Based on the classic, and very highly regarded, manga and cartoon series, Astro Boy gives another much-loved franchise the reboot treatment.
Charting the adventures of a young android boy, and titular Astro Boy, his robotic body allows his to change his feet into rocket boosters and hands into laser blasters, as in the original series, he fought off the challenges of evil villains, both human and robotic. Little is known about the actual plot of the reboot but no doubt it will involve a similar struggle to foil a fresh nemesis’ plans.
Production company Imagi Animation Studios boasts Japanese ties, so fans should stay hopeful Astro Boy will be faithful to the source material, however previous effort TMNT won’t provide too much confidence in their filmmaking ability. Compared with anything from Pixar, the animation looks a little basic and lacklustre, but bright colours and simple designs could yet work well for Astro Boy.
In another childhood lead, Freddie Highmore voices Astro Boy while Flushd Away director David Bowers takes charge behind the computer screen.
Slightly more worryingly the screenplay was penned by Timothy Harris, writer much celebrated film Space Jam, Kindergarten Cop and Twins, though he could still pull something special out of the bag.
Astro Boy is out in America on October 23rd.