Almost two years ago we learned that Sony Pictures Animation was developing a feature film based on the short-lived cult TV series MANIMAL. Now, producers and writers have been found for the project in the form of Gary Sanchez Productions. That's right, ANCHORMAN director Adam McKay and Will Ferrell will be producing MANIMAL alongside producer Jimmy Miller and series creator Glen A. Larson.
McKay and Ferrell have enlisted KEY & PEELE producers Jay Martel and Ian Roberts to write the screenplay inspired by the eight episode series that told the story of Dr Jonathan Chase, a shape-shifter who could turn himself into any animal he chose, and used this ability to help fight crime. Only two people were aware of Jonathan's secret, his friend Ty Earl and Police Detective Brooke Mackenzie. Jonathan and Ty would assist Brooke with a case she was working on, with Jonathan transforming himself into an animal when it became useful.
The film will have action elements but will be a comedy for those who were holding out hope that MANIMAL would take itself seriously like the original series did. Adam McKay made the following statement about the film that will blend live action with animation.
“Like The Catcher in the Rye or The Sound and the Fury, Manimal has always been one of those elusive projects every producer dreams of taking to the silver screen. I know the movie will be funny and entertaining but will it be the first film to win a Pulitzer? We’ll just have to see.”
MANIMAL could be a lot of fun if it goes the same route as STARSKY AND HUTCH and uses the source material in a less than serious sense. Sony Animation has a history with live action/animation films like THE SMURFS, but here's hoping this ends up a lot better.