Sony Pictures is apparently all-out when it comes to creating live-action anime adaptations, with the studio previously confirming that it has several films in the works that will dive into the medium. Now it looks like their live-action Robotech the film is getting closer to arrival, as the director of Disney’s Hawk Eye The series, Rhys Thomas, has been slated to direct the new film which will adapt the classic anime tale that sees humanity create giant robot suits in order to battle threats from the stars.
Robotech has a long history in the anime world, debuting in 1985 and garnering a run of eighty-five episodes originally. Contrary to Mobile Suit Gundamwhich primarily focuses on humanity using giant robot suits to battle each other in wars of attrition, Robotech saw humanity use alien technology to build said giant robots to combat alien threats.
The project was originally announced in 2017, with Columbia PIcture production chief, Michael De Luca has this to say about the anime franchise via an interview with Variety:
“Robotech is unique in that it has always been a show marriage with human characters that seem drawn from life. That’s why we’re so excited to be working with Mark and Gianni as we move forward on this project. With a story that offers an epic love triangle, a renegade hero, and a world on the brink of extinction, ‘Robotech’ offers wide scope and a rich, awe-inspiring universe where the story possibilities are endless.”
Rhys Thomas is perhaps best known for his work on Hawkeye, but he’s also lent his talents to the likes of Saturday night live and documentary now!, making a big departure with this upcoming project, presumably, from his comedic roots. Previously, the director if It’s by Stephen KingAndy Muschietti had been linked to the franchise with a Macross reboot, but it looks like those plans won’t see the light of day based on this reveal from Sony Pictures.
Currently, Sony is working to bring a number of other anime properties to life via live-action adaptations, with the likes of One-Punch Man, Gantz and Made in Abyss being among the heavy hitters.
What do you think of the live action Robotech the cinema advances? Feel free to let us know in the comments or hit me up directly on Twitter @EVComedy to talk all things comics, anime, and the world of mech franchises.
