If you were alive and watching TV during an eight-week period in 1983, you may remember the short-lived show Manimal. Simon MacCorkindale starred as a rich playboy who solved crimes with his ability to morph into any animal he wanted – a skill bestowed upon him by some African tribe. It was every bit as wonderfully bizarre as it sounds – and naturally Will Ferrell is totally up for rebooting it as a movie.
Sony Pictures Animation has teamed up with Will Ferrell and Adam McKay (Anchorman, Step Brothers) to create a hybridized live-action-and-animation update of Manimal. Reports claim the new version will reenvision the show as an action comedy with lots of visual effects and animated elements. Here's an image from the original television show.
McKay clearly understands the challenge inherent in bringing Manimal to the screen, saying:
“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.”
With the production companies in place, plans are now to start the search for a director. We’ll bring you lots more on Manimal as details emerge. Until then, enjoy the opening credits, which provide you with the hilarious backstory of the show.
Note: The above image is not from Manimal, but we'll take any chance we get to post pics of Will Ferrell as a lion because... it's awesome?
[via Deadline]
