D3Publisher Signs Deal With Imagi For Astro Boy Games

D3Publisher (Dark Sector, Puzzle Quest) signed an agreement with CG film company Imagi to develop games based on the upcoming Astro Boy film. Both the games, for console and handhelds, and the movie will release in October 2009 worldwide, the companies say. Astro Boy is an animation character originated in the 1950s by "father of anime" Osamu Tezuka. The robot-boy character has appeared in three anime TV series and become something of a familiar global icon. Imagi's new film is set in the future and has Astro Boy out to save Metro City again. The studio describes the film, and, by association, the games, as a "classic superhero origin story," and promises an "adventure-filled journey" -- and "robot gladiators." Set in the future, Imagi Studio’s Astro Boy is a classic superhero origin story about a young robot with incredible powers and his adventure-filled journey in search of his identity and destiny, taking him into a netherworld of robot gladiators before he returns to save Metro City. The film will be directed by Flushed Away director David Bowers, and Freddie Highmore will voice the title role, while actors Nicholas Cage, Kristen Bell, Nathan Lane and Eugene Levy, among others, will also be part of the cast. "The rich history and endearing story of Astro Boy appeals to fans around the globe and translates exceptionally well to the interactive space," says D3P president and CEO Yoji Takenaka. "We look forward to working with Imagi to bring the film’s unique cast of characters to life in a compelling video game that fans and gamers of all ages will enjoy."