A hybrid movie based on The Smurfs is in development, reports claim.
Sony Pictures Animation has snapped up the rights for the blue characters from their Belgian owners and plans to produce a live-action/animated movie in a similar vein to 2007's Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Jordan Kerner will produce while David Stem and David Weiss, the men behind the screenplays for Shrek 2 and 3, are in talks to write the Smurf screenplay, according to Variety.
Created in 1958 by Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford, or Peyo, the beloved characters were first designed as minor characters for a series of comic books only to spawn a successful line of merchandise and novelty albums and a hit animated series.
Kerner told the magazine the plans were sparked by a holiday conversation with Michael Lynton, chairman-chief executive of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
"He relished them as I do and suggested that it should be a live-action/CG film," he said. "[Studio boss] Amy [Pascal] felt equally that there was potentially a series of films in the making."
Columbia Pictures co-president Doug Belgrad added: "The Smurfs are one of the best-known franchises, and among the most beloved collection of characters in the world.
"We're very excited to introduce a new generation to Papa Smurf, Smurfette and the other smurftastic Smurfs in all of their 'three-apple-tall' glory."
10/06/2008 09:08:02
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