Sony Developing “Popeye” Film Movie in CGI 3D

(HMG) – Cartoon and comic book classic character, Popeye the Sailor Man, will be returing to cinemas for the first time in 30 years.

Sony Pictures are planning to bring a all-CGI version Popeye back to movie theatres in 3-D, with the help of the latest computer generated effects.  Sony is also the studio developing a movie version of “The Smurfs.”

Screenwriter Mike Jones, who is in negotiations to adapt the script and direct the movie, tells Variety, “I’m an unabashed, lifelong Popeye fan. Introducing this squinty-eyed sailor to a new generation also means reintroducing him to those who, like me, grew up with him.”

The plot is still in development, but Popeye’s love interest Olive Oyl, nemesis Bluto and adopted child Swee’Pea will be part of the adventure. The new version is said to cover the themes of friendship, love, greed and life, and focus on human strengths and human frailties.

The original Popeye first appeared in the daily King Features comic strip Thimble Theatre on January 17, 1929, then graduated from comic strips to an animated theatrical series in the 1930s, and became a TV staple in the 1960s.The first live movie version of Popeye in 1980, had Robert Altman  directing Shelley Duval as Olive Oyl and Robin Williams making his movie debut in the title role.