Live-Action VOLTRON Movie is Dead, New Animated Series Comes to Life
We've been hearing about a live-action Voltron movie going into production for the last couple years. The project got itself a screenwriter, Justin Marks, who wrote the script for the film version, but the production never moved into the next step, and at this point it doesn't like it will any time soon. Max Makowski was even attached to direct the film, he didn't do much prior to getting the gig. But, I guess it doesn't matter anymore because it looks like we'll be getting a new Voltron animated series instead! Variety reports:
It's the latest of several properties to scrap plans for an initial film in favor of relaunching the brand through TV and toys.
So there ya have it! I'm kinda bummed out that the movie won't be happening. I would have loved to see a live-action Voltron film, as long as it didn't end up anything like Transformers or G.I. Joe. But at least we have a potentially cool animated series coming.
The relaunch of Voltron: Defender of the Universe will start as a new animated series which will be shown on Nicktoons, and will also include a new toy line from Mattel rather than leap straight onto the bigscreen. Perhaps this is just to way to slowly rebuild a new and younger audience before they take Voltron to the big screen. We still have a whole generation of kids that have no idea what Voltron is.
It was recently reported that Warner Bros.' animation plans to produce an anime-influenced version of ThunderCats for Cartoon Network which is sure to be a hit. This is another 1980's property that was supposed to be turned into a feature film that ended falling through and becoming a revived animated series.
The new show will be called Voltron Force, and it will air 26 half-hour episodes next year on Nicktoons. The series follows five space explorers who pilot robotic lions that combine to form Voltron, an invincible guardian sworn to defend the Universe. The series will remain faithful to the old show, while introducing new recruits to fight alongside the original characters.
What are your thoughts on Voltron getting a animated reboot instead of a feature film?