Andy Garcia to play Dr. Miles Edwards in 'Max Steel' movie

LOS ANGELES, May 5 (UPI) -- Andy Garcia has signed on to co-star in Max Steel, a live-action film based on the popular superhero property from Mattel, the movie's producers announced.

Best known for his work in The Untouchables, The Godfather: Part III and Ocean’s Eleven, the actor will play the pivotal role of the brilliant and mysterious scientist, Dr. Miles Edwards, in Max Steel. "We're ecstatic to be working with legendary actor Andy Garcia," Bill O'Dowd, the chief executive officer of Dolphin Films, said in a statement. "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."

Max Steel began shooting in North Carolina last week. The movie co-stars Ben Winchell as Max McGrath and Ana Villafane as Sofia Martinez. Set for a 2015 theatrical release, the film is being helmed by director Stewart Hendler from a script written by Christopher Yost.

"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," a synopsis said. "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."