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.
I think the original story is too good to be ruined, they have to make a great effort to make a bad movie, but you never know...
My cast choices would be: Rick: Milo Ventimiglia (although a bit old for the role)
Roy: Josh holloway Lisa: Sarah Michelle gellar (i cant help it, big buffy fan)
Minmei: Kristin Kreuk / Rachel Bilson
Max Sterling: Tobey Maguire (why not?)
Ben Dixon: Nick Brendon (again, buffy fan over here)
just dreaming but it would be great
This IS supposed to be on FilmSpot.
Hey as a fan of the show this is great news indeed.But they'll probably well just screw it up, like so many other cartoon/movies that have come-before it.Let's just hope it's bigger and better thentransformers which just disappointed me and was notwhat I was looking for. Well heres to hope for a good producer. :)
Even at 13, I dreamt of how great it'll be if they turned the animation film and the novels into a movie--several movies--(just the Macross saga? Yes, Macross rocks but what about the rest of Robotech--2nd and 3rd generation? And how about the last book?)But fast forward to years later, post-Transformers the movie, horrified and hugely disappointed me wanted to immediately know who's in charge of the direction and special effects for Robotech movie--because the last thing we want is for someone (to produce the movie) who's NOT a fan, who's never read the books, and/or who does NOT get Robotechnology. All they have to do is screw up the latter, and Zor (Prime) will not even make it in the editing room. Quite frankly, the actors may not resemble the animated versions physically (they rarely do) or even worse, character-wise! I liked that whole bit about Grace Park for instance, because even if she doesn't look the part, she certainly has that alien-warrior-mom thing down (though a younger Angelina Jolie would be perfect for Miriya!)So, basically, I hope, I hope, I hope, they get unknowns, so then I won't have to start dissing Tobey Maguire for the rest of my life, whether he plays Hunter or not. For all we know, he's aiming for Max Sterling. Yikes.moreless
I don't know how to feel about these news. Robotech/Macross is a milestone into my anime love... if they screw it up.... Is there going to be only big battles or there will be the whole romantic triangle Lisa/rick/Min-mei? I just hope they'll do a good job... but I doubt it.Tobby just doesn't feel like a Rick Hunter, he has a nerdy face and Rick is hot and handsome.And PLEASE!! Kristin Kreuk as Lisa??? NEVER!!!
They'll probably screw it up like all other adaptations. Still, I'm looking forward to watching them try.Unfortunately, Toby will want to play Rick. He's just not right for the part, but I can't blame him. If I got to produce it, I'd want to play Roy, even though I know I'm not right for that part.
I can't wait for robotech to hit movie theaters. That was the greatest cartoon of its time back then.
Isn't this supposed to be on FilmSpot?
Oh man, this makes me happy Robotech/Macross is my number one favorate anime, I always thought that a live action movie could be made and it looks like that dream is about to come true. I just hope it's really good, if it is it gives me hope that a lot of other anime can be made into live action film, one I would love to see is "Sailor Moon" I don't see why not they did a live action show so why not the silver screen?
Though the only thing as ususal with this comic book/animation films I wonder about is who the heck is going to play who. I don't think Toby Maguire should play Rick/Hikaru I just don't see him as that character it ought to be an unknown.
For Lisa could be Kristin Kruk from Smallville, Rachael McAdams.
Max Stirling could be Jarad Pinski from Supernatural or Richard Khan from The 4400.
Well as least someone really good but the two actresses and actors come close.
But there are two I would really like to see play two characters from the show.
Roy Foker could be Jamie Barber from Battlestar Galacica, I just got a good feeling about him as this character.
Miriya Parino: Grace Park from Battlestar Galactica, I'm really hoping she plays this character, if you seen her in that show she could defenately fit the bill for that green haired heroine and mom if you've watched further in the show. Well this is all off the top of my head but if any of you have any ideas on who can be who, feel free to contribute just for the fun of it.moreless
I'm a huge Macross fan, and I am really frightened that the movie will ruin everything.
I hope that they don't destroy a good series like others
let's just hope tobey doesn't screw up the macross saga like the spiderman saga.
Not a bad idea at all. It's got all the necessary stuff to be a post ID-4 classic, if they do it right of course.
Tobey! Please don't star in this movie! I love Robotech and, well, let me put it this way: I USED to love Spider Man.
I remember Robotech. It was cool but Transformers were cooler though. Transformers movie opened the doors to this kind of movies. Love it
Toby shouldn't play Rick Hunter, he looks old for the part. I knew this was going to happen once Transformers was a hit at the boxoffice. Hopefully Warner Bros. doesn't screw this up.
I agree with Beachfrontglass!Adrain Grenier would be an awesome Rick!!!
Dumb idea
I love Macross but I hate Tobey Maguire. He's funny looking and he just can't act. Spiderman 3 was the worst thing I've seen in years. I would want someone like the lead from Entourage to play Rick. Or maybe Tom Welling...
never heard of it
I've only seen the Macross saga. This sounds pretty cool though.
It has a lot of potential, let's hope that they won't screw everything up...