Red Rocker and Blue Bomber are coming to the big screen, and Vin Diesel’s tagging along for the ride. According to Deadline, Diesel is teaming up with Universal and Mattel to develop a film based on Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.
The Marx toy company created the original Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots game, which hit stores in the mid-60s. Mattel released its own version in 2000. Admittedly, it seems like it’s going to be a challenge to expand the simple concept of two robots hitting each other until one’s head pops off into a feature-length movie. Regardless, the studio is entrusting screenplay duties to Ryan Engle, who previously co-wrote Rampage for Warner Bros. Engle also worked on the scripts for The Commuter and Non-Stop, both of which starred Liam Neeson.
Apparently, Engle’s story centers on “a father and son who form an unlikely bond with an advanced war machine.” It’s worth noting that this premise sounds virtually identical to 2011’s Real Steel, which starred Hugh Jackman and also featured boxing robots. The report doesn’t mention whether Diesel is aiming to play the father in the new movie. However, his booming voice would also make him an ideal candidate to play one of its namesake fighters.
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“To take the classic Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em game, with Mattel as my partner, and align it with the kind of world building, franchise making success we have had with Universal, is truly exciting,” said Diesel in a statement.
“We are proud to bring this iconic piece of Mattel IP to life on the big screen with our tremendously talented partners Vin Diesel, One Race Films and Universal,” added Mattel Films EP Robbie Brenner. “Our rich library of franchises continues to yield compelling stories and we look forward to creating what is sure to be a thrilling action adventure for the whole family to enjoy with Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.”
Kevin McKeon is also leading Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots on behalf of Mattel Films. Universal still hasn’t set a release date for the movie.
What do you make of Universal’s plans for the film? Let us know in the comment section below!
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