Gaiking is one of the many robot mechas in a line of Japanese toy robot series called The Shogun Warriors. Originally planned as a seven minute short for David Fincher’s Heavy Metal film project, it has since taken a life of its own through heavy development and visual effects artist Jules Urback’s acquisition of rights to multiple characters so that it could be eventually made into a feature film.
The film is being directed by Matthew Gratzner (Shutter Island, The Dark Knight, Iron Man, The Aviator, Superman Return, Alien Resurrection). And while the teaser features completely CGI mechas, according to new updates, the crew plans to build actual life size full scale versions!
THR recently talked with Urbach and this is what he had to say:
Gaiking and those kinds of robots, you’re talking about giant robots that are piloted by humans. You’re not talking about Transformers, where they are their own characters. These robots are the extension of the pilots; they are really like giant suits of armor. So it’s really the people inside them that are the characters. That is a huge differentiator. Gaiking is one pilot. It’s really the pilot expressing himself through this giant mecha.
Gaiking, will apparently be the principal robot in the film and the film is currently in pre-production, with more other robots to follow. The robots have all be designed and they just need to work out a script which should be completed in three months or so.
As incredible and insane as this project seems, it’s still a long ways away. Currently they are looking at a release of maybe 2012 or 2013.
If you haven’t seen the teaser trailer yet, here it is again for your viewing and mind blowing pleasure. Kinda makes you forget about Michael Bay and his Dud-formers.