By Ryan Parsons | Image property of LucasFilm, Variety
Papa Smurf
Columbia Pictures has acquired the film rights to The Smurfs and, though it has always been suggested that the animated series was more about promoting communism than much else, they are still going forward with a live-action/animated Smurfs movie.
That's right - Papa Marxist is coming to the bigscreen.
Smurfs Movie Coming
Columbia Pictures is currently in negotiations with Shrek (2 & 3) scribes David Stem and David Weiss to pen a screenplay for Smurfs.
Best known for the long-running Hanna-Barbera cartoon, the Smurfs were created in 1958 by Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford, known throughout the world as Peyo. The Smurfs, originally called "Les Schtroumpfs" in French, were created for a Belgian series of comic books, first as minor characters. The villagers, known for their blue skin and small statures, spawned an entire franchise of merchandise.
Smurfs marks the first 'hybrid' film for Sony Pictures Animation, a cross-medium that found success with Alvin and the Chipmunks. Columbia Pictures is hoping that The Smurfs long history will aid in drawing an audience.
"The Smurfs are one of the best-known franchises, and among the most beloved collection of characters in the world," Columbia co-president Doug Belgrad said. "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."
Add to Heffee!
