Warner Bros Pictures and The Weinstein Co have inked another agreement with Hong Kong-based ImagiAnimation Studios to handle the worldwide distribution of their newer animated features "Gatchaman" and "Astro Boy." The three companies got together on the release of the animated feature version of "TMNT," which Imagi produced. The new features are both slated for delivery in 2009.
For a refresher "Gatchaman" is developed from a Japanese TV series "Science Ninja Team Gatchaman," and will be directed by "TMNT"'s Kevin Munroe. "Astro Boy," is adapted from a Japanese series from the early 1960s about a powerful robot boy. It will be directed by Pixar/ILM alumni Colin Brady.
If they stick to the same plan as on "TMNT" Warner will handle the North American release and TWC would handle international territories, though Warner ended up handling territories including Japan, Italy, Spain and China. Either way it works it is good for us because we’re much closer to seeing these two features on the big screen in our own backyard.
