Variety is reporting that Warner Bros. has enlisted Tim Story (Fantastic Four, Ride Along) to direct a live-action/CG hybrid feature adaptation of the beloved animated property Tom and Jerry.
Having recently wrapped production on Shaft for New Line, Story recently held a meeting with Warner Bros. to discuss his next project, with the filmmaker expressing his admiration for the Hanna-Barbera characters.
According to the trade, Warner Bros. is hoping to shoot the movie in 2019, filming in the real world with animated versions of the classic cat and mouse. As with the cartoons, the emphasis will be on physical comedy between Tom and Herry, and the studio isn’t expected to cast any actors to voice the duo.
In addition to Tom and Jerry, Warner Bros. is also working on two other live-action/animated hybrids in the LeBron James-headlined Space Jam, as well as another Looney Tunes project in the Wile E. Coyote movie Coyote Vs. Acme, which was announced this past August. Warner Animation also has several Hanna-Barbera animated films in various stages of development, including Scooby-Doo, The Jetsons, The Flintstones and Wacky Races.
