Rex Features
The project, written by Dan Milano, will focus on escaped military robot Johnny 5 as he develops a conscience after being hit by a bolt of lightning, says Variety.
Steve Guttenberg and Ally Sheedy starred in the 1986 original, which led to a sequel two years later.
Producer David Foster earlier said that the remake, slated for a 2011 release, will "bring Number 5 into the 21st century".
