More ginormous robots to invade cinema

With "Transformers" raking in $311 million this summer, Hollywood studios are keen to cash in on more tales of gigantic robots.Tobey Maguire in 'Robotech?'

Last month, there were reports that 20th Century Fox is producing a "Voltron" picture.

Another well-loved '80s anime series is slated to get the live-action treatment — "Robotech."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. is adapting the series and Tobey Maguire wants to produce and star in "in what the studio plans on being a tentpole sci-fi franchise."

"Robotech" was an 85-episode series, comprised of three separate Japanese cartoons which were redubbed and repackaged for American consumption back in 1985.

"Robotech" incorporated tons of subplots, alien mythology and melodrama. If you've never seen the show, it helps to think of it as a sci-fi soap opera, chock-full of explodey goodness.

Maguire said the original material "will be a great foundation for a sophisticated, smart and entertaining film."

I couldn't agree more, provided Warner Bros. doesn't totally bungle it up.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)