UPDATED: New poster here at right (click for larger, full view; new HD trailer here below, along with updated synopsis).

Astro Boy full-length CGI animated movie, have October 23, 2009 as the official release. YIPPEE!!

Imagi, the grunt behind this fantastical graphical wonderment, have recently posted a few more snapshots of what we can expect here and there are now two trailers and the original teaser showing off some incredible CGI magic.

Do not doubt for one second that the depth and darkness of the original Astro Boy — created by the unquestioned God and creator of Manga, Osamu Tezuka — will not be nipped and tucked for the family friendly demographic that the trailers seem to be aiming for.

Let’s be honest here, over the years Astro Boy has been reworked in cartoon format at least three times. Watching any of the 190-plus black and white episodes that aired in Japan in 1963-1966 will prove just how much the feel has changed over the years. Seriously! There are scenes of explosions and carnage where you can clearly see little bodies being thrown around in utter chaos and mayhem as Astro battles giant robots in the middle of the great city of Metropolis. Plots and twists and criminal activity that no parent would dare allow their children to see these days.

Whilst it would be incredibly cool to see an adult and darkly accurate portrayal of the stories and the feel of AstroBoy written by Osamu Tezuka 45 years ago – especially coming from Imagi – Astro Boy has undoubtably become a children’s cartoon. To that end, expect a vomitous dose of cheese and fluff splattered throughout the breathtaking action and CGI wonderment. Honestly, when director David Bowers (Flushed Away) himself says, “It’s really a huge action adventure with a lot of comedy,” you have a fair idea of what to expect.

Trailer

Synopsis

Few characters have made as powerful or as lasting an impression on international popular culture as Astro Boy. The little robot first appeared in 1951 as a character in the celebrated artist and animator Osamu Tezuka’s legendary manga (Japanese comic book) and became an instant icon. He was subsequently featured as the star of his own television series in both black-andwhite and in color, eventually airing in over 40 countries. Astro Boy created the standard for a new form of animation that has become world famous as anime. Now for the first time, Astro Boy will be brought to life on the big screen. Created with breathtaking computer animation from Imagi Studios, the film Astro Boy is a thrilling tale of a true hero. The film is set to debut in theaters on October 23, 2009. Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist named Dr. Tenma (Nicolas Cage). Powered by positive “blue” energy, Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore) is endowed with super strength, x-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly. Embarking on a journey in search of acceptance, Astro Boy encounters many other colorful characters along the way. Through his adventures, he learns the joys and emotions of being human, and gains the strength to embrace his destiny. Ultimately learning his friends and family are in danger, Astro Boy marshals his awesome super powers and returns to Metro City in a valiant effort to save everything he cares about and to understand what it means to be a hero.

Starring Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell, Nathan Lane, Eugene Levy, Matt Lucas, Bill Nighy, Donald Sutherland and Nicolas Cage, Samuel L. Jackson & Charlize Theron

Produced by Maryann Garger
Written by Timothy Hyde Harris and David Bowers
Directed by David Bowers