'Love Bug' franchise gets Disney tuneup
Robinson to bring Lennon, Garant script to screens
The studio has set Angela Robinson to direct "Herbie: Fully Loaded," a Tom Lennon and Robert Ben Garant-scripted film that puts the famed Volkswagen in the world of NASCAR racing. Disney is eyeing its "Freaky Friday" remake star Lindsay Lohan, among other actresses, to get behind the wheel.
Original 1968 pic "The Love Bug" starred Dean Jones as the owner of a VW with a mind of its own. Buddy Hackett also appeared in the pic.
The film, being produced by Robert Simonds and Tracey Trench, marks a huge step up for the young director. Two years ago, Robinson was an unknown who unveiled her short comedy "D.E.B.S." at the Sundance Film Festival.
She walked away with a Screen Gems deal to make a feature film based on her irreverent comedy, whichwas made very quickly. Screen Gems will distribute it this year.
In winning the "Herbie" job, Robinson effectively moves from a $3 million comedy to one that will cost close to $50 million.
