HOLLYWOOD - Classic kids-cartoon characters the Smurfs are coming to life in a new live-action/animated movie.
Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third writers David Stem and David Weiss are set to pen the screenplay after bosses at Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures bought the rights to a Smurfs movie.
The Smurfs first appeared in 1958, when they were created by Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford.
They later starred in a U.S.-made Hannah Barbera cartoon, which ran from 1981 to 1990.
Columbia co-president Doug Belgrad dells industry publication Variety, "The Smurfs are one of the best-known franchises, and among the most beloved collection of characters in the world.
"We're very excited to introduce a new generation to (characters) Papa Smurf, Smurfette and the other Smurftastic Smurfs in all their glory."
http://www.hollywood.com/news/Smurfs_to_Hit_the_Big_Screen/5253639
