Astro Boy and G-Force (Battle of the Planets) to become CGI films

[L2R]

Warner Bros. Pictures, The Weinstein Company and Imagi Animation Studios agreed upon principal terms for the worldwide distribution of the feature films Gatchaman and AstroBoy. The announcement was jointly made by Jeff Robinov, President, Production, Warner Bros. Pictures; Harvey Weinstein of The Weinstein Company; Imagi Co-CEOs Douglas Glen and Francis Kao; and brokered by The William Morris Agency.

The new pact builds on the success of TMNT, Imagi's first theatrical motion picture, also distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and The Weinstein Company. TMNT opened in March 2007 at the top of the U.S. box office.

"Imagi is breaking new ground with big action pictures done entirely in CG animation," said Robinov. "It's an exciting new genre, with the potential of attracting big mass market audiences."

"TMNT had the kind of beautifully choreographed action sequences you'd expect from Hong Kong animators," said Weinstein. "The next two films will confirm Imagi's reputation as the world's leading action hero animation studio."

"We are delighted to be allied with the marketing and distribution power of Warner Bros. Pictures and The Weinstein Company," said Glen. Added Kao, "We're making Hollywood-style movies with Hong Kong-style excitement and stories that are fusions of Western and Asian themes."





Gatchaman, scheduled for release in early 2009, originated in Japan in the early 1970s as the television series Science Ninja Team Gatchaman. Aired in the U.S. as Battle of the Planets and G-Force, it soon became a widely popular syndicated TV series.

Featuring some of the most ambitious action sequences ever seen in animation, Gatchaman is set in a future world grappling with environmental and technological issues. The story focuses on five reluctant heroes whose remarkable genetic code makes them Earth's only hope of defeating extra-terrestrial invaders. Kevin Munroe (TMNT) is the director, with Lynne Southerland producing.

Slated for release later in 2009, AstroBoy was created by the "god of manga," Japan's Osamu Tezuka, in the early 1950s. The animated television series first aired in 1963 in Japan and found great acclaim and success around the world. In the U.S., it quickly became a top syndicated children's show. The iconic character's fame grew in the 1980s and 2003 with two new AstroBoy TV series attracting new generations of fans.

AstroBoy tells the story of a powerful robot boy created by a brilliant scientist in the image of the son he has lost. Our hero journeys to find acceptance in the human world, and ultimately discovers true friendship as he uses his incredible powers to help others and save Metro City from destruction. Colin Brady (Toy Story 2, Everyone's Hero) directs, and Maryann Garger is the producer.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news07/070927f.php

I grew up on both these shows. Loved them heaps. Actually, there was one enemy on GForce (i think it was a purple blob covered in eyes) scared the shit outta me as a kid.

 

[SA]

Speaking of shows from the 70's, have you ever seen Future Boy Conan series, L2R? Or how about UFO Robo Grendizer (or Grandizer)?Those are the ones I grew up on.

 

[L2R]

Just wiki'd and i'm jealous. Future boy has the distinct miyazaki look.

NICE!

 

[SA]

You should watch a few episodes on youtube, L (I was surprised to see them there just now). I watched it way back when, as a kid, and it's as funny now as it was then. It has some genuine humour thrown in. Best part is the youtube episodes are in Japanese with English subs, so it has the original genuine feel, in terms of intonation and such.

 

[L2R]

sweeeeeeeet :D

 

[L2R]

concept art

 

[L2R]

casting

Freddie Highmore has been signed for the title role in Imagi Studios' CG-animated motion picture "Astro Boy", it was announced by producer Maryann Garger and director David Bowers.

The announcement of the casting of the award-winning actor as the voice of Astro Boy follows the release of "The Spiderwick Chronicles," Highmore's latest starring vehicle.

Maryann Garger said: "I am very thrilled that Freddie has accepted this role. He is one of the most talented and acclaimed young actors today, and absolutely ideal to portray the iconic Astro Boy."

Commented David Bowers: "It's terrific that Freddie has agreed to play Astro. He's a remarkably skilled young actor, whose freshness and vitality make him perfect for the role. Astro Boy is a beloved superhero and has captured hearts around the globe for more than 50 years. I can't wait to see where Freddie takes him."

Just having turned 16 on Valentine's Day (February 14), Highmore has worked with celebrated directors such as Tim Burton, Ridley Scott and Luc Besson, and has starred alongside such top talent as Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Dustin Hoffman, Russell Crowe and Robin Williams, among others. Highmore's credits span live action and animation, including The Golden Compass, August Rush, Arthur and the Invisibles, A Good Year, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Finding Neverland.

Created by the "god of manga" Osamu Tezuka, Astro Boy has enjoyed great acclaim and success throughout the world, with the original animated television series airing in the 1960s and followed by subsequent versions in the 1980s and again in 2003.

Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist to replace the son he has lost. Unable to fulfill the grieving father's expectations, our hero embarks on a journey in search of acceptance, experiencing betrayal and a netherworld of robot gladiators, before he returns to save Metro City and reconcile with the man who had rejected him.

Astro Boy will be released worldwide in 2009.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news08/080228c.php