SDCC 2011: VOLTRON movie finally on the way from Relativity and Atlas

Movie Relativity Media Voltron Comic-Con about 13 years agoby

Relativity is moving forward with plan for the long-awaited live-action Voltron movie. The project was annnounced today by Relativity Media's President of Worldwide Production Tucker Tooley, who revealed that the studio had optioned the film. Comingsoon reportst that they plan on adapting the film from the 1984 cult-classic animated series Voltron: Defender of the Universe. Atlas Entertainment's Charles Roven and Richard Suckle will shepherd the project for Relativity.

Here is some more information from the press release:

In Voltron, an elite battle force defends the fate of mankind in the spectacular action adventure. Five young warriors are responsible for the future of the galaxy when they become pilots of a battalion of ultra-high-tech Robot Lions, powerful vessels with the ability to join together to form a fearsome mega-weapon known as "Voltron."

The original series, based on the Japanese anime properties Beast King GoLion and Kikou Kantai Dairugger XV, aired in the United States for two years and has been described as an "international pop-culture hit" that has garnered a large following over the last 25 years. In recent years, the Voltron property has sold over 300,000 DVDs, established numerous apparel and consumer product deals and has spawned a TV series, "Voltron Force," which became Nicktoon's highest-rated debut ever on June 16, 2011.

The live-action film will be produced by Atlas Entertainment's Roven (The Dark Knight) and Richard Suckle (The International), along with Kickstart Entertainment's Jason Netter (Wanted). World Events Productions' Ted Koplar ("Voltron Force") will executive produce. The script is being penned by Thomas Dean Donnelly (Conan the Barbarian) and Joshua Oppenheimer (Sahara).

Here is what Tooley had to say about the project:

"For nearly three decades, Voltron has captured the minds of a nostalgically loyal and rabid fan base and has long been considered a hotly-pursued project. We are beyond excited World Event Productions and Atlas Entertainment have placed their trust and faith in Relativity to bring this coveted property to the big screen, and usher in a new generation of devoted fans." Tooley added, "With Chuck and Richard's experience producing tentpoles, they are the perfect producers to bring this potential franchise to theaters."

I am glad to see that this is not being made into a TV show like had been mentioned as a possibility. This is the kind of story that will look amazing on the big screen and in live-action to boot. What are your thouhts on this news?