Kids who grew up in Britain from the late 60s through the 80s (and beyond after he was periodically reintroduced) will know the Action Man, which were literally the UK version of America’s GI Joe. Now the toy line is getting its own movie, with The Muppets and Alice Through The Looking Glass helmer James Bobin set to direct.
While Bobin came to Hollywood’s attention thanks to New Zealand hit series Flight Of The Conchords, he’s actually a Brit (who incidentally worked directed a lot of the early Ali G, helping launch Sacha Baron Cohen’s career), who would have grown up with Action Man.
The toy arrived in the UK in 1966 as a licensed version of Hasbro’s GI Joe line, but with a less specifically American bent, and over time became a range of adventurer type figures that went far betond the military. He found immense popularity before falling out of favour by the 80s. Since the 1990s he has undergone various changes and transformations, with greater or lesser success. It’s not know if the new film will follow one of these newer reinventions – such as the 1993 version which resulted in a cartoon series where he got enemies such as Dr X and Professor Gangrene – or if it will take him back to his earlier incarnations.
Synopsis: ‘In Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” an all-new spectacular adventure featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. Directed by James Bobin, who brings his own unique vision to the spectacular world Tim Burton created on screen in 2010 with “Alice in Wonderland,” the film is written by Linda Woolverton based on characters created by Lewis Carroll and produced by Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd and Tim Burton with John G. Scotti serving as executive producer.
A few days ago the first trailer for the sequel, Alice Through The Looking Glass arrived, which has now been followed by these rather cool pics, which show us four returning characters alongside Sacha Baron Cohen’s villain new character, Time.
Even Disney was surprised when Tim Burton’s Alice In Wonderland made over a billion dollars at the box office, but it ensured a sequel quickly went into pre-production. Although its taken longer than originally planned, Alice Through The Looking Glass is now on its way, and we have the first trailer to prove it.
Even Disney was surprised when its Tim Burton directed, live-action version of Alice In Wonderland broke a billion dollars at the worldwide box office. The studio quickly started thinking about a sequel, but it’s only now that it’s moving towards release – with Muppet Movie helmer James Bobin stepping in for Burton.
Last month is was revealed that acclaimed stage actor Mark Rylance was in negotiations to play the Mad Hatter’s father in the Alice in Wonderland sequel Through the Looking Glass. However a deal was never reached, so instead Rhys Ifans is being brought in for the role, according to 
Mark Rylance is undoubtedly considered one of the best stage actors currently working in Britain, winning Oliviers, Tonys and a BAFTA TV award. However he hasn’t been seen in that many movies considering his stature, and there have been even fewer big Hollywood movies.
Disney’s planned sequel to Alice In Wonderland is finally coming together. Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska are already set to return, with Sacha Baron Cohen also joining the team. Now another returnee has signed up as Helena Bonham Carter is coming back for Through the Looking Glass, according to 
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