Houston, we have another TV series being turned into a movie. Yes, yes, we do. Harald Zwart has been in the news a bit recently with the surprising success of his most recent film The Karate Kid (2010). Well get ready for another blockbuster. The Wrap reports that the Norwegian filmmaker, who also directed Agent Cody Banks and One Night At McCool’s, has recently signed on to direct a movie version of a popular anime series Bakugan Battle Brawlers. It will simply be entitled Bakugan and will come from the womb of Universal Pictures.
The film will be based on the popular TV series and card game which includes marble-like balls that turn into battle-ready creatures when rolled onto certain game cards. Similar to the turned based idea of Pokemon. Bakugan Battle Brawlers is quite the popular toy and was conveniently given the title of the 2009 Toy of the Year by the Toy Industry Association. The toys are made by a collaboration of Spin Master Ltd and Sega Toys Ltd , as one of Spin Masters employees, Ronnen Harary, will actually be a producer on the project as well. Giving it a hopefully, more authentic, feel. Scott Stuber will also be producing the film through which it will be released on his Universal based production company, Stuber Pictures.
Zwart has been doing well recently with The Karate Kid universally making $358 million on only a budget of $40 million. He is also still set to direct RollerCoaster Tycoon, and I know we are all intrigued to see that release. Let’s just hope that Bakugan can battle it’s way to victory and give Zwart a pleasant win.
Will you be seeing Bakugan? Do you play the card game?