'Bakugan' live-action movie in the works
Ever had fond memories playing the battling game Bakugan in your youth? Then you're about to relive those exciting times as a live-action adaptation of the hit Japanese franchise is now being developed.
In a report by Deadline, San Andres and Atlas filmmaker Brandon Peyton will direct, write, and produce the film in collaboration with Lindsay Harbert and Spin Master Entertainment for the screenplay.
The company served as the co-producer of the original Bakugan anime series along with Sega Toys and Nelvana.
"Bakugan is ready for the film treatment, and I’m thrilled to be the one to bring it to the big screen for the very first time. With Lindsay and the Spin Master team alongside me, we’re excited to build a hit franchise with global appeal," Peyton said.
"I am confident we will create a must-see film event that does justice to the unique and epic world that is Bakugan," he added.
Spin Master Entertainment president Jennifer Dodge, meanwhile, highlighted how the Bakugan franchise's "compelling characters and explosive battles" have allowed it to build a "multi-generational and devoted fanbase."
"As fans who were part of its initial craze now enter adulthood, we are thrilled to be working with accomplished filmmaking talent like Brad to reimagine Bakugan in live action, expanding the franchise for fans while introducing it to new audiences around the world," she said.
The Bakugan toy line and anime franchise rose to international prominence thanks to the 2007 series Bakugan Battle Brawlers. The story centers on mysterious cards that fell from the sky one day and can summon powerful creatures from another dimension.
The creatures were then made the focal point of a game called "Bakugan," which quickly became popular among the youth. The anime series particularly focuses on a young player named Dan Kuso who strives to become the World Ranking's leader.
A real-life version of the strategic game was meanwhile released by Sega Toys and Spin Master in conjunction with the anime series.
The game uses miniature figures taking on the form of a sphere that pops out when it is placed on the onto special metal Gate cards. The objective of the game is to capture three Gate cards.
The cast and release date of the Bakugan live-action film have yet to be detailed.
