HOLLYWOOD, Calif., April 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Dolphin Films announced today that Academy Award^® Nominee Andy Garcia has signed on to the highly anticipated, live-action franchise feature film "Max Steel," based on the popular superhero property from Mattel.  Andy Garcia will play the pivotal role of the brilliant and mysterious scientist, "Dr. Miles Edwards." 

"We're ecstatic to be working with legendary actor Andy Garcia," said Bill O'Dowd, CEO, Dolphin Films.  "Dr. Miles Edwards is a very complicated character, and he is central to the entire mythology of Max Steel.  The role requires a truly talented actor, and there is no one more qualified than Andy to tackle it."    

Andy Garcia is one of Hollywood's most respected leading actors.  He played a significant role in the 1987 blockbuster "The Untouchables," and subsequently honed his multi-layered acting abilities to earn several industry awards.  Garcia has been recognized for his work with Academy Award^® and Golden Globe^® nominations for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for "The Godfather: Part III."  He also co-wrote and appeared opposite Richard Gere in "Internal Affairs."  He later teamed with an all-star cast for director Steven Soderbergh's remake of "Ocean's Eleven," and returned for the film's sequels "Ocean's Twelve" and "Ocean's Thirteen."  Garcia's recent work includes voicing the character of Eduardo in "Rio 2."  He can currently be seen starring as Big Al in "Rob the Mob" and later this year he will star in "Let's Be Cops" from 20^th Century Fox.

"Max Steel" stars Ben Winchell (Disney's "A.N.T. Farm," "Necessary Roughness") as Max McGrath™ and Ana Villafane ("Hiding," "Los Americans") as Sofia Martinez.  The film is being penned by Marvel Studios veteran Christopher Yost ("Thor: The Dark World"), directed by award-winning director Stewart Hendler ("Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn," "H+") with Academy Award® nominated family entertainment veteran Julia Pistor serving as producer for Mattel's Playground Productions ("Nacho Libre," "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events").

The "Max Steel" film is an in-depth "origin" story packed with captivating characters and fast-paced action.  The plot chronicles the adventures of 16-year old Max McGrath™ and alien companion Steel, who must harness and combine their tremendous new powers to evolve into the turbo-charged superhero Max Steel.  As these two unlikely friends struggle to accept their oddly connected fates, they begin to uncover unimaginable secrets, working together to find the truth, and fighting the mysterious forces threatening their world.

Principal photography for "Max Steel" begins today in Wilmington, North Carolina.  "Max Steel," which is being produced by Dolphin Films and Mattel, is slated for a wide theatrical release domestically by Open Road Films in 2015.  The film will be handled internationally by Dolphin Films International in partnership with IM Global, a worldwide leader in film distribution and sales.

About Dolphin Entertainment:
Dolphin Entertainment (Dolphin) is an innovative, full-service studio focused on best-in-class storytelling for family audiences on a global scale.  Led by CEO and Emmy®-nominated Producer Bill O'Dowd, Dolphin has created award-winning entertainment across multiple platforms, working with talented content creators on programs seen in more than 300 million homes and more than 100 territories worldwide.  Dolphin's television shows include the Primetime Emmy® Award-nominated Nickelodeon hit series "Zoey 101," and Nickelodeon's top-rated "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide."  Dolphin Digital Media has produced multiple Streamy-Award nominated projects, including "Aim High" starring Jackson Rathbone and Aimee Teegarden (which premiered on AOL), "H+: The Digital Series" from Bryan Singer (which premiered on YouTube), and "Cybergeddon" from Anthony E. Zuiker (which premiered on Yahoo).  Dolphin Entertainment launched Dolphin Films, its feature film division, in 2013.  

About Mattel:
Mattel, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAT) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever produced, Hot Wheels®, Max Steel™, Monster High®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends® and Fisher-Price® brands, including Little People® and Power Wheels®, as well as a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. In 2013, Mattel was named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere Magazine and also is ranked No. 2 on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs nearly 30,000 people in 40 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. At Mattel, we are Creating the Future of Play. Visit us at www.mattel.com, www.facebook.com/mattel or www.twitter.com/mattel.

About Max Steel:
Developed by Mattel, Inc., Max Steel™ is an immersive franchise that brings a positive and relatable superhero to kids, supported by a captivating storyline and compelling multi-platform content for today's tech-forward kid. Featuring an animated superhero series, Max Steel draws upon turbo-charged teamwork, laughter and friendship to help kids overcome life's obstacles — from the everyday, to the out-of-this-world. With worldwide distribution partners, the franchise launches include content and a robust portfolio spanning toys, digital platforms and consumer products. For more information, visit www.maxsteel.com

About Open Road Films
Open Road Films is a dynamic, acquisition-based domestic theatrical distribution and marketing company which annually releases a diverse slate of star-driven motion pictures which has included multiple #1 releases. It was founded in 2011 by AMC Entertainment Inc. (AMC) and Regal Entertainment Group (Regal), the two largest theatrical exhibition companies in the United States. Open Road and its lenders recently extended the company's $100,000,000 credit facility through 2018.

Past releases include: The Nut Job, which opened to over $25 million at the box office as the highest ever opening for an independent animated film, The Grey starring Liam Neeson which opened to #1 at the box office; End Of Watch starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena which opened #1 at the box office; A Haunted House starring Marlon Wayans; Side Effects directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Channing Tatum; The Host, based on Twilight saga author Stephenie Meyer's best-selling book; and Homefront, starring Jason Statham, James Franco, Winona Ryder and Kate Bosworth.

Upcoming releases include: Chef (5/9/14) written by, directed by and starring Jon Favreau along with Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson, John Leguizamo, Bobby Cannavale, Oliver Platt, Dustin Hoffman and Robert Downey, Jr.; The Fluffy Movie starring Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias (7/11/14); and Eli Roth's The Green Inferno (9/5/14).

About IM Global
Stuart Ford founded IM GLOBAL in 2007.  The company is one of the leading film financing, sales and distribution companies in the world, championing a wide variety of cinema, including mainstream commercial, art house, foreign language and genre fare.  In May 2010, Reliance Entertainment, part of Indian conglomerate Reliance ADA Group, acquired a majority shareholding in the company. The company has offices in Los Angeles, London, Mumbai, Mexico City, and Beijing.

Contacts:

For Dolphin Entertainment:
Wendy Zaas, 310-854-8148, [email protected] 
Jason Magner, 310-854-8128, [email protected]

For Mattel Brands:
Bret Ingraham, Mattel Brands, 310-252-6396, [email protected]

For IM Global:
Bonnie Voland, 310-777-3590, [email protected]

SOURCE Dolphin Films