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| Tobey Maguire to produce, likely star in Warner Bros. film translation of popular 1980s giant-robot afternoon cartoon. The smart money was on Robotech to be the next 1980s animated television program phenomenon to be headed to the big screen, and the smart money was...well, smart. Warner Bros. Pictures today acquired the rights to turn the Japanese anime into a full-fledged live-action film after lengthy discussions, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The movie also already has its lead all but set in stone. Tobey Maguire's production company, Maguire Entertainment, has angled to produce the film, with Spidey himself taking the lead role. "We are very excited to bring Robotech to the big screen," Maguire said, according to the Reporter. "There is a rich mythology that will be a great foundation for a sophisticated, smart, and entertaining film." Robotech made it to US shores in 1985, and was a conglomeration of three Japanese anime programs that were edited and given new dialogue in order to accommodate a daily afternoon show. The show featured giant transforming robots (sound familiar?) piloted by humans to fend off waves of aliens and save mankind. However, it wasn't just a shoot-'em-up; the show featured just as much soap-opera-style drama as action. The popular show spawned several spin-offs, including more television programs set in the Robotech universe, toys, collectible card games, and video games. Robotech is the latest in a series of 1980s cartoons to be greenlighted for translation to the big screen. Also expected to make it to theaters are He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Voltron, Thundercats, and G.I. Joe. The film version of Transformers, directed by Michael Bay, was released this past July and has grossed more than $300 million domestically. No timetable has been set for the Robotech movie. |