Summit flies with Imagi's 'Astro Boy'

Film unit to distribute CG-animated feature

By DAVE MCNARY

'Astro Boy'
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Summit Entertainment will distribute Imagi Studios' CG-animated "Astro Boy" worldwide, except for Japan, Hong Kong and China.

Monday's announcement was made by Summit co-topper Rob Friedman and Imagi CEO Douglas Glen.

"Astro Boy," slated for worldwide theatrical release next year, had previously been set for distribution via Warner Bros. and TWC. Voice cast includes Nicolas Cage, Donald Sutherland, Nathan Lane, Bill Nighy and Eugene Levy, with Freddie Highmore in the title role.

David Bowers is directing from Timothy Harris' screenplay about a young robot created by a scientist to replace the son he has lost. Maryann Garger produces.

"Astro Boy" was created by manga pioneer Osamu Tezuka in the early 1950s.

Project, produced at Imagi's studios in Hong Kong, is the second CG-animated feature film from Imagi, following last year's "TMNT." It's also Summit's second animated film after 3-D feature "Fly Me to the Moon," due out Aug. 8.

Summit, which began ramping up operations last year, plans to release 10-12 films annually.