Imagine a childhood favorite from the '80s roaring back to life with Hollywood's biggest stars – but is this revival destined for glory or just another nostalgic flop? Fans of iconic sci-fi are buzzing with excitement and a touch of skepticism as Henry Cavill leads a live-action remake of the beloved '80s TV series Voltron. But here's where it gets controversial: Could updating a classic anime-inspired show with modern CGI and star power truly capture the magic, or will it alienate purists who cherish the original? Dive in as we unpack the latest scoop from co-star Sterling K. Brown, straight from an exclusive Collider chat.
Sterling K. Brown, fresh off his powerhouse role in Hulu's dystopian thriller Paradise, is gearing up for a new adventure alongside Henry Cavill, Alba Baptista, Nathan Jones, and others in the live-action Voltron film. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber – the mind behind the Netflix blockbuster Red Notice – and penned by Thurber alongside Ellen Shanman, this project wrapped shooting in Australia earlier this year. Yet, despite the star-studded lineup and high hopes, an official release date remains elusive. It's a reminder of how these ambitious remakes can sometimes get stuck in development limbo, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
In his interview with Collider's Steve Weintraub, Brown opened up about the project with infectious enthusiasm. When asked about the film's premise, he quipped simply, "It’s about Voltron!" with a grin that spoke volumes. For those new to the franchise, Voltron originated as a Japanese anime series in the early 1980s, later adapted into a popular American cartoon by World Events Productions in St. Louis. The story revolves around five robotic lions that unite to form a giant, heroic mech warrior, wielding a flaming sword to battle evil forces across the universe. Brown, who hails from St. Louis himself, shared a personal connection: "We must be around the same age, because it was a big deal when I was growing up. I think it was a Japanese anime first, and then we got the rights for it in St. Louis, and the Koplars, which are based in St. Louis, were the primary distributors of it in the United States. I’m from St. Louis, and I went to school with the main producer for the film, Bob Koplar." It's these kinds of heartfelt ties that add a layer of authenticity to remakes, making them more than just cash grabs.
And this is the part most people miss: Brown didn't stop at nostalgia; he got playful about the action, even turning to his Paradise co-star Shailene Woodley for a quick demo. "Do you know Voltron at all? It’s these robot lions that come together to form this ultimate defender of the universe, and he’s got this amazing flaming sword, and he beats a lot of ass," he explained, painting a vivid picture of epic battles that could appeal to both old-school fans and newcomers. On the set in Australia, working with Thurber was a highlight. "So, I'm in it. We shot in Australia. That's directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, who's awesome. We’ve got a great cast — some familiar faces, a lot of newcomers, or what have you. And I think that's all I can say without them wanting to cut off my pinky toe." Woodley chimed in teasingly, "It’s just the pinky toe!" but Brown held firm: "It’s just the pinky, but I like my pinky toe." It's moments like these that reveal the fun, collaborative spirit behind big-budget productions, where NDAs (non-disclosure agreements, for those unfamiliar) keep secrets tight but can't stifle the excitement.
Shifting gears to Brown's current project, Paradise Season 2 is set to hit Hulu on February 23, promising even more thrills. While the first season focused on a gripping murder mystery inside a bunker, with Brown as investigator Xavier Collins uncovering the truth behind President Cal Bradford's death (played by James Marsden), Season 2 takes Xavier beyond those confines. He'll search for his wife in a world outside the bunker, encountering dangers and revelations. Shailene Woodley portrays a character who's lived on the surface, offering fresh perspectives on survival and society. Expect plenty of intrigue and peril as Xavier navigates this treacherous new territory – it's like stepping from a controlled lab into the wild unknown, and for beginners exploring dystopian tales, it highlights themes of trust, isolation, and human resilience in a post-apocalyptic setting.
Stay tuned to Collider for the latest on this Voltron remake and more Paradise updates. Check out the sneak peek from Weintraub's full chat with Brown and Woodley above for a taste of the buzz.
Writers: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Producers: David Hoberman
Uncredited: Alba Baptista
Now, here's a thought to spark some debate: In an era of endless reboots, is reviving classics like Voltron a bold step forward or a risky gamble that could dilute the original's charm? Do you think the star power will elevate the story, or might it overshadow the heart of the franchise? And what about those childhood memories – are they best left untouched, or do they deserve a modern glow-up? Share your opinions in the comments; I'm curious to hear if you're team nostalgia or team innovation!**
