s (Idris Elba) leadership. Stacker convinces former pilot Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam) to pilot Gipsy Danger, a refurbished Jaeger, with a new co-pilot, Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi),
Unveiling Pacific Rim Uprising
Fast-forward to 2035. ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’ sees Jake Pentecost (John Boyega), son of Stacker, stealing Jaeger parts and then being persuaded to instruct at the Pan-Pacific Defense Corps (PPDC). There’s a new threat in town – the Shao Corporation wants to replace Jaegers with drones. After Mako’s assassination, Jake leads the charge against the perpetrator – a rogue Jaeger piloted by a Kaiju brain.
Exploring Pacific Rim: The Black
The next stop is ‘Pacific Rim: The Black,’ a Netflix anime series continuing the narrative after ‘Uprising’. The plot follows siblings Taylor and Hayley Travis navigating through Kaiju-invaded Australia in hopes of finding their parents. This series challenges the preconceived notions about Kaiju and is known for packing an emotional punch.
What Lies Ahead for Pacific Rim
The franchise’s future remains uncertain. While rumors of a third movie circulate, no prominent announcement has been made. Filmmaker Steven S. DeKnight had plans for a sequel revealing a larger multiverse. Talk of a potential crossover with the Godzilla and Kong sagas also sparked fans’ interest, but poor reception of ‘Uprising’ didn’t help.
Interestingly, in August 2024, Eric Heisserer, known for ‘Arrival,’ was brought on board for a Pacific Rim TV prequel revisiting the original Kaiju invasion. But for now, fans must wait and see what the future holds for the monstrous saga of Pacific Rim.
In conclusion, the Pacific Rim franchise is a roller-coaster ride of monstrous beasts and colossal battlebots. Despite an ambiguous future, the franchise has left a lasting impact on the sci-fi genre. By watching the series in chronological order, you can enjoy the full experience of this universe. Be ready for more monstrous action, because the Pacific Rim saga seems far from over.
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