There's a new Smurfs movie coming to a theater near you in 2017, but it's not going to look like how you remembered it if you watched the live-action 2011 film or its sequel.
Variety reports the untitled third Smurfs movie is now slated for a March 31, 2017 release. It's not The Smurfs 3, however, as this is a re-imagined animated film. Sony, the studio behind the film, says they hope to use the run-up to Easter to its advantage for the new family feature.
A complete reboot, Sony Pictures Animation — who also did the animation for the past two films — is said to closer in design and stories Peyo's original concept animation. It's directed by Kelly Asbury (Gnomeo and Juliet), with her Charlotte's Web producer Jordan Kerner on board and Mary Ellen Bauder a co-producer. Kerner also produced The Smurfs and The Smurfs 2.
According to Sony, the name and cast of the film is expected to be announced in due time.
This project comes after Sony announced their plans to release more animated films. Their next film is Hotel Transylvania 2, which comes out September 25.
They also planned to make a new Popeye film but they'll need a new director as Genndy Tartakovsky, who also helmed both Hotel Transylvania films, will no longer direct. Sony also apparently plans to make an all-animated Super Mario Bros. film.
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