The sequel to 2013’s Pacific Rim is well into filming in Australia. The movie isn’t due out until early 2018, but new set images have surfaced of actor John Boyega (Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens) suited up and ready for action. Check out the gallery below:

Pacific Rim: Uprising has faced many ups and downs before production finally began, even a couple of title changes. The film was almost completely cancelled at one point, but it’s back on track and well in to filming. Guillermo Del Toro is involved as a producer, but is not returning as director for the sequel. Instead, Daredevil showrunner Steven S. DeKnight has taken a seat in the director’s chair for the monsters versus giant robots film. John Boyega will be playing the main protagonist and as you can see from the images above, he is Jaeger pilot ready.

Boyega will take on the roll of the son of Idris Elba’s character from the first film. When it was announced that he would be taking the role, Del Toro stated:

“I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox. The Pacific Rim universe will be reinforced with him as a leading man as it continues to be a multicultural, multi-layered world. ‘The World saving the world’ was our goal and I couldn’t think of a better man for the job.”

With all the trouble the movie had getting off the ground, it’s relieving to see some more progress. Pacific Rim: Uprising is slated for a February 23, 2018 release date. What do you think of John Boyega’s suit for the upcoming movie? Are you looking forward to the sequel? Which was your favorite Jaeger from the first film? Sound off in the comments section below. If you want more entertainment news and all of the hottest video game news as it drops, be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter.