As per usual, Robert Rodriguez is not a man who can be easily pigeonholed. A few years have passed since last feature, the extremely disappointing “Sin City: A Dame To Kill For,” but he’s back in the feature-film business in a big way after detours into television with the interview series “The Director’s Chair” and “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series.” He’s already in post-production on the big-budget, James Cameron-produced “Alita: Battle Angel,” and just last week we learned he signed up to direct the remake of John Carpenter‘s “Escape From New York.” However, kids’ fare has always been part of Rodriguez’s oeuvre (see his “Spy Kids” series), and he’s once again diving into making a movie for children.
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The filmmaker will direct “Ugly Dolls” for STX Entertainment. The animated film will be based on the plush toy line launched in 2001, which is apparently pretty big in Asia. And with international box office a growing influence on the industry’s bottom line, it’s not a big surprise STX wants to make something that will appeal to a potentially huge audience in that market.
STX are feeling good about it, dating the film for May 10, 2019 — one week after the “Avengers: Infinity War” sequel opens. Never doubt the power of plush toys, I guess. [Deadline]