Universal has dropped the action adaptation, allowing Relativity to come on board the tentpole based on the action figure launched in 1976 and re-launched in the 1990’s. The parties did not mention Taylor Lautner, who had been attached to the Universal project.

Relativity will be the domestic distributor and will release the film internationally through its network of foreign output partners. The film is targeted for an Apr 11 2014 release date.

CEO Ryan Kavanaugh is producing alongside Hasbro president and CEO Brian Goldner and svp and MD of motion pictures Bennett Schneir. Relativity co-president Tucker Tooley is executive producer.

Relativity recently released Steven Soderbergh’s action-thriller Haywire and is scheduled to release the Navy SEAL action-thriller Act Of Valor on Feb 24 followed by the adventure comedy Mirror Mirror on Mar 16.

Production wrapped recently on the comedy 21 And Over and is Relativity is in pre-production on Nicholas Sparks’ love story Safe Haven and the international espionage thriller Hunter Killer.