Popeye is grabbing his spinach and coasting back to the cinemas.
Variety reports that a live-action film adaptation is being developed. Chernin Entertainment and King Features have attached screenwriter Michael Caleo, best known for his work on The Sopranos.
This will be the first feature film featuring the character since Robert Altman’s Popeye in 1980. That film was led by Robin Williams and co-starred Shelley Duvall as the love interest Olive Oyl. While not a critical darling, the film was shot on a $20 million budget and grossed roughly $60 million worldwide. Since its release, Popeye has gained cult status and received critical re-evaluation.
Popeye the Sailor celebrated a 95th anniversary this year. Elzie Crisler Segar created him and first appeared on January 17, 1929, in the daily King Features comic strip Thimble Theatre. Following a smash hit cartoon that ran from the 30s, Popeye has also appeared in comic books, television cartoons, video games, and advertisements. McCall Farms Spinach still uses the character to promote its brand, which ties directly into the character’s gimmick of eating spinach to gain strength.
Per Variety, “Producers are in the process of attaching a studio partner.”
Originally published March 20, 2024. Updated March 21, 2024.
