Dolphin Films announced today that Ben Winchell (“A.N.T. Farm,” “Necessary Roughness“) and Ana Villafañe (“Hiding,” “Los Americans”) have signed on to play the leading roles of Max McGrath and Sydney Gardner in Max Steel, the upcoming live-action feature film based on Mattel’s popular superhero property of the same name.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce audiences worldwide to Ben Winchell and Ana Villafañe,” said Bill O’Dowd, CEO Dolphin Entertainment. “The ‘Max Steel’ franchise fan base is extremely passionate about the lead characters of Max and Sydney, and we knew we needed to get the casting just right. Ben and Ana are extremely talented young actors, and we’re confident fans will fall in love with each of them the minute they hit the big screen.”
The film’s story centers on teenager Max McGrath and his alien companion Steel, who combine special turbo-energy powers to become the superhero Max Steel.
“Max Steel is an aspirational high school superhero supported by an action packed narrative that’s well suited for the world stage,” said producer Julia Pistor. “The renowned creative team we have assembled, along with our partners at Dolphin and IM Global, are able to bring the origin story of ‘Max Steel’ to the big screen for millions of fans around the world while also introducing new audiences to the courageous hero.”
Max Steel, which is being produced by Dolphin Films and Mattel, is slated for a wide theatrical release by Open Road Films domestically and IM Global internationally in 2015. It’s being penned by Christopher Yost (Thor: The Dark World) and directed by Stewart Hendler (“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn,” “H+“).
