Dolphin Films announced today that Academy Award Nominee Andy Garcia has signed on to the highly anticipated, live-action franchise feature film Max Steel, based on the popular superhero property from Mattel. Andy Garcia will play the pivotal role of the brilliant and mysterious scientist, "Dr. Miles Edwards."

Bill O'Dowd, CEO of Dolphin Films, had this to say about the casting in a statement.

"We're ecstatic to be working with legendary actor Andy Garcia. Dr. Miles Edwards is a very complicated character, and he is central to the entire mythology of Max Steel. The role requires a truly talented actor, and there is no one more qualified than Andy to tackle it."

Andy Garcia is one of Hollywood's most respected leading actors. He played a significant role in the 1987 blockbuster The Untouchables, and subsequently honed his multi-layered acting abilities to earn several industry awards. Garcia has been recognized for his work with Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for The Godfather: Part III. He also co-wrote and appeared opposite Richard Gere in Internal Affairs. He later teamed with an all-star cast for director Steven Soderbergh's remake of Ocean's Eleven, and returned for the film's sequels Ocean's Twelve and Ocean's Thirteen. Garcia's recent work includes voicing the character of Eduardo in Rio 2. He can currently be seen starring as Big Al in Rob the Mob and later this year he will star in Let's Be Cops from 20th Century Fox.

Max Steel stars Ben Winchell (Disney's A.N.T. Farm, Necessary Roughness) as Max McGrath™ and Ana Villafañe (Hiding, Los Americans) as Sofia Martinez. The film is being penned by Marvel Studios veteran Christopher Yost (Thor: The Dark World), directed by award-winning director Stewart Hendler (Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, H+) with Academy Award nominated family entertainment veteran Julia Pistor serving as producer for Mattel's Playground Productions (Nacho Libre, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events).

The Max Steel film is an in-depth "origin" story packed with captivating characters and fast-paced action. The plot chronicles the adventures of 16-year old Max McGrath™ and alien companion Steel, who must harness and combine their tremendous new powers to evolve into the turbo-charged superhero Max Steel. As these two unlikely friends struggle to accept their oddly connected fates, they begin to uncover unimaginable secrets, working together to find the truth, and fighting the mysterious forces threatening their world.

Principal photography for Max Steel begins today in Wilmington, North Carolina. Max Steel, which is being produced by Dolphin Films and Mattel, is slated for a wide theatrical release domestically by Open Road Films in 2015. The film will be handled internationally by Dolphin Films International in partnership with IM Global, a worldwide leader in film distribution and sales.