Charles Schulz’s Peanuts to Hit Theaters
The as yet untitled animated event will be released on November 25, 2015. And 2015 will mark the 65th anniversary of the debut of the “Peanuts” comic strip and the 50th anniversary of the television special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICON) announced Tuesday that Peanuts Worldwide, a joint venture with Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates, will release a PEANUTS feature film worldwide in 2015.
The film is based on creator, Charles Schulz’s, iconic comic strip. Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang are among the most recognized characters in the world.
The Peanuts screenplay has been written and will be produced by Craig Schulz, son of Charles Schulz along with his own son, Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano.
Twentieth Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios have been chosen by the Schulz family to distribute, produce and animate the new Peanuts movie.
Steve Martino will direct; previously, he brought to the big screen (with Jimmy Hayward) “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!” Martino also directed (with Michael Thurmeier) Fox’s recent box-office smash “Ice Age: Continental Drift.”
“This is a momentous step for the Peanuts brand. The beloved characters, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the whole gang resonate with multiple generations all over the world,” commented Neil Cole, CEO, Iconix Brand Group. “This film will give us a new medium in which to engage consumers globally and showcase the power of the Peanuts brand,” added Cole.
Charles Schulz drew the comic strip, which, according to Iconix, was read everyday by 355 million people in 75 countries. In addition to the strip, Peanuts holiday television specials such as “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” have won Emmy’s and continue to be among the highest rated prime time TV specials.
