The original script for "Astro Boy" had been written by Michael Lachance of "Kung Fu Panda" fame, but now Harris, who has penned such movies as "Kindergarten Cop," will be taking on the story.
The classic manga by legendary Osamu Tezuka tells the story of "Astro Boy," a boy-robot in search of his creator and struggling with his more 'human' qualities. Of course, in between the soul searching there are plenty of battles with mad scientists and master criminals. Brady had originally imagined the story as a 'dark Pinocchio' tale, but who knows what Harris may have planned now that he is in charge.
So just like the last time when there was a personnel change on the project, everyone seems really excited about the changes afoot (what else could they say?). Harris was quoted as saying, "'Astro Boy' is a dream animation project. It's a classic, as timeless as Oliver Twist, set in the most incredible futuristic world. It's one of those stories that moves you emotionally while being funny and entertaining at the same time." Too bad you can't say the same thing about some of Harris' other projects, including Kindergarten Cop and Space Jam. Astro Boy is set to arrive in theaters in 2009.