Shogun Warriors Gaiking Live-Action Movie

Wow! This is really cool news. I still have all of the Shogun Warriors in a box in the basement (they've seen better days). My brother and I had them all when they came out in the late 70s. Actually my brother had most of them (Raydeen, Mazinga, Daimos, Dangard Ace, Combattra, Gaiking and Godzilla). I only had Dragun. But, they were the coolest toys ever!

From MTV.com --

Back in the '70s, Mattel released a toyline called "Shogun Warriors" which was made up of several imported Japanese toys that were based on a popular anime series. "Shogun Warriors" was later adapted into a 20-issue comic book series by Marvel Comics, featuring writer Doug Moench and artist Herb Trimpe.

While the franchise has been dormant for several years, word has emerged that "Gaiking" and the rest of the "Shogun Warriors" may be heading to the big screen in the near future.

According to Ain't it Cool News, a "Gaiking" film is being planned for 2012 release date by director Matthew Gratzner and special effects artist Jules Urbach, with a potential "Shogun Warriors" film planned as a sequel. While the report didn't indicate which giant robots from "Shogun Warriors" would appear in the films, it did offer some insight into how the robots will be brought to the big screen, and some impressive test footage created to promote the project.

"We are building the robots life size," wrote Urbach. "Matt [Gratzner] is one of the last great practical effects guys in the business who can pull this off."

Urbach also stated that "We'll have more 'Shogun Warriors' than ever appeared in the Marvel Comics." The report also indicated that a new "Shogun Warriors" comic book series is coming from Dynamite Entertainment, with Alex Ross "mentoring on the project" and providing covers as well.

The report also promises that further announcements regarding the giant robots to be used within the film will be made at this year's San Diego Comic-Con International. However, the early word is that the action won't just be limited to Earth and will also take place on other planets in the "Shogun Warriors" universe.

Last (but definitely not least), the site offered up a look at some CGI footage created to showcase the look and tone they're envisioning for "Gaiking."



Can anybody see the YouTube video above! For some reason I can't. Not sure what the problem is.

EDIT: There seems to be a Blogger problem with videos. I hope they fix it soon. In the meantime, you can see the Gaiking teaser trailer at Ain't It Cool News.