Has Hollywood learned nothing from “Battleship”?
Hasbro’s “Stretch Armstrong” movie – which previously had “Twilight” actor Taylor Lautner attached to star before the project jumped studios (it was formerly set up at Universal) – is actually moving forward, with “Crazies” director Breck Eisner signing on to helm. What’s more, it’s been re-envisioned by Eisner and screenwriter Dean Georgaris (“The Manchurian Candidate,” “Paycheck”) as a “gritty actioner.” How they’re gonna make that work exactly is anyone’s guess.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to create a world that is both fresh and exhilarating,” said Eisner (whose previously-announced “Flash Gordon” adaptation appears to be stuck in development hell) in a statement. “What really excites me is the chance to build a hero from the ground up.”
When Eisner says “from the ground up,” he really means it – as manufactured by Hasbro, the character boasted no real origin story to speak of.
“This original story will be a gritty actioner introducing the character of Lucas Armstrong and the life-or-death consequences he will face after undergoing a transformation granting him superhuman abilities,” reads the project’s official description. Right.
Relativity has slated “Stretch Armstrong” for an April 11, 2014 release.
The Stretch Armstrong toy, a gel-filled action figure which could be stretched to several times its original length, first hit stores in 1976. Though it was taken off the market several years later, a revamped version was introduced in the 1990s. The original toys are now extremely rare and can fetch hundreds and even thousands of dollars from collectors.
Are you surprised Relatively is moving forward with the project? Anyone interested in actually seeing this thing? Sound off in the comments!
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