Tokyo-based Nikkatsu announced a slate of 16 films for 2007 and 2008, including live-action adaptations of Tatsunoko Prod.'s popular anime series, YATTERMAN and GATCHAMAN, reports VARIETY. Both films are being produced under a deal between mobile services provider Index, which is Nikkatsu's parent company, Tatsunoko and toymaker Takara Tomy. The agreement covers DVDs, games, characters and mobile services.

Cult horror master Takashi Miike will helm the YATTERMAN feature, which is scheduled for release in summer 2009. Nikkatsu will distribute the film with Shochiku in Japan. The TV series follows a boy and girl team who fought a gang, which sought out gold and power.

Debuting in 1972, GATCHAMAN followed a team of five superpowered ninjas who fought enemies that tried to steal Earth's resources. TMNT production house Imagi is also turning the series into a CG feature with TMNT director Kevin Munroe at the helm. The animated version is set for a 2008 release.