Back in September we mentioned that Hugh Jackman was in talks with DreamWorks over a project called Real Steel. It was considered risky, aka big-budget, and the Rocky-esque film featuring giant robots didn't have metallic legs just yet. But now, almost two months later, we're told that DreamWorks is moving forward and Jackman has signed on to star.
Hugh Jackman for Real Steel
Real Steel comes as DreamWorks first financial risk since securing $825 million in financing for DreamWorks to be non-Paramount. The film is one of 17 projects that Spielberg and Stacey Snider took with them during the DreamWorks/Paramount split.
The film tells the tale of a fighter who has to reinvent himself when human boxing becomes obsolete, replaced by 2000 pound human-like robots. Jackman is negotiating to play the ex-fighter, who becomes a Robot Boxing promoter, but whose chances of success are hampered by his access to sub-standard robot parts. That is until he discovers a discarded robot that always seems to win. The ex-fighter has also discovered he's the father of a 13-year old son, and they bond as the robot brawls its way toward the top.
Based on a short story by Robert Matheson, Shawn Levy has been brouth on to direct. Though the story sounds expensive, DreamWorks thinks they can have the project in the can for $80 million.
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