Though it in no way compares to the news of J.J. Abrams directing the next 'Star Wars' movie, another science fiction series that sells a lot of toys got a helmer today. Warner Brothers hired commericals director Nic Mathieu to bring 'Robotech' to the big screen.

This comes from The Hollywood Reporter, who note that the film has been in development for over five years, with various writers having worked on the film. They mention nothing of who the current author of the screenplay is, but Akiva Goldsman -- the Academy award winner writer of 'A Beautiful Mind' (and also 'Batman and Robin') -- is attached as a producer along with former Spider-Man Tobey Maguire.

Matheiu has yet to direct a feature, but is attached to two other projects at the moment, though it's unknown if this will take precedent. Coming from commercials isn't much of a tell these days, as so many directors cut their teeth in advertising (like Ridley and Tony Scott). 'Robotech' began as a toy line, and a anime show followed shortly thereafter. The premise was that Earth received alien technology that allowed us to build "mechas" (giant fighting robots), which were made to protect us from alien attackers. As Warner Brothers is also behind 'Pacific Rim' -- which has a similar plot -- perhaps that means that they're exceptionally confident in 'Rim,' and wouldn't mind doing more of the same.

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