GLENDALE, Calif., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DreamWorks Animation today announced plans to bring the time-traveling adventures of "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" to the big screen. The classic stories of the beloved, bespectacled dog and his pet boy will be updated for the 21st Century as an all new computer-animated comedy feature.

The film will be directed by Rob Minkoff, marking his first animated feature since he helmed the blockbuster "The Lion King." Minkoff has since directed such live-action hits as "Stuart Little" and its sequel, "Stuart Little 2." "I've always loved 'Mr. Peabody & Sherman' and am thrilled to direct them in their big screen debut," stated Minkoff, who developed the pitch for the film with longtime producing partner Jason Clark.

Produced by animation legend Jay Ward, "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" featured the world's most intelligent dog, Mr. Peabody, and -- in a unique role reversal -- his pet boy, Sherman. The series of short segments premiered in 1959 as part of Ward's classic "Rocky & Bullwinkle" series and quickly became a favorite of viewers, young and old. In each of their 90+ adventures, the duo steps into Mr. Peabody's "WABAC Machine" to be transported back in time to a pivotal moment in history. There, Mr. Peabody would use his genius to literally save the "day," while imparting an entertaining, often hilarious, and always "punny" history lesson to Sherman and, thus, the audience.

Bullwinkle Studio's Tiffany Ward (daughter of the late Jay Ward) and Classic Media's Eric Ellenbogen will executive produce the project. Producer Jason Clark ("Stuart Little," "Monster House") will oversee development with Minkoff, and Andrew Kurtzman ("Down Periscope," "Camp Nowhere") will write the screenplay. DreamWorks Animation executive Chris Kuser shepherded the deal.

In making the announcement, DreamWorks Animation Head of Creative Development & Production Bill Damaschke said, "'Mr. Peabody & Sherman' has the kind of cross-generational appeal that is a cornerstone of DreamWorks Animation. Older fans remember and still delight at their adventures, while new generations of fans are discovering them on the Cartoon Network. Thanks to Mr. Peabody's WABAC Machine, the story possibilities are as endless as time itself and we are looking forward to exploring them for the big screen."

DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg added, "One of the most gratifying relationships in my 20-plus year career of making animated movies has been that of working with Rob Minkoff on 'The Lion King.' I've waited more than a decade to have an opportunity to work with him again, so I could not be more excited to welcome him to DreamWorks Animation."

Tiffany Ward stated, "DreamWorks Animation and director Rob Minkoff, are the perfect team to bring my dad's beloved characters to the big screen."

About DreamWorks Animation SKG

DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSE: DWA) is devoted to producing high-quality family entertainment through the use of computer-generated (CG) animation. Utilizing world-class creative talent and state-of-the-art technological capabilities, the company is committed to making two computer-animated feature films a year that appeal to a broad movie-going audience.

About Bullwinkle Studios and Classic Media

Bullwinkle Studios is a joint venture between Classic Media, the New York- based family entertainment company, and Jay Ward Productions, Inc., producers of the series Rocky & Bullwinkle, George of the Jungle, Tom Slick and Superchicken, among others.

Classic Media manages some of the world's most recognizable family properties, including Casper the Friendly Ghost, Mr. Magoo, Richie Rich, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Lone Ranger, Lassie, Underdog, Little Lulu, pat the bunny and Lamb Chop. Classic Media is currently in production on a live-action/CGI "Underdog" feature film with Spyglass Entertainment and Disney, and the animated "VeggieTales: The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" feature film for Universal through its Big Idea Division. A live-action "The Lone Ranger" movie with Columbia Pictures and Academy Award(R)-winning producers Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher ("Gladiator," "Stuart Little") through their Sony-based Red Wagon Productions is in development. Classic Media's feature film, "Lassie," directed by BAFTA winner, Charles Sturridge, premiered September 1.

Source: DreamWorks Animation SKG