Variety reports that Dimension Films has hired writer Matt Lieberman to handle screenwriting duties on their upcoming reboot of the 1986 comedy Short Circuit. He joins Hop director Tim Hill, who signed on to helm the project back in August. Lieberman is a product of Disney, having began work with the studio after pitching a movie called The Pet to them many years ago. Since then he has done uncredited work on both 1996’s Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride as well as last year’s The Muppets. And if it’s the same Matt Lieberman as the one on IMDb, he’s also responsible for the 2008 direct to video sequel Dr. Doolittle: Tail to the Chief. So there’s that.
The original Short Circuit, which starred Steve Guttenberg and Fisher Stevens, followed the exploits of Johnny Five, an experimental robot who escapes the lab after gaining intelligence from a lightning strike, as he cracked wise and played cupid to Guttenberg and Ally Sheedy. It spawned a sequel in 1988 that involved Johnny Five dealing with life in New York City including getting covered in graffiti and joining a gang, complete with a leather vest. To put it another way, the Short Circuit series is very much a product of the 80’s.
But what’s old is new, and Short Circuit is coming back whether we want it to or not. I don’t know who they exactly think are clamoring for this; adults who grew up watching Short Circuit aren’t exactly begging for a return, and children will probably just think Johnny Five is a rip-off of Wall*E‘s robot (vice versa, little shavers!). And the creative team behind it doesn’t inspire much confidence either. Hiring Hill is smart in theory (his directorial efforts have made a lot of money), but quality-wise they leave a lot to be desired, and I have no idea what Lieberman is capable of. And given the fact that family-targeted movies are usually more insulting than entertaining, I have little faith in a new Short Circuit. That is, outside of another potential chance for Guttenberg to make some sweet cameo money.
Do you think a new Short Circuit will fly in the 21st century?