J.J. Abrams takes on the Micronauts
J.J. Abrams (Star Trek, Lost, Alias) is reported to be in discussions to produce a feature film based on the Micronauts toy franchise, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The Micronauts toy line was created by Takara, later acquired by Tomy, and debuted in 1974 in Japan, where the line is known as Microman. Two years later the Mego Corporation introduced Micronauts to the US, and released five series of toys through 1980. Palisades Toys acquired the right to reproduce the toys in 2002, and the entire line was recently acquired by Hasbro. Additionally, Marvel Comics, Devil’s Due and Image Comics published Micronauts comic books, with several paperback books based on the property published by Byron Preiss Visual Publications.
At one point, they were so tightly integrated with the Marvel Universe that they crossed over with the X-Men and spun out a character that has crossed over with most of the rest of the line, Captain Universe.
No word yet on who will actually write or direct the film. But should we worry about these robots being handled by a production company named Bad Robot?
Of course we shouldn't worry, this IS J.J. Abrams we're talking about!Just look at the Star Trek movie re-boot.The Micronauts are in good hands.
To be perfectly honest I didn't get why every one and their brother raves about "Star Trek 11" being so great, I mean it was OK, but I found it an average summer blockbuster with only the Nimoy and Quinto (the guy who played the young Spock) being the only real standouts in the cast the rest of the cast seemed to get lost in the background. For me it lacked the awe and wonder of all the other 10 "Star Trek" films that made me fall in love in "Star Trek" to begin with back when I first saw "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn" also IMHO had the worse music and soundtrack of the 09 summer movies. It didn't feel like "Star Trek" to me, it felt more like "Firefly/Serenity", "Star Wars" and "The Priates of the Carribean" than "Star Trek". I'm not saying it sucks but to me it lacked some of the warmth, charm, and magic of the TV shows and other 10 movies.Sorry to rant but I needed to get it off my chest.As too "The Micronauts" having only read the DDP series and having only see two of Abrams's movies "Mission: Impossible 3" and "Star Trek 11" and none of his TV shows, I'm willing to give JJ Abrams a third and final chance to impress me.
I loved the Micronauts comic when it came out. I would really be interested to see what Abrams would do with the concept. I loved the STAR TREK reboot, despite my initial dislike of the idea. Abrams won me over and I'm curiious to see what he will do.
It's highly, highly doubtful that Mr. Abrams will be able to do anything with the stories or characters originally done by Marvel…Most of the characters (Commander Rann, Marionette, Bug, Slug, Prince Argon, Shaitan, etc…) and settings (like the Microverse, Homeworld, Kaliklak, Spartak, the Endeavor, etc…) were created by and owned by Marvel and NOT Mego.The film creators would have to license all extra material from Marvel/Disney. Abrams and crew will probably have to come up with an original story for their Micronauts treatment.