The Weinstein Company announced today that their remake of The Six Billion Dollar Man, starring Mark Wahlberg, has been set for release in 2017. Variety reports that the studio has handed out a December 22, 2017 release date, putting it up against the 20th Century Fox sequel The Croods 2 and an untitled live action fairy tale project from Disney, with 20th Century Fox's The Greatest Showman on Earth opening three days later on December 25, 2017. Here's what Mark Wahlberg had to say about the project and its director, Damián Szifron.

"I'm thrilled to assemble The Six Billion Dollar Man for the big screen with the likes of Bob Weinstein and Damián Szifron. We look forward to creating a Steve Austin for the 21st century."

The Six Billion Dollar Man is based on the classic and popular television series, The Six Million Dollar Man and the novel Cyborg by Martin Caidin.  The story follows military officer, Steve Austin, who becomes part of a top secret government program after a horrific accident leaves him near death.  With the help of cutting edge technology, Steve is brought back to life with extraordinary strengths, making him the world's first truly bionic man. Here's what writer-director Damián Szifron had to say in his statement.

"Writing the screenplay was such a fantastic ride and embarking on this journey with Mark (Wahlberg), Bob (Weinstein) and (producer) Stephen (Levinson) to take this story to a whole new level is simply spectacular. Growing up, these kind of films left an indelible mark on me and now it feels so good to be making one."

Principal photography is scheduled to begin in September of 2016, with Mark Wahlberg, Bob Weinstein and Bob Weinstein set to produce the film. Mark Wahlberg was confirmed to star as Steve Austin back in Novmeber 2014, when Peter Berg was attached to direct. Damián Szifron, best known for his Oscar-nominated film Wild Tales, came aboard to write the script back in April, and now he has been confirmed to direct. Here's Bob Weinstein had to say in his statement.

"Damián's unique vision and longtime passion for this story will usher in an new take on this series for a new generation. We are excited to release the film during the holidays to bring audiences an explosive reimagining of this cultural icon."

Mark Wahlberg will next be seen in the upcoming comedy Daddy's Home, alongside The Other Guys co-star Will Ferrell, arriving in theaters on Christmas Day. He also stars in Deepwater Horizon, debuting September 30, 2016, and he is slated to return in Transformers 5, set for release in 2017. Are you excited that The Six Billion Dollar Man is finally moving forward? Let us know what you think, and stay tuned for more updates.