Sure, when you write a movie you kinda see the characters looking and acting and sounding a certain way. In my head Rubik's Movie definitely has a certain feel, and I can imagine specific people involved in the production. However, I'd also very much enjoy seeing what ideas other filmmakers would bring to it. This is all to say that anything I list or mention here are really just a place to get started.

Cast

I'm all for an unknown cast for most of the characters, especially when it comes to the kids' roles. Rubik? Well, back in 1983 he was voiced by Ron Palillo, most well known for his lovable character Arnold Horshack in the 70s situation comedy Welcome Back, Kotter. But since Arnold, Palillo has made quite a career as a theatrical performer, director and writer - not to mention several films and the occasional voice-over work. I think all the sound engineer did to Palillo's voice for the Rubik cartoon was to raise the pitch a little, allowing it to retain most of the original character - soft and warm in places, raspy in others, breaking at just the right moments, with just a little of the actor's own accent. I like Rubik's voice, and I believe Palillo's characterization, with a few added technical and dramatic subtleties, would be marvelous. Rubik on the big screen might offer Palillo a chance for some really fun vocal "acting."

Of course a familiar face is always great for the villain. As the evil Magician I can picture someone kinda wild-eyed like Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) or John Glover (Smallville).

Since he's not an actor, I can't imagine Erno Rubik wanting to play himself, but I have a good idea who could make his character warm and memorable. When I recently saw Dustin Hoffman in Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium I was convinced that he would be perfect for the character of Erno as I picture him, charming, fatherly, and a bit whimsical. Hoffman seems unlikely, but just check out this sweet little movie and it will make sense.

Production

I picture Rubik's directors and animators as people who have experience with traditional as well as 3D animation techniques. Making Rubik a real-live cartoon will take more than a toon render in Maya or 3DS MAX. Someone like Brad Bird (The Iron Giant, The Incredibles) comes to mind. He has a long history in animation as well as screenwriting (Ratatouille - 2006, and partial credit on Batteries Not Included with Matthew Robbins and Short Circuit writers Steve Wilson and Brent Maddock - 1987). Bird remains in my mind a director who can capture that childhood magical feeling, as in The Iron Giant, one of my favorite animated films.

By the way, The Iron Giant was made by Warner Brothers, which has a long history in animation, as well as a tie to Six Flags and Superman, which both play visible roles in Rubik's Movie. Warner also owns the rights to the Ruby-Spears animation library, which includes Rubik! And speaking of Superman, Bryan Singer (Superman Returns, X-Men. X-Men 2) has gotta be one of my favorite directors. The emotion he brings to the screen would be perfect for Rubik, who is sort of like a superhero. Hey, just an idea.

I also wonder if Andrew Stanton of Pixar (WALL*E, Finding Nemo) would be interested in trying some live action. WALL*E is easily my favorite movie of 2008. It is just that sort of sweet, simple, tender story which inspires me to write films. And, after all, Rubik did have a cameo in WALL*E.

And of course, Ruby-Spears made the original Rubik the Amazing Cube cartoon. As far as I know, Joe Ruby and Ken Spears are currently working as producers. I'd love to see them involved in Rubik's Movie.

No matter what actors, studios, animators or directors might take part in Rubik's Movie my dream is for it to be a project full of partenerships and collaborations which lead to something even better and more special than I can imagine. I definitely believe it's possible.