Director Paul Feig To Produce The Upcoming ‘Peanuts’ Movie

The Heat director Paul Feig is bringing his comedic chops to the upcoming Peanuts movie.

Since the filmmaker’s name is synonymous with hit movies these days, 20th Century Fox Animation tapped Feig to serve as producer on the project. According to Cinema Blend, he will work closely with Horton Hears a Who director Steve Martino on the adaptation.

Paul Feig recently told Deadline that he is nothing short of excited about the Peanuts movie. According to the Bridesmaids director, he was a pretty big fan of the classic comic strip during his youth.

“Growing up, ‘Peanuts’ was my ‘Star Wars.’ Charles Schulz’s characters influenced everything in my career, especially ‘Freaks and Geeks.’ I’m thrilled I finally get to be pals with Charlie Brown and Snoopy,” the filmmaker told the website.

Although creator Charles Schulz is no longer with us, the Peanuts mastermind’s son is reportedly helping out with the animated flick. Craig Schulz, along with Brian Schultz and Cornelius Uliano, are tackling the screenplay for the project. Charles Schulz’s son seems excited about Paul Feig’s involvement.

“As we continue on our creative journey to bring my father’s characters to life, collaborating with a talent like Paul is a great step forward. Knowing how ‘Peanuts,’ especially Charlie Brown’s never-give-up-attitude, has influenced him throughout his life makes this partnership even more meaningful,” Craig Schulz explained.

Paul Feig is a pretty busy guy these days. Not only is he helping out with the Peanuts movie, the filmmaker is also working on a spy comedy with The Heat star Melissa McCarthy and The Expendables 3 star Jason Statham. Susan Cooper should arrive in theaters next year.

Unfortunately for fans of The Heat, Sandra Bullock doesn’t seem too interested in coming back for the follow-up. She explained earlier this year that she doesn’t have much success with sequels. As a result, the actress probably won’t return for The Heat 2.

However, Paul Feig remains hopeful that Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock will seriously consider getting involved with the sequel.

“We’ve got [‘The Heat’ screenwriter] Katie Dippold writing away on one. We had an idea that we thought was really fun. I just love these characters so much. I want to see them fighting more crime and having more fun,” the director told Yahoo! Movies earlier this year.

Are you looking forward to the animated Peanuts movie? What do you think about The Heat director Paul Feig getting involved with the project?

[Image via Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com]