Robotech will be coming to the big screen as Sony announces plans to create its own film franchise.
It’s been in various stages of development for some time – but now a Robotech movie could be heading our way a lot sooner than we thought. After Sony Pictures recently acquired rights from Warner Bros for the epic, anime franchise, it seems they’re keen to get the ball rolling.
You know, because there aren’t enough giant robot movies already…
It was officially announced yesterday by Sony Pictures, with “the intention of moving quickly toward production of a future global franchise”.
Originally debuting in the 1980s, Robotech exists in a time when Earth has developed a number of giant robots, using technology from a space ship crash in the South Pacific. But the robots are soon put to use in order to save humanity from a variety of threats – most notably, the alien race who returns to claim their lost tech.
The new Robotech film will be produced by Gianni Nunnari and Mark Canton, with 300 writer Michael Gordon set to provide the screenplay.
“Robotech is unique in that it has always been a marriage of spectacle with human characters that seem drawn from life,” says Sony Pictures boss Michael De Luca. “That’s why we are so excited to be working with Mark and Gianni as we move forward on this project. With a history that offers an epic love triangle, a renegade hero, and a world on the brink of extinction, Robotech offers a wide scope and a rich and impressive universe where the story possibilities are endless.”
Of course, the similarities between Robotech and the likes of Transformers or Pacific Rim are obvious. But it looks as though Robotech may bring something a bit more subtle to the table.
“When the rights to Robotech became available we jumped,” adds Nunnari. “Mark and I knew it had what big movies in today’s world must have if they want to grab everyone: insane visuals AND powerful themes. The characters in Robotech wrestle with both the destructive and redemptive powers of technology; nothing is more relevant today than that.”
Who will direct the ambitious project? For now, we’ll have to wait and see. But it looks as though this is one ‘80s classic that will be brought bang up to date. And it might just compete with the likes of ‘Pacific Rim’ at the box office.
Will it be any good? That’s another matter entirely. But judging from Sony’s more thoughtful comments on the theme of giant robots, this could be a far more intelligent take on the genre.
Do you think Robotech will make a great film franchise? Who would you like to see direct the first movie? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
