Jackie Chan's Big Stretch

August 29, 2000 -- Forget basing action movies on superhero comics or trading cards: Get ready for a movie based on a toy.

No, it's not Slinky: The Movie — it's Stretch Armstrong, the springy, muscle-bound, elastic toy that debuted in 1976 with an invitation to kids to "S-t-r-e-t-c-h him and he returns to normal size!"

Tapped to play Stretch is super-flexible martial arts whiz Jackie Chan, who is in negotiations with Disney to play the rubbery lead character.

Of course, Stretch needs some key back story; namely, he's now a Chinese spy and martial artist who stumbles upon a secret formula that gives him stretching powers. But since he's now super-stretchy, he has to relearn all his ultraprecise fighting moves. (Cue numerous wacky fight scenes.)

The project has been long in development, with Tim Allen and Danny DeVito attached at one point. Since the project has bounced Chan's way, it's now being tailored to his strengths as a comedic martial artist, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Before Chan could stretch into his new role, he's first committed to star in the Rush Hour sequel and is attached to co-star in the updated version of The Bell Boy.