The reintroduction of "Voltron: Defender of the Universe" will begin with an animated series on Nicktoons and a new toy line from Mattel rather than leap straight onto the bigscreen.
That's the plan from rights holders World Event Prods and Classic Media, which are attempting to relaunch the massive robot, popular in the 1980s, to a new generation.

It's the latest of several properties to scrap plans for an initial film in favor of relaunching the brand through TV and toys.

Warner Bros.' animation aims to produce an anime-influenced version of "ThunderCats" for Cartoon Network to revive the '80s property, which has had a feature treatment stuck in development.

Likewise billionaire Haim Saban bought back "The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" from Disney last month for about $100 million to reboot as TV shows on Nickelodeon and toys.

Starting next year, Nicktoons will air 26 half-hour episodes of "Voltron Force," about five space explorers who pilot robotic lions that combine to form Voltron, an invincible guardian sworn to defend the Universe.

Series will remain faithful to the old show, while introducing new recruits to fight alongside the original characters.

New episodes will be timed to the 25th anniverseries. It's the first "Voltron" TV project in 10 years, although an iPhone game came out in December.

“In addition to being Warner Bros. Animation’s first anime series, ‘ThunderCats’ marks our most ambitious foray yet into fantasy,” said Register. “The realism and dynamic visual style we’ve achieved are sure to thrill viewers, and the cool weapons, vehicles and technology should help the show appeal to a diverse audience.”

The 21st century reimagining of the series marks a creative collaboration between WBA and Studio4°C, one of the most vibrant animation studios in Japan, with credits including “The Animatrix,” “Gotham Knights” and “Halo Legends.” WBA is working closely with Studio4°C, utilizing the latter’s expertise to give the “ThunderCats” characters a new cutting-edge look while remaining true to the compelling storylines and mythology of the original series.

“We at Studio4°C are excited to be in this creative partnership with Warner Bros. Animation to bring ‘ThunderCats’ to life,” said Eiko Tanaka, President and CEO, Studio4°C. “This collaboration combines the strengths of our two companies – high production values and great storytelling – toward reintroducing this classic fan-favorite to a new audience.”

Roaring to life through WBA and Studio4°C’s use of the Japanese animated artistry of anime, “ThunderCats” characters Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, Panthro, Cheetara and others will spring off the screen with realistic cat-like characteristics inconceivable in previous incarnations.

The new “ThunderCats” will appeal to viewers who have loved the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the franchise. A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes, the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost – takes on epic dimensions in this sharp new telling. As the forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest for the fabled Stones of Power, Lion-O and his champions learn valuable lessons of loyalty, honor and mortality in every episode.

“ThunderCats” is executive produced by Sam Register (“Teen Titans,” “Ben 10,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold”). Michael Jelenic (“Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “Wonder Woman”) and Ethan Spaulding (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”) are the producers.

WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND ICON HEROES GO ON THE PROWL WITH LICENSING AGREEMENT FOR THUNDERCATS

BURBANK, Calif., – May 14, 2010 – Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) announced today a partnership with leading collectibles manufacturer, Icon Heroes, to create products inspired by the classic animated series, Thundercats. This all-new line features prominent characters and environments from the beloved 1980’s animated television hit.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Icon Heroes will manufacture 6-inch and under scale statues, vehicle replicas, environments and dioramas all inspired by Thundercats. The statues will be branded as “Staction Figures” (Static Action Figures) and will be non-articulated standing atop a highly detailed environment base.

Each Staction Figure is scaled such that they can be displayed individually or alongside other 6-inch action figures and statues. The first Staction Figures scheduled for release are Lion-O, Jackal Man, and Jaga. Other products to be released include the Thunderclaw, Cat’s Lair, and many more.

“Thundercats is a classic cartoon property and Icon Heroes is the ideal partner to deliver an array of offerings befitting of these beloved characters,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President of Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Fans of the series will be thrilled to see not only the products available, but the painstaking detail with which they are created.”

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“Icon Heroes is all about bringing popular characters to life and we very excited to be recreating some of our favorite 1980’s animated heroes,” added Patrick Wang, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Icon Heroes. “It is wonderful to be able to work with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and we can’t wait to offer fans our exciting and vast collection of Thundercats product lines.”

Icon Heroes’ products can soon be purchased directly through their store at www.iconheroes.com. More information can be found by visiting the Icon Heroes blog at blog.iconheroes.com

Optikk™ Bio

Real Name: (pronounced through a series of blinks)

A Space Mutant spy from the foggy polar region of the planet Denebria™, the spyeye eyeball of Optikk™ is specially adapted to see through the dense Denebrain fog of his homeworld, making him an ideal spy. He carries a Photon Neutralizer, which has made him one of the most feared of the Space Mutants in the Tri-Solar System. Optikk™ allied himself with Skeletor® shortly after the Lord of Destruction™ defeated Hordak™ and turned his ambition to the Horde Empire, forming a coalition of mutants and outcasts to conquer the universe. Optikk™ serves Skeletor® by keeping an eye on He-Man® and all of the Galactic Protectors of the planet Primus.

Real Name: Tytus™

Tytus™ the giant fought for peace alongside King Grayskull™ and He-Ro™ in the Great Wars. Originally from the mountains of Perpetua, he was forced to leave his home after his herd of dinosaurs began developing strange techno parts. He traveled across Eternia® to seek help from the village of Grayskull™. There he joined the King in battle against the Snake Men™ and Horde. Tytus™ helped construct one of the Three Towers during a temporary truce with his enemies. After the death of He-Ro™, Tytus™ used his great strength to build King Grayskull™ a mighty fortress, incorporating the symbol of the Cosmic Warriors into the entrance as a tribute to his fallen comrade. In the end, Tytus™ fell during the first Ultimate Battle Ground, heroically sacrificing his life to stop the rampaging giant Megator™!