A Real Steel TV series adaptation has been confirmed to be in early development for Disney Plus. Based on the 2011 film of the same name – itself based on the 1956 short story Steel by American author Richard Matheson – will follow up on the story of the original movie in a not-so-distant future in which robotic boxing events have primarily replaced those between humans.
A ‘REEL STEEL’ series is in the works at Disney+ with Shawn Levy set to exec produce. pic.twitter.com/8zjtFpRyyL
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 13, 2022
The film starred Hugh Jackman and Dakota Goyo as an estranged father and son, Jackman playing as a former boxer, and follows their story as they attempt to reconnect through fixing up an old robot they find in a junkyard and turn into a champion.
Although no writer has been officially announced, Shawn Levy – who directed the original film – will be brought on as the executive produce the Real Steel series via 21 Laps. Robert Zemeckis and Jack Rapke of Compari Entertainment have also been confirmed to executive produce alongside Jacqueline Levine, Susan Montford, and Don Murphy of Angry Films, with the series produced by 20th Television. It is not yet clear if the show will adhere directly to the events of the original film or take a different direction altogether with its characters and world, but time will tell.
The original Real Steel film also starred Evangeline Lilly, Anthony Mackie, Olga Fonda, Karl Yune, and several more. Despite receiving generally mixed reviews from critics upon its release, the film went on to gross nearly $300 million worldwide and build a cult following upon release while also receiving an Academy Award nomination for best visual effects.
It is also unclear at this time if Jackman will be brought back on to reprise his role following his recent diagnosis or if any of the previous actors will return to do the same. For the latest information regarding Real Steel and other projects soon coming to Disney Plus, be sure to keep reading The Nerd Stash!
