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Screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan Writing Robotech Adaptation!

by Alex Billington
June 16, 2008

Back in September last year, we announced yet another 80's adaptation that would be coming to the big screen - Robotech. At the time it didn't sound too exciting, like yet another repeat of Transformers, but now with some new details it sounds like Robotech could be something to really keep an eye on. Veteran screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan, most well known for the screenplays from Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Return of the Jedi, has been hired to write the adaptation of the 1980s cartoon series. Tobey Maguire is one of the many producers involved in bringing this series to the big screen previously said that "there is a rich mythology that will be a great foundation for a sophisticated, smart and entertaining film." With Kasdan involved, that might actually be a possibility.

Robotech takes place at a time when Earth has developed giant robots from the technology on an alien spacecraft that crashed on a South Pacific isle. Mankind is forced to use the technology to fend off three successive waves of alien invasions. The first invasion centers on a battle with a race of giant warriors who seek to retrieve their flagship's energy source known as "protoculture," and the planet's hope for survival ends up in the hands of two young pilots. Robotech was a 1980s cartoon series that was re-edited and re-dialogued to combine three Japanese anime series.

As much as I don't want to jump to conclusions so quickly, Lawrence Kasdan's involvement definitely is a good thing. He also recently signed on to the Clash of the Titans remake. I'm very interested in seeing if he's still able to write great scripts, considering his last major film was that horror sci-fi flick Dreamcatcher from 2003. I'm not that familiar with Robotech either, but if Kasdan can actually put together a script that could start a new era of sci-fi action, then definitely count me in. I think the concept sounds promising, but it's so unique that it'll be hard to determine whether it has actual potential until we hear more about the direction Kasdan will take it in. However, it's a great start to hear that he's involved and I think this means that Warner Brothers and Maguire definitely aren't taking this adaptation lightly. Does Kasdan still have it in him?

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http://www.thestopbutton.com Andrew Wickliffe

Isn't this incredibly old--like a month--news. And no. Kasdan doesn't have it in him. But that's fine. I'd love to see a 38-year-old Tobey Maguire do this with a belly.
Pickle

I surely hope they reconsider a different writer. Kasdan's earlier work was the best. He screwed up Stephen King's "Dreamcatcher". Normally, I am not that critical. This choice, however, ranks along the lines of Ang Lee directing 2003s "Hulk". Some things are just not meant to mix. Examples like David Goyer and Zak Penn come to mind. These guys have a great visual style for storytelling--especially cartoon and comic book based material. Kasdan is better fit for drama.
Nettle

An Eva adaption would be better than robotech (just my op). This story has been done a million times and I'm frankly sick of giant robot suits (or have they even been done in American Cinema?).
Omega728

Are you kidding me?!!! This is great news! I can't wait for Robotech to make it to the big screen, and from the news I've heard so far looks like they're really putting in a big effort to make this a really good movie. I've been a big fan of the series from the beginning. The one thing that people don't get is that Robotech isn't a movie about giant robots only, the robots and technology is just there for amusement... the strength of Robotech is the story and the characters. This could really be the next big scifi trilogy... if done right.
E

Nettle: agreed. Though ADV has been sitting on that supposed Eva movie ... it will never be made. Its a great concept but I'd rather have anime stay as anime. Theres some things that just are better as anime and not live. There are some things that are better IN JAPANESE and not Americanized and turned into garbage.
Foshi

Macross > Robotech, but I doubt many people even know that Robotech is the Americanized version of Macross. Anyway this is something that could work, the story is there from the anime all they really need are effects for the Valkryie's transformations.
thejugfather

here's another one i'll be skipping along with speedracer! get a grip hollywood or how about an original idea! you're beating a dead horse and it's already split open and is oozing all over your shoes, stop the insanity and lock yourselves away until you come up with something original!
http://www.modelmayhem.com/kevjohnphotography kevjohn

How could anyone look at this guy's screenwriting credits and NOT be excited? He's got 15 titles listed (not including the one for Clash o' the Titans) and almost all of them are fantastic! Or at least far above average by modern Hollywood standards. Dreamcatcher was a disappointing failure for sure, but show me a writer who doesn't have a misfire or two on his resume. One potentially good aspect of Robotech and Clash projects is that they're products of the early 80's, Kasdan's heyday. So I'm hoping he was a big fan of the originals and is dead set on paying respect and the proper homage to them by crafting superb adaptations updated with our modern tastes and sensibilities. Or he could just be in it for the money.
JeepFu

If Hollywood can make a live-action Transformers kick ass, Robotech shouldn't be that hard. I've loved Robotech since I was a kid (even more so than Transformers). If they screw this up I'll have to harm someone. But I can't wait to see it! Talk about a dream come true! w00t!!!!111!!!!!
doteman92

This comes from Naka-Kon 09 in Kansas City, Mo. Kevin McKeever, the marking manager of Harmony Gold, the owners of Robotech, states that Tobey Maguire is only involved in producing. He also stated that the movie is still a go even if Street Fighter and Dragonball do bad. Plus, WB is also involved in making the movie. PS The other writers are Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, but I need to double check to make sure I have it 100% right. I know for a fact I am 50% right.