More Appleseed?

According to AnimeNation:

Variety Magazine has announced that Los Angeles-based Axis Entertainment has contracted Japanese production company Micott & Basara, one of the main sponsors of the full digital animation Appleseed movie, to extend the Appleseed franchise. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the follow-ups may come in the form of a television series and one or more film sequels. Coming Soon reports a possible live-action feature. [Source: Jagged Team]

This is somewhat surprising considering the lukewarm reviews I've read thus far [review 1, review 2]. They basically say that the visuals were awesome, but the story was somewhat lacking. (Of course, that's not to say that I won't be one of the first ones in the theatre when the movie does eventually reach Michigan.) My guess is that the producers are going to try to capitalize on the popularity of the Ghost in the Shell movies and TV series (since Masamune Shirow was the author of the both original manga).

The Appleseed movie is scheduled for theatrical release in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Miami on February 14, 2005.