Oscar-nominated actor Andy Garcia has signed on to star in “Max Steel,” based on the popular superhero property from Mattel, which is producing with Dolphin Films. Open Road will release the film in theaters in 2015, TheWrap said.

Stewart Hendler (“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn”) is directing from a script by Christopher Yost (“Thor: The Dark World”). Julia Pistor, who is no stranger to family entertainment, is producing for Mattel's Playground Productions (“Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events”).

“Max Steel” is an origin story that will chronicle 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.

Ben Winchell (Disney's “A.N.T. Farm” ) stars as Max, while Ana Villafañe co-stars as Sofia Martinez.

Garcia will play the pivotal role of Dr. Miles Edwards, a brilliant and mysterious scientist.

“Max Steel” starts production on Tuesday in Wilmington, North Carolina. The film will be handled internationally by Dolphin Films International in partnership with IM Global.

“We're ecstatic to be working with legendary actor Andy Garcia,” said Dolphin Films CEO Bill O'Dowd. “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.”

Garcia, who recently voiced the role of Eduardo in “Rio 2,” can currently be seen alongside Michael Pitt in the indie movie “Rob the Mob.” He next stars in Luke Greenfield's comedy “Let's Be Cops,” which 20th Century Fox will release in theaters this August.