Robot boxing movie still sounds stupid

Shawn Levy has been talking more about his 'robot boxing' movie Real Steel, claiming he's head-hunted Hugh Jackman for the lead. Think Rocky meets Transformers meets Wolverine or whatever. (*picks teeth*)

Once he's finished the painstaking post-production on multi-million dollar science-fiction fantasy epic Date Night, director Shawn Levy will turn his attention to Real Steel, a futuristic sports movie where a lust for violence has led to the development of robo-boxers; mechanical warriors that kick the diesel out of each other in the ring. (*sigh*)

(Just an aside: I'm aware this week we've seemingly only written about films that sound awful. I'll make sure Friday is a bit more uplifting. I can only apologise unreservedly. Back to our scheduled, depressing programme.)

The script, based on a short story by author Richard Matheson (I Am Legend, The Twilight Zone) has been re-written by Leslie Bohem (Nightmare On Elm Street 5, The Alamo) and John Gatins ('Air Traffic Controller' in Meet Dave).

Talking to Sci-Fi Wire, Levy claims the screenplay is faithful to the Matheson original and that he's talking to sky-curser Hugh Jackman for the lead.

So it's Rocky meets Transformers meets Cinderella Man meets Surrogates? How much do you want to bet there'll be a scene where the Washed-Up Has-Been Ex-Boxer takes to the ring for One Last Fight where he shows the world he's still Got What It Takes to cut it in The World That Left Him Behind?

Before Real Steel is released in 2011, check out the exclusive teaser trailer below.