Heads up, Voltron fans as the franchise is finally making the jump to live-action with a new movie. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a bidding war is currently going in on Hollywood for the rights to a new project centered on the franchise, with Rawson Marshall Thurber (Red Notice, Skyscraper) set to pen the screenplay and direct. Several major studios and streaming services are in the mix to land the project.
Per the report, Warner Bros., Universal and Amazon are among those looking to land the package. Pitches have been made, which included a teaser reel. Six or seven studios/streamers are said to be in the mix. Interestingly enough, Netflix is not said to be one of those in the mix currently, even though Thurber’s Red Notice was a big hit for the company, and they have been home to the animated Voltron: Legendary Defender.
There is no word yet on plot details or who might be eyed to star. Though it is worth noting that Thurber has worked with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson quite a bit in recent years. Ellen Shanman will co-write the screenplay alongside Thurber. Todd Lieberman, David Hoberman and Bob Koplar are producing with the cooperation of World Events Productions, the company that controls the franchise.
Here is the synopsis for Voltron: Legendary Defender.
“Five unsuspecting teenagers are transported from Earth into the middle of a sprawling intergalactic war and become pilots for five robotic lions in the battle to protect the universe from evil. Only through the true power of teamwork can they unite to form the mighty warrior known as VOLTRON: LEGENDARY DEFENDER.”
That offers some sense of what is going on with the franchise currently. But bringing Voltron to live-action? That could open up a whole new world of opportunity. With the media landscape so uncertain right now, big franchises are more important than ever. Voltron has endured for decades and could be a golden ticket – if executed correctly.
This is not the first time that Hollywood has attempted to bring the iconic robots to life on the big screen. Some attempts were made in the early 2000s, but nothing materialized. It seems Thurber’s pitch, as well as his recent hot streak, has ignited a real flame. This is almost certainly going to happen now, given the bidding war going on. It’s just a matter of where it happens.
The Voltron movie does not yet have a release date.
What do you think? Are you excited about the movie? Do you think Thurber is the right person for the job? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
