Back in April it was announced that F. Gary Gray, director of 'The Fate of the Furious', would be directing an adaptation of '80s Saturday morning cartoon and toy line, M.A.S.K.
If you know M.A.S.K., you probably also know that this is pretty much perfect. If you've never heard of M.A.S.K., here's the crash course.
M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armoured Strike Kommand… no, really) was an attempt by toy manufacturer Kenner to get in on that sweet, sweet Transformers and G.I. Joe money. It did so by taking the two of them and kind of smushing them together.
The show was about a special task force who used armoured vehicles and power masks in an ongoing conflict with their sworn enemies, V.E.N.O.M. (Vicious Evil Network Of Mayhem - good god I love Saturday morning cartoons so much). These vehicles had multiple ridiculous 'modes', like the motorbike that had helicopter blades come out of it.
As of yet, Paramount hasn't announced production or release dates. given that Gray is, according to 'Deadline', in pre-production on Sony's as yet untitled 'Men in Black' reboot, due for release in 2019, it's likely that it will be a while before we see M.A.S.K. hit cinemas.
That being said, if you're not already a little bit excited to see this movie happen, well then maybe you need to see more of what's on offer. So here are five vehicles that we're desperately hoping to see in this adaptation.
Thunderhawk
Hell. Yeah.
Driven by the leader of M.A.S.K., Matt Trakker, Thunderhawk was - in peak '80s fashion - a red Chevy Camaro with gullwing doors that doubled as actual wings.
As cool as it would be to see an '80s Camaro take to the sky, I'm pretty sure the new one will look just as good/ridiculous. Plus, you avoid any Bumblebee comparisons now that the live action Transformers movies have recast him as his original VW Beetle form.
Gator
What's more off-road capable than a Jeep CJ-7? How about a Jeep CJ-7 that can launch a speedboat out of it?
Gator is piloted by Dusty "Powderkeg" Hayes, the team's resident demolitions expert, who, according to his Wikipedia entry, is also a stunt performer, all-terrain specialist, and tracking expert who makes his money through his day job as a pizza delivery driver and courier. He apparently also struggles with the same multiple career syndrome Barbie does.
Just watch this clip and imagine how it'd look in the live action version. I mean, I assume the CJ-7 will be replaced by a Trailhawk or something, but still.
Manta
Don't worry, it's not all Americana. For you JDM fans out there there's the Manta, a purple Nissan 300ZX Z31 that turns into a fighter jet.
Look me in the eye and tell me you wouldn't go see a movie featuring a laser dogfight between a flying 300ZX and Camaro. Don't lie to me.
Again, as much as I'd love to see the '80s original, they'll probably update it. Here's hoping for a 370Z. Or possibly even the new GT-R.
Raven
An amphibious Corvette that can also fly. Rad.
There were a few amphibious vehicles in M.A.S.K. (such as the Porsche 928 submarine named 'Shark' because of course). But the fact that Raven is effectively a seaplane as well achieves Saturday morning cartoon, everything-proof levels of stupid and rad.
Plus there's a new Corvette coming out, so featuring it in a movie where it can also battle speedboats? I mean, come on.
Honestly GM should get on this movie ASAP.
Hurricane
Hurricane was a '57 Chevy with a sweet turquoise and flames paintjob that turned into a six-wheel attack tank.
Why the extra wheels? Where did they come from? Why not use those extra wheels all the time? Shut up, that's why.
Based on how these movies usually go they'll probably update it with whatever new passenger car Chevy is selling at the moment (honestly, they'll probably try and make it an Equinox or something). But we can hold out hope for an old-school V8 classic with a paintjob so gaudy you'll feel like you're playing 'Need for Speed: Underground'.
Honourable mention - Rhino
I mean it's basically the M.A.S.K. version of Optimus Prime.
Rhino is a Kenworth prime mover that also doubles as the team's base of operations. It sounds weird to say, but there's nothing too wild and crazy about it. When it's alongside motorbike helicopters and a submarine Porsche, a Kenworth loaded with laser weapons seems almost passe.
Buuuuuut it was one of the main faces of the show and toy line, so they can't really make this movie and NOT put it in there.
It's also worthwhile noting that you can find a lot of these on ebay. So, y'know. If you fancy exploring a second childhood, consider this a PSA.
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