Nine-year-old boys screamed with joy at the news of “Karate Kid” director Harald Zwart signing on to direct the big-budget adaptation of the popular cards and balls game “Bakugan” for Universal Pictures. Meanwhile Hollywood pundits questioned another movie being based on a Pokémon-like game aimed at young kids.
According to “Empire,” Zwart remained convinced that a good story was possible about a game that involved rolling small balls that spring open and reveal battling dragons.
Zwart’s previous film, a remake of “The Karate Kid” starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith in the role made famous by Raph Macchio, was a huge hit.
No word yet on production dates for “Bakugan Battle Brawlers” but expect the film to be a high priority for the studio.
As for Zwart, he did such a good job with “Karate Kid” that he earns our confidence that he has something special in mind for a movie based on the “Bakugan” games.