MUMBAI: Universal Pictures and Hasbro Inc’s first film Stretch Armstrong is slated for release on 15 April, 2011.

Academy Award winning producer Brian Grazer will team with Hasbro to bring the iconic action figure to life for the silver screen. Steve Oedekerk is writing the screenplay based on the toy that was made popular around the world beginning in the 1970s and re-launched in the 1990’s. Hasbro’s Brian Goldner and Bennett Schneir will also produce.

"When Hasbro signed the multi-year strategic partnership with Universal, it was one more powerful example of our commitment to re-imagine, re-invent and re-ignite our incredible brands beyond traditional toys and games. We are excited that together with Universal, Brian Grazer and Steve Oedekerk, that we can take Stretch Armstrong to new heights as Hasbro’s latest great action hero franchise," said Hasbro president and CEO Brian Goldner.

"Hasbro is a very important partner to our studio. Stretch Armstrong couldn’t be in more capable hands than Imagine and Hasbro. We’re so excited to bring this iconic property to audiences around the world in April of 2011," said Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger.

"Stretch Armstrong is a character I have wanted to see on screen for a long time. He’s an unconventional kind of super hero with a power that no one would want. It’s a story about a guy stretching – if you will – the limits of what is possible to become all that he can be," added Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer.

Universal Pictures and Hasbro, Inc. formed the partnership in 2008 to produce at least four motion pictures based on some of the world’s best-known and beloved brands. Currently in development are Monopoly, with Ridley Scott set to produce and direct and Pamela Pettler writing the screenplay; Candyland, with Kevin Lima to direct based on a script from Etan Cohen; Clue, with Gore Verbinski to produce and direct; Ouija, with Michal Bay to produce; and Battleship, with Peter Berg to direct from a screenplay by Jon and Erich Hoeber.