AceShowbiz -

Universal is developing a live-action adaptation of the hit animated series "Voltron". According to Deadline, the studio has hired "X-Men" and "Watchmen" screenwriter David Hayter, who is writing the live-action project that started at DreamWorks Animation and has Tom Engelman serving as a producer.

Video game fans probably know that Hayter is the voice actor behind Solid Snake in the English-language versions of the Metal Gear Solid franchise. He also provides the voices of other characters in animated features and television shows, including the voice of Captain America in various series.

The original "Voltron" series was based on the Japanese anime properties "Beast King GoLion" and "Kikou Kantai Dairugger XV", airing in the U.S. from 1984 to 1985. Netflix is also working on a new animated series. Titled "Voltron: Legendary Defender", the second season of the series is set to premiere on January 20, 2017.

It tells the story of a team of five young astronauts who pilot giant Lion robots that form into the titular warrior and battle across the planet of Arus.

Plans for the film adaptation of the animated series were on the table back in 2005, with Oscar-nominated producer Mark Gordon and screenwriter Justin Marks ("The Jungle Book") on board. Relativity Media finally announced in 2011 that they would bring it to the big screen, but it never materialized.