There have been rumblings of a Short Circuit reboot (pardon the pun) or sequel for some years now, a leaked script for a possible sequel even turned up online a few years back, but today Variety gives us the first concrete evidence that a remake is going into production.
From Variety
Dimension Films has signed Steve Carr to direct "Short Circuit," the remake of the 1986 sci-fi pic.
Carr is coming off the Kevin James hit "Paul Blart: Mall Cop."
Scripted by Dan Milano ("Robot Chicken"), the remake is a robot reboot that brings the iconic Johnny 5 into the 21st century. Built by the military to be a highly sophisticated weapon, Johnny 5 develops a conscience and personality after being hit by lightning. He befriends a lonely boy and his fractured family.
...
"Short Circuit" fits into Dimension's priority of making franchise films, a list that includes "Scream 4," "Spy Kids 4," "Clive Barker's Hellraiser," "Scanners" and "An American Werewolf in London." The "Spy Kids" and "Hellraiser" films will be 3-D.
Bringing Johnny 5 into the 21st Century? Does that mean he'll look like Eve from Wall-E? I haven't seen Paul Blart so I can't comment as to it's quality, but the reviews were not good as I recall. However, with comedies, so much of the success is predicated on the script being good and I have seen Milano's work on Robot Chicken which consists of short (often hilarious) sketches usually spoofing pop-culture icons. If Milano can make the transition from sketches to features and maintain the same sense of humor then I think this film has a fighting chance.
What do you guys think of the choices? Do you think the world even needs a Short Circuit reboot?
Source:
Variety
April 23, 2008, 08:59:07 AM
