Shawn Levy to direct Real Steel

Posted on September 17, 2009
Filed Under Directors, News

There has been a lot of fighting/boxing themed films lately and I really thought we had seen it all. And just when you thought you were safe, The Hollywood Reporter drops this one on you. Apparently Shawn Levy, known for directing and producing hit comedies such as the two “Night at the Museum” movies, has decided to to take a swing at “Real Steel.” The “Steel” project was initially attached to director Peter Berg, but when he moved on, Steven Spielberg (exec producer on the film) called Levy last week to ask if he were interested. Needless to say, you don’t turn down Spielberg…

“Steven’s passion for this project was absolutely infectious and I’m so excited to bring this story to life,” Levy said. “In a movie filled with these mechanical warriors, at its core ‘Real Steel’ is an incredibly human story.”

Levy’s participation could mean a change in tone for the adventure project and/or a stretching of the creative muscles for the director. “I’m thrilled to be working with Shawn on this project,” DreamWorks Stacey Snider said. “He’s a master of combining heart and human stories with fantastic visuals. I’m sure that in his capable hands, ‘Real Steel’ will be a film that touches and excites all audiences.”

“Real Steel” takes place in a near future where human boxing has been outlawed, and heavy, humanoid robots slug it out in the ring instead. Into this world step a father and his estranged teenage son, who train an extraordinary fighter.

Robot boxing. Weird, but cool. I guess. It sounds a little dumb but… I’ll keep you posted on any updates.

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