Sony to film 'Popeye'
Sony animation is following the success of The Smurfs (2011) with an upcoming film on Popeye.
Like The Smurfs, Popeye will be a 3D, CGI film written by Jay Scherick and David Ronn.
The famous spinach-loving sailor, his girlfriend, Olive Oyl, and his nemesis, Bluto, were created by comic strip artist E.C. Segar in 1929 as part of the strip Thimble Theatre. They later became famous in a series of cartoons from Fleischer Studios during the 1930s-'50s. A live-action musical film of the character was released in 1980. It starred Robin Williams as Popeye and Shelley Duvall as Olive. It was directed by Robert Altman.
“Scherick & Ronn have a remarkable talent in re-energizing beloved characters,” Sony rep Bob Osher said. “As they demonstrated with The Smurfs, they embrace the iconic characteristics of these timeless characters and craft a story that really engages moviegoers today.”
The Smurfs opened in theaters in July and made over $550 million worldwide.