Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and GI Joe all found their way onto the big screen.

And now it seems as if another popular Eighties cartoon is primed to follow in their footsteps as Sony Pictures has secured the rights to Robotech.

According to a Wednesday report from Variety, the studio has big plans for the popular anime series as they view it as a potential film franchise.

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Highly-anticipated: Sony Pictures has secured the rights to Robotech and reportedly has big plans for it to turn into a potential film franchise

The showbiz trade magazine reports that Sony intends on moving quickly into producing a live-action feature.

Gianni Nunnari and Mark Canton, who are known for their work on the 300 films and The Immortals, are set to produce as Michael Gordon of 300 and GI Joe fame is set to write.

This project has been in the works for quite some time as it was previously with Warner Brothers with actor Tobey Maguire and Akiva Goldsman set to produce the film.

Future war: According to reports Sony intends of moving quickly into producing a live-action feature

According to Variety, Leonardo DiCaprio was also a name attached to be interested in the the franchise but ultimately the project never came to fruition.

The Sony Pictures producing team eventually snatched the rights as Nunnari said: 'When the rights to Robotech became available we jumped; Mark and I knew it had what big movies in today’s world must have if they want to grab everyone: insane visuals and powerful themes.

'The characters in Robotech wrestle with both the destructive and redemptive powers of technology; nothing is more relevant today than that.'

The animation series was centred around an alien spaceship that crash lands on a South Pacific island which eventually leads Earth into three successive interplanetary wars.

Dynamic duo: Gianni Nunnari (left) and Mark Canton (right) are set to produce the franchise, as they are best known for their work with the 300 franchise

Out: When the rights of Robotech were with Warner Bros., actor Tobey Maguire was on tap as one of the producers of the series

Rumoured: Leonardo DiCaprio was also reportedly previously interested in the project

Of the opportunity to begin work on another film franchise Canton said: 'I’m thrilled to be back in business with Sony Pictures and Gianni and I look forward to working with the studio on this global franchise-driven opportunity.

'Robotech is a very significant and legendary part of the growth of anime into the force that it is today, and we’re excited to be adapting it for modern audiences.'

The franchise began it's 85-episode sci-fi animation run in 1985 after being adapted from three original Japanese television series.

Robotech found much success at it eventually spurred books, games, toys and other collectibles.

Back in the day: The animated programme began airing on television in 1985 after being adapted from three original Japanese series