Dimension Films has signed Steve Carr to direct “Short Circuit,” the remake of the 1986 sci-fi pic.

Carr is coming off the Kevin James hit “Paul Blart: Mall Cop.”

Scripted by Dan Milano (“Robot Chicken”), the remake is a robot reboot that brings the iconic Johnny 5 into the 21st century. Built by the military to be a highly sophisticated weapon, Johnny 5 develops a conscience and personality after being hit by lightning. He befriends a lonely boy and his fractured family.

David Foster and Ryan E. Heppe of David Foster Productions will produce with John Hyde of Rehab Entertainment. Jason Taragan, who partners with Carr in Rumpus Entertainment, will be exec producer.

“Short Circuit” fits into Dimension’s priority of making franchise films, a list that includes “Scream 4,” “Spy Kids 4,” “Clive Barker’s Hellraiser,” “Scanners” and “An American Werewolf in London.” The “Spy Kids” and “Hellraiser” films will be 3-D.