We already know that the Russo Brothers are tackling the PTSD/drug abuse film “Cherry” as their “Avengers: Endgame” follow-up. This announcement made it seem like maybe the Russos were tired of big-budget action spectacle filmmaking. However, at a panel at San Diego Comic-Con (via Collider), it appears that the directors might actually return to the world of blockbuster filmmaking with an adaptation of the classic anime series “Battle of the Planets.”
The Russos were discussing their future at SDCC when they announced that their production company AGBO had acquired the rights to the Japanese anime series “Battle of the Planets” (aka “Gatchaman”). The duo says they’re producing the big-screen adaptation, and just might go behind the camera and helm the project, as well.
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“Battle of the Planets” is the late-‘70s adaptation of the classic Japanese animated series “Gatchaman.” The story followed a group of heroes, called G-Force, as they fought evil forces from the planet Spectra, as well as other forces that threaten the planet. Even if you’re not familiar with the series, you’ve likely come across the characters in some form at some point over the last 40 years, as their bird-like wingsuits are iconic.
While the series is probably the medium that many discovered “Gatchaman,” the franchise has spun-off into the realm of comic books, movies, video games, and even live-action. In 2013, a live-action “Gatchaman” film was released in its native Japan.
No word on the specifics of the plot or who is joining the Russos on the project. However, it does appear that a live-action, English-language “Battle of the Planets” is coming.
For those feeling a bit nostalgic, here’s the intro to the classic series: