J.J. Abrams to bring us a Victorian-era robot tale with Boilerplate

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by: George Merchan Jul. 29, 2010

J.J. Abrams and his production company Bad Robot are, appropriately, preparing to tell the story of the "world's first robot" - Boilerplate.

Abrams will produce the adaptation based on the graphic novel-picture book hybrid Boilerplate: History’s Mechanical Marvel by Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett.

According to THR's Heat Vision, BOILERPLATE "purports to tell the story of the world’s first robot, who, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fought alongside Teddy Roosevelt and Lawrence of Arabia, journeyed to the South Pole and was involved in the silent movie business before disappearing on the battlefields of World War I."

The book tells Boilerplate's tale by inserting the robot into images drawn in the style of the age. Creator Paul Guinan originally pitched the idea on a website over a decade ago, hoping to garner interest to make the graphic novel. The site eventually took a life of its own as people began to actually believe the robot and its history were real. Today, we call these people "morons".

Below is a trailer for the Boilerplate book. It's cute.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

COMING SOON!

Extra Tidbit: Boilerplate's other, lesser-known function: Giver of good head.

12 discussions Expand all
 
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Spacegojira
7:17PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Any movie with a robot as the main character is awesome in my book. (who didn't love Short Circuit...don't lie) He reminds me of Tik Tok from RETURN TO OZ.
Any movie with a robot as the main character is awesome in my book. (who didn't love Short Circuit...don't lie) He reminds me of Tik Tok from RETURN TO OZ.
 
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Tyson J.
3:31PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Seems like a good stepping stone for a subgenre of steam punk movies that I'm sure is coming in the not too distant future. J.J. isn't the worst choice in the world to kick start it.
Seems like a good stepping stone for a subgenre of steam punk movies that I'm sure is coming in the not too distant future. J.J. isn't the worst choice in the world to kick start it.
 
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RizzleB
8:54AM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I will pay good money for this film if for no other reason than to know the story behind the picture of the robot hugging that bear. I want that picture on the ceiling above my bed so it's the last thing I see before I sleep.
I will pay good money for this film if for no other reason than to know the story behind the picture of the robot hugging that bear. I want that picture on the ceiling above my bed so it's the last thing I see before I sleep.
 
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Terminal_83
6:30AM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
"The site eventually took a life of its own as people began to actually believe the robot and its history were real. Today, we call these people "morons"." This line is so good I want to fuck it.
"The site eventually took a life of its own as people began to actually believe the robot and its history were real. Today, we call these people "morons"."

This line is so good I want to fuck it.
 
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OrangeRush 2112
1:17AM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
wow a robot with DSL? who knew?? maybe ben affleck can play the robot. he's got robotic acting ability. or maybe sasha grey??
wow a robot with DSL? who knew?? maybe ben affleck can play the robot. he's got robotic acting ability. or maybe sasha grey??
 
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PuffCity
10:41PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
LOL for the extra tidbit, he does have BJ lips
I don't see how this would make a good movie. I respect JJ Abrams to an extent, but I don't believe this idea is a good one.
I don't see how this would make a good movie. I respect JJ Abrams to an extent, but I don't believe this idea is a good one.
 
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Rubberboy
10:30PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
When you sit and think about it, It could actually be really cool, epic and sad. I mean hey he disappears without a trace. could be kind of Wall-Eish if done right and Abrams hasn't let us down yet(oh yeah once Cloverfield). Star Trek kicked all types of ass so I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed on this one.
When you sit and think about it, It could actually be really cool, epic and sad. I mean hey he disappears without a trace. could be kind of Wall-Eish if done right and Abrams hasn't let us down yet(oh yeah once Cloverfield). Star Trek kicked all types of ass so I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed on this one.
 
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The_Soloist
10:03PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Wall-E. Star Trek 2 please or Mission Impossible 4.
Wall-E. Star Trek 2 please or Mission Impossible 4.
 
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anomaly7
9:49PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
This seems like a cross between Forrest Gump and a sketch they would do on Robot Chicken. Or like the R2-D2 mockumentary. I'm guessing this is suppose to be a comedy?
This seems like a cross between Forrest Gump and a sketch they would do on Robot Chicken. Or like the R2-D2 mockumentary. I'm guessing this is suppose to be a comedy?
 
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angershark
9:16PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
the moron line made me lol irl. nice one.
the moron line made me lol irl. nice one.
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mongoose221
9:34PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
i second that remark.
so did the 'giver of good head' tidbit!
i second that remark.
so did the 'giver of good head' tidbit!
 
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thor333us
8:56PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
another movie
I know someone who made a movie about a robot that fights half robot nazis. Called Project Valkyrie
I know someone who made a movie about a robot that fights half robot nazis. Called Project Valkyrie