AceShowbiz -

Putting attention to Japanese animation or known as anime, Imagi Animation Studios has been reported to acquire rights from Japan's Tezuka Productions Company Limited to produce a new CG animated feature length motion picture titled "Astro Boy." The flick, set for a 2009 theatrical release, will be based on the renowned anime franchise which was initially created by Osamu Tezuka, the company has confirmed.

In bringing the project to life CG feature animation, Imagi is intending to create a vivid new version on the titular hero with production taking place in the company's state of the art Hong Kong animation studio. Meanwhile, the movie's premise will be developed into a completely new story created in Imagi's U.S studio, similar to other Imagi's productions of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and "Gatchaman."

Originally known as "Tetsuwan Atomu" in Japan, "Astro Boy" franchise first took form in the country as a comic or manga series in 1952 before being broadcasted as TV series in 1963. The story follows the adventures of the titular hero, a boy-sized robot, as he protects the world with the help of his friends while facing personal challenges in adapting to the human world.