The Bakugan franchise is getting a live-action adaptation helmed by Brad Peyton. The franchise is based around Sega Toys and Spin Master’s collectible toy and card game, which sees players fling transforming balls onto magnetic cards, with whoever accumulates the highest points winning the match. The anime version of Bakugan follows a group of kids who create the тιтular game when mysterious cards fall out of the sky, but it soon becomes clear the stakes are higher than anyone could imagine.
Spin Master reveals that Bakugan is now set to make its big-screen debut with a live-action feature film. The movie will be written, directed, and produced by Peyton, who previously helmed Rampage, San Andreas, and Atlas. Lindsay Harbert will also develop the screenplay alongside Peyton. Generating over $1 billion in sales worldwide, the Bakugan toy line has spawned multiple anime and plenty of digital content. Jennifer Dodge, Spin Master Entertainment’s President, said in a statement:
Bakugan is a global franchise with a multi-generational and devoted fanbase, built on the strength of its compelling characters and explosive battles. As fans who were part of its initial craze now enter adulthood, we are thrilled to be working with accomplished filmmaking talent like Brad to reimagine Bakugan in live action, expanding the franchise for fans while introducing it to new audiences around the world.
Peyton also added:
Bakugan is ready for the film treatment, and I’m thrilled to be the one to bring it to the big screen for the very first time. With Lindsay and the Spin Master team alongside me, we’re excited to build a hit franchise with global appeal. I am confident we will create a must-see film event that does justice to the unique and epic world that is Bakugan.
What A Bakugan Movie Would Mean For The Franchise
The Toy Line Has A Surprisingly Deep Mythology
Those unfamiliar with the series may question whether Bakugan is a good fit for a film adaptation, but the franchise actually holds a rich mythology that could make for an ideal movie. The dynamic between the тιтular creatures and the human cast can be seen as a mix between that of Yu-Gi-Oh and Digimon; each Bakugan has a distinct personality and friendship with their owners, complete with their own goals and personal histories from their home dimension of Vestroia. Furthermore, while the anime can be seen as a vehicle to sell merchandise, it has a story that still has many twists and turns.
In its original anime, Bakugan set its core cast against the mysterious Masquerade and his partner Hydranoid, who had begun attacking various players and banishing their Bakugan, building up to a mystery about whom the villain was. This would escalate as the season continued, revealing the truth not only behind the villain’s idenтιтy, but also the monster’s arrival on Earth and the fate of their home. As such, the series has an escalating and layered story that could provide plenty of inspiration for a big-screen adaptation and please nostalgic fans and newcomers alike, especially should other seasons be adapted.
Our Take On Bakugan’s Live-Action Adaptation
Peyton’s Past With Monster Movies Makes Him An Ideal Choice
With few details available at the time, it remains to be seen just how Bakugan will be translated into a live-action movie, but it is understandable why Peyton was selected to helm the project. With Rampage, the director translated the monster-battling arcade game series into a blockbuster hit, despite a mixed reception. With Bakugan‘s own brand of varied, giant monsters, Peyton might have just what it takes to stage the various brawls.
Furthermore, the success of other recent live-action anime adaptations may result in some slight optimism surrounding Peyton’s adaptation of Bakugan. It certainly fits into an ongoing trend and can use that to its advantage. As such, the franchise may have a lot working in its favor, so hopefully, more updates will arrive soon to give a clearer picture of what to expect.
Source: Spin Master
