He’s shiny, metal, and he demands more input. Oh, did I forget to mention that he runs on tank wheels. That’s right, Number Johnny-5 is back!

Dimension Films has acquired rights to remake the 1986 film, Short Circuit, reports Variety.

The original introduced Number 5, a robot built by the military to be a highly sophisticated weapon. It developed a conscience and a personality after being hit by lightning, and then needed the help of humans after it was targeted for destruction by its makers, once it became a peacenik.

S.S. Wilson and Brent Maddock, who created the characters and wrote both “Short Circuit” films, have been hired to write the remake.

David Foster and Ryan E. Heppe will produce with John Hyde.

source: comingsoon.net

Personally, I am not really that upset that studios are constantly rehashing old material from the 80s [hint: Prom Night, Halloween, Friday the 13th, etc.] but I’m always open to new interpretation. Besides, not much people remember this film anyway I don’t think. Most kids who grew up watching this are now in their early to mid-20s so I think its alright that their remaking this for a new young audience. Dimension films has hired the two original creators/writers for both films; they will will be penning a script for the remake. This is considered a good think and a bad thing though. I am really not sure what new material they’ll come up with (its logical that some of today’s popular culture will be incorporated into the film) since its being done by the same guys who did the original. On the other hand, the fact that it’s the same guys give me hope in seeing the film as a success as I enjoyed both the original and the sequel. Also, there’s the fact that I can’t help wanting to see my favorite robot get back on the big screen as it was an important aspect of my childhood growing up.

I only have two ripes (two particular things they need to do to get this film in the right direction). First, for the love of the character and its beloved fans, do not make and I repeat do not make Johnny-5 CGI. As good as technology are these days, it would just be to easy in a way and insulting to the character to make him full-fledge CGI. Second, hire the original voice actor, Tim Blaney, who voiced the original character. This is for fan support from the older generation particularly (me included) — there is already a negative reaction from those who don’t want to see film made.

By the way, I can’t help but notice the similarities between Pixar’s WALL-E, that will be arriving in theaters this summer, and the Johnny-5 robot. There is no doubt they are similar in design and I dunno if that movie had an impact in revival of this franchise or not.