Imagi's GATCHAMAN Is Dead

Given the long running financial difficulties of Hong Kong based animation house Imagi Studios this does not come as a surprise but it is no less disappointing for being expected: The long in development feature adaptation of Gatchaman is now officially dead.

Gatchaman is a fast-paced sci-fi action-thriller that's the moving story of a lone-wolf maverick youth who finds a family in the most unexpected way. Against a backdrop of stealthy ninja-style shadow fighting to full-scale clashes, five teenage superheroes defend Earth in an epic battle against evil aliens bent on destroying our planet.

The original classic anime series was known variously around the globe as Battle of the Planets or, as I knew it, G-Force and anticipation for a big screen version has been high for years. But, unfortunately, Imagi was never able to match the early success they had with the animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie and the widespread failure of Astro-Boy - which I actually enjoyed - sealed the company's fate. Though the company managed to avoid fully closing shop via a massive reorganization, Anime Nation is now reporting that the Gatchaman movie has been officially removed from their upcoming slate.

See the teaser below for a taste of what could have been.