If you're going to make a movie about a giant robot, then getting a man of steel to lead it is pretty shrewd business. And that's exactly what Rawson Marshall Thurber has done with the latest piece of casting for his upcoming live-action Voltron movie. As reported by Deadline, former Superman and noted geek IP magnet Henry Cavill has landed the lead role in Thurber's movie, which is currently in the works at Amazon MGM Studios.
After many failed attempts to bring the mecha anime phenomenon to multiplexes (as far back as 2008 we've been reporting on attempts to get a big-screen take off the ground), Red Notice helmsman Thurber sparked a bidding war back in 2022 with an original pitch and teaser reel that caught the attention of Hollywood big-wigs all over. And whilst the nature of that pitch remains a closely guarded secret for the time being, Amazon moved decisively to grab the movie, which will bring the Robot Lions — five pilots whose vehicles combine, Megazord style, to form almighty big-bot Voltron — into live-action for the first time. For those who aren't au fait with the anime, which was a mega success in its 80s heyday, picture something that's a little bit Transformers, a little bit Power Rangers, and a touch Pacific Rim and you won't be far off base.
Cavill joins previously announced newcomer Daniel Quinn-Toye in the cast for this one, which Thurber has co-written alongside Ellen Shanman. As for when we can expect Voltron to take form, there's no release date slated as of yet, but THR are saying that shooting is due to get underway in Australia this fall. With Cavill recently popping up in Deadpool & Wolverine, getting ready to shoot Chad Stahelski's Highlander reboot next year, and now boarding this big-budget robot blockbuster, now's as good time a time as any to join the Cavillry. (That's a thing, right? Right?!)