News > Freddie Highmore to Voice Astro Boy

Written by David Morgan

Young British thespian Freddie Highmore (Finding Neverland, The Spiderwick Chronicles) has been cast in the title role of Astro Boy, a CG-animated feature for Imagi Studios. According to The Hollywood Reporter:

Created by Osamu Tezuka, the Astro Boy franchise began as an original animated television series that aired in Japan during the 1960s.

Set in futuristic Metro City, Imagi's Astro Boy tells the story of a young robot created by a scientist to replace the son he lost. Unable to fulfill the grieving father's expectations, Astro Boy embarks on a journey of discovery before he returns to save Metro City and reconcile with his creator.

David Bowers is directing the $40 million picture. Release is expected in 2009.