Warner Bros. Pictures and The Weinstein Co. have inked a worldwide distribution deal with Imagi Animation Studios for the of the CG-animated feature films Gatchaman and AstroBoy. The trio previously collaborated in getting the successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, TMNT, to the big screen this past spring.
‘TMNT had the kind of beautifully choreographed action sequences you’d expect from Hong Kong animators,’ says Harvey Weinstein of The Weinstein Co. ‘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 Co.,’ comments Imagi’s Douglas Glen. His co-CEO, Francis Kao, adds, ‘We’re making Hollywood-style movies with Hong Kong-style excitement and stories that are fusions of Western and Asian themes.”
Gatchaman is based on the classic anime TV series Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, which debuted in the 1970 and still has legions of fans. Viewers in the U.S. may know it better as Battle of the Planets or G-Force. Set in a future world grappling with environmental and technological issues, Imagi’s CG update of the franchise focuses on five reluctant heroes whose remarkable genetic code makes them Earth’s only hope of defeating extra-terrestrial invaders. Kevin Munroe (TMNT) is directing the pic, with Lynne Southerland producing. The film is scheduled to hit theaters in early 2009.
Slated for release later in 2009, 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) is directing the Imagi pic, and Maryann Garger is producing.
AstroBoy was conceived by legendary Japanese manga creator Osamu Tezuka in the early 1950s. The black-and-white animated series debuted on Japanese television 1963 before making its way around the world. The property was twice revived with two new cartoon series that debuted in 1980 and 2003.
TMNT was released in March and opened in the top spot at the U.S. box office, marking the third time in history that an Asian-made film has accomplished that feat. Imagi has development operations in Los Angeles, Calif., and CG production studios at its Chai Wan (Hong Kong) headquarters.
