Genndy Tartakovsky Making 3D ‘Popeye’ Feature

For years he was just that funny-looking name at the end of your favorite Cartoon Network show, but Genndy Tartakovsky has finally broken into the film world in a big way. He directed Sony Pictures Animation's upcoming film Hotel Transylvania featuring Adam Sandler and now the studio has handed him the reigns to one of the most beloved cartoon characters of all time.

Tartakovsky will direct a 3D feature film version of Popeye, the cartoon featuring everyone's favorite spinach-slurping sailor. Variety reports that Sony wants him working on the film after he's completed Hotel Transylvania, which is still being touched up in advance of its Sept. 21 release date.



The addition of Tartakovsky makes the film — scripted by David Ronn and Jay Scherick of Sony's The Smurfs — sound infinitely more appealing. Brothers Avi and Ari Arad will produce under Arad Productions. Popeye has not seen the big screen since Robert Altman's 1980 live-action version starring Robin Williams.

Tartakovsky has also been attached to at some point make a feature-film verison of his caroon Samurai Jack.