Popeye the Sailor Man Live-Action Film in Development From Chernin, King Features (EXCLUSIVE)
variety.comMatt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Popeye is coasting back to the big screen. The iconic sailor man and spinach chugger, who first appeared in comic strips in the late 1920s, will be the subject of a new live-action feature film from Chernin Entertainment and King Features.
The project is currently in development as a big-budget feature, and has attached screenwriter Michael Caleo (“Sexy Beast,” “The Family,” “The Sopranos”).This is the first live-action revisiting of the character since the 1980 film “Popeye,” led by Robin Willians.
Directed by Robert Altman and co-starring Shelley Duvall as the sailor’s quirky love interest Olive Oyl, the film was panned upon release but has since gained cult status and critical reconsideration.
It was also profitable, released by Paramount Pictures at a $20 million budget before grossing roughly $60 million worldwide.
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