Anime Expo 2008

Robotech

Panelists: Tommy Yune, Steve Yun, Kevin McKeever

Despite the early start time, the Robotech panel was very well-attended. Tommy Yune started the presentation by giving a quick overview of the franchise's history, even showing old motion capture footage from the forgotten CGI flop, Robotech 3000. He then talked about the recent Robotech revival in the last few years, with the relaunch of the series on DVD, followed by last year's movie, Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles which is coming out on Blu-Ray later this year. He also covered a few other Robotech branded products, like Palladium Books' line of role playing games, and Del Rey's collection of novels.

The series will also be re-broadcast around the world. Canada's SPACE channel is airing all 85 episodes, as well as the Shadow Chronicles film. RETRO and CANAL 13 will be showing the series in Spanish in Latin America. Meanwhile, Star TV will be airing Shadow Chronicles across Asia.

As for other products, new toys and models are being made, notably a Mospeada and a VF-1. Some of the figures are still in beta, but may be ready by San Diego Comic Con.

Yune ended his presentation with some information about the proposed live-action Robotech movie. He confirmed that Warner Brothers is planning it, and that Tobey Maguire is involved. The script is beng written by Lawrence Kasdan, whose credits include Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Empire Strikes Back, and The Bodyguard. The movie is planned as a re-imagining of the Robotech universe, and will take place in the future.

During the question and answer section, Yune said that they were planning on taking Robotech: Shadow Rising, the sequel to Shadow Chronicles, in a new direction because of new opportunities brought about by the live-action movie. Although it was originally planned as a straight-to-home-video release, they are considering other media.