Sony Pictures Animation announced this week that the pair responsible for launching the Funny Or Die video site will produce a big-screen version of Manimal, which will blend live-action and digital effects for an action-comedy inspired by the weird series about a man who can transform into various animals. Jay Martel and Ian Roberts, writers and executive producers for Comedy Central’s Key and Peele, are drafting a screenplay for the film.
Created by Glen A. Larson and Donald R. Boyle, Manimal cast Simon MacCorkindale as Dr. Jonathan Chase, a “master of the secrets that divide man from animal” who could shape-shift into any animal and used his ability to help the police solve crimes. The series only last eight episodes and is widely regarded as one of the worst television series ever made despite featuring the special-effects work of Oscar-winning FX artist Stan Winston (Aliens, Iron Man).
“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,” joked McKay in a press release announcing the news. “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.”
It’s uncertain whether Ferrell or McKay are looking to do more than produce the film, as there isn’t a star or director currently attached.
