The classic stories of the beloved, bespectacled dog and his pet boy will be updated for the 21st Century as an all new computer-animated comedy feature.
The film will be directed by Rob Minkoff, marking his first animated feature since he helmed the blockbuster “The Lion King.” Minkoff has since directed such live-action hits as “Stuart Little” and its sequel, “Stuart Little 2.” “I’ve always loved ‘Mr. Peabody & Sherman’ and am thrilled to direct them in their big screen debut,” stated Minkoff, who developed the pitch for the film with longtime producing partner Jason Clark.
Produced by animation legend Jay Ward, “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” featured the world’s most intelligent dog, Mr. Peabody, and — in a unique role reversal — his pet boy, Sherman. The series of short segments premiered in 1959 as part of Ward’s classic “Rocky & Bullwinkle” series and quickly became a favorite of viewers, young and old. In each of their 90+ adventures, the duo steps into Mr. Peabody’s “WABAC Machine” to be transported back in time to a pivotal moment in history. There, Mr. Peabody would use his genius to literally save the “day,” while imparting an entertaining, often hilarious, and always “punny” history lesson to Sherman and, thus, the audience.
Bullwinkle Studio’s Tiffany Ward (daughter of the late Jay Ward) and Classic Media’s Eric Ellenbogen will executive produce the project. Producer Jason Clark (“Stuart Little,” “Monster House”) will oversee development with Minkoff, and Andrew Kurtzman (“Down Periscope,” “Camp Nowhere”) will write the screenplay. DreamWorks Animation executive Chris Kuser shepherded the deal.
In making the announcement, DreamWorks Animation Head of Creative Development & Production Bill Damaschke said, “‘Mr. Peabody & Sherman’ has the kind of cross-generational appeal that is a cornerstone of DreamWorks Animation. Older fans remember and still delight at their adventures, while new generations of fans are discovering them on the Cartoon Network. Thanks to Mr. Peabody’s WABAC Machine, the story possibilities are as endless as time itself and we are looking forward to exploring them for the big screen.”
DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg added, “One of the most gratifying relationships in my 20-plus year career of making animated movies has been that of working with Rob Minkoff on ‘The Lion King.’ I’ve waited more than a decade to have an opportunity to work with him again, so I could not be more excited to welcome him to DreamWorks Animation.”
Tiffany Ward stated, “DreamWorks Animation and director Rob Minkoff, are the perfect team to bring my dad’s beloved characters to the big
screen.”
