Johnny 5 Getting the ‘Robot Chicken’ Treatment

Posted by Josh Radde (josh@filmschoolrejects.com) on June 4, 2009 Share

NUMBER 5 IS ALIVE!

I don’t know what rock I’ve been hiding under, but evidently I’ve missed knowing about the Short Circuit remake until just now. And frankly, my life is better. Then came the news that “Robot Chicken” writer and “Greg the Bunny” co-creator Dan Milano is writing the script for Johnny 5’s comeback to the screen. According to Variety, the writer was approached by Dimension Films to pen the remake of the 1986 film.

In case you’re not familiar, Short Circuit revolved around an armored robot under the control of the military being struck by lightning, therefore developing free will and a personality of his own (obviously). He then spent the remainder of 90 minutes reading books quickly, dancing with Ally Sheedy, and managing to outwit the U.S. Armed Forces. Oh, and Steve Guttenberg was along for the ride. As was Fisher Stevens playing one of the most blatantly racist characters I can think of. Fuck, I miss the 80s.

Short Circuit’s producer from ‘86, David Foster, is back on board with the remake and remarks “We’re bringing Number 5 into the 21st Century and taking advantage of the improvements in robotics that are so massive that robots are now performing heart surgeries in hospitals.” As far as the look of the robot goes, “We think of Wall-E as an extended trailer for our film,” Foster adds, “because it’s the same face.”

As of right now, I’ll file this under “Cautiously Optimistic” until I hear who’s going to be directing or what exactly they plan to do to update Johnny 5. One of the reasons the 1986 version was so lovable is because of its campy-ness, and the “Robot Chicken” fellas sure know camp, so I’ll give them credit there. I guess what I hope to see is Milano create a “story” and “characters” as opposed to just a bunch of slightly funny, yet ultimately forgettable vignettes concerning robots put to film. I also hope that there’s some fun special effects and that it doesn’t look too sleek and sexy. No flames for Johnny 5.

They would also be remiss if they didn’t bring back Tim Blaney to voice the lovable robot. I don’t require Steve Guttenberg, though. As far as I’m concerned, he can stay on his boat sleeping with skinless aliens.

What do you think of a Short Circuit remake?

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