Before theinternational trailerforMax Steelsurprisingly debuted last week, it had been more than two years since anyone had heard anything about this long-awaited adventure. Today, we have the new domestic trailer for this big screen adaptation of the beloved Mattel toy line, which gives us a better look atBen Winchellas the title character. We also have new details from directorStewart Hendler, who reveals why it took so long for thisMax Steelmovie to hit theaters, after wrapping principal photography more than two years ago.
When the first trailer debuted last week, it was revealed that the movie was given an October 21release date, which is one of the most crowded weekends this season. There are currently five movies opening that weekend in wide release, Paramount’sJack Reacher: Never Go Back, Lionsgate’sBoo! A Madea Halloween, 20th Century Fox’sKeeping Up With the Joneses, Universal’sOuija: Origin of Eviland PureFlix’sI’m Not Ashamed.Yahoo! Moviesnow reveals that the release date is October 14, putting it up againstThe AccountandKevin Hart: What Now?, with directorStewart Hendlerrevealing that the movie was delayed for so long because the studio couldn’t settle on the right release date. Here’s what the director had to say, while also touching on the film’s story.
“I wish it was something sexy and interesting, but it really just comes down to paperwork and release date. It just took a second for them to figure out what date they wanted it on, and find the perfect window for it. It’s Mattel’s first movie, and [the movie’s distributor] Open Road is new, so the handshake took a minute. But now it’s onward and release-ward. It’s a family, coming-of-age superhero movie with some comedy elements. One of the things that I really love about the movie is the relationship between Max and Steel, the little floating alien dude. It has abuddy comedyvibe to it. And that’s my favorite part of the film, the heart and the banter of the film. But ultimately it’s an origin story for this Mattel brand that is about a superhero that is literally the combination of an alien and a teenager. So we explain the roots of that.”
Based on a toy and animated series, the film chronicles the adventures of 16-year oldMax McGrath(Winchell) and alien companion Steel (voiced byJosh Brener), who must harness and combine their tremendous new powers to evolve into the turbo-charged superheroMax Steel. As these two unlikely friends struggle to accept their oddly connected fates, they begin to uncover unimaginable secrets, working together to find the truth, and fighting the mysterious forces threatening their world. United as the superhero Max Steel, they must combat an alien menace and unlock the secrets of their past. The director added that he’s aiming for the 8-14 age group with this movie, but he believes all age groups will be entertained. Here’s what the director had to say below.
“I would say that the sweet spot age group is between 8 and 14. It’s kind of like a big brother, little brother, mom and dad kind of thing. We want to be something for the family to see. It won’t be like, ‘Oh my God, I’m sitting through this super-young movie just for my kids.’ It will be entertaining for everyone. I think the challenge is to serve the fans of the brand and be accessible to people who know zero about it. So I think the tightrope that you walk is just trying to make something that’s fun regardless of whether you’ve ever heard of Max Steel or not. But also, if you’re someone who grew up on it and watched the cartoons… there will be inside jokes and Easter eggs and stuff for you to catch.”
Ben Winchellleads a cast that also includesAndy Garciaas Dr. Miles Edwards,Maria Belloas Molly McGrath andJosh Breneras the voice of Steel. The supporting cast is rounded out byAna Villafane,Mike Doyle,Phillip DeVona,Billy Slaughter,Al MitchellandLawrence Kao.Stewart Hendler(Sorority Row) is directing from a script byChristopher Yost(Thor: Ragnarok), based on the hit animated series and Mattel toy line Production started onMax Steelway back in April 2014, but now it seems that, after some lengthy delays, fans will finally get to seeMax Steelon the big screen. Take a look at this new trailer forMax Steelbelow.
