‘Voltron’ live-action film adaptation ensues bidding war - report
A bidding war has reportedly ensued over the live-action movie adaptation of the iconic Japanese mecha anime series, Voltron.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the upcoming live-action feature has enlisted Red Notice helmer Rawson Marshall Thurber as co-writer and director of the project, which “engendered multiple offers” from six to seven streamers and studios including Warner Bros., Universal and Amazon.
Sources, however, noted that Netflix, which streamed the 2021 American comedy heist film starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot as well as the 2016 animated series Voltron: Legendary Defender “is not in the running.”
“The package hit the town about two weeks ago, with pitches and a teaser reel. Thurber came up with the story and will co-write the script with Ellen Shanman,” it said.
THR furthered that Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman are also attached to produce with Bob Koplar, the head of World Events Productions, the company that controls the Voltron property.
As of now, the report noted that “it is unclear at this stage where the package will land, although sources say a deal could be wrapped by the end of the weekend.”
The mecha anime series follows the story of five space explorers who pilot a giant robot known as Voltron, which is based on several Japanese anime series from Toei Animation including Beast King GoLion and Armored Fleet Dairugger XV.
The anime’s first two seasons, also known as Lion Force Voltron, ran for a total of 72 episodes from 1984 to 1985 on NBCUniversal. Following its maiden season, the mecha anime spawned more series adaptations including Voltron: Fleet of Doom, Voltron: The Third Dimension, and Voltron Force.
More recently, an exclusive series titled Voltron: Legendary Defender premiered on Netflix, airing a total of three seasons from 2016 to 2018.
Prior to this, Mark Gordon, producer of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, was attached to create a live-action adaptation of the popular mecha franchise in the early 2000s. The project, however, didn’t push through.
