Hiddlestone set to star in new 'King Kong' movie

Tom Hiddleston has been handed a starring role in the new King Kong movie 'Skull Island'.

The actor, who plays the role of Loki in the Marvel films, has agreed to play a lead role in the new film, which follows the Peter Jackson-directed King Kong remake released in 2005.

Details of his role are still to be confirmed, however his casting serves to underline Hiddleston's rising status in Hollywood, especially among sci-fi and adventure film fans.

Legendary, the studio behind the eagerly-awaited flick, unveiled a teaser trailer for Skull Island at Comic Con in the summer.

At the time, it was widely reported that British filmmaker Joe Cornish had been offered the chance to direct the movie.

That has transpired to be untrue, however, as Legendary has announced that Jordan Vogt-Roberts - who is currently working on the movie adaptation of the Metal Gear Solid game - has been drafted in.

What's more, it's been reported that Max Borenstein has been brought in to write the film, with the movie studio hoping that the latest version of the classic story will outperform Peter Jackson's at the box office.

'Skull Island' is set for release in November 2016.