Variety have revealed that “Enchanted” director Kevin Lima and writer David Sussman have been recruited to develop an untitled pitch for Sony Pictures Animation. Originated by art director Michael Kurinsky and producer Chris Chase, the project is described as a part live-action, part CGI animated film like last year’s blockbuster “Alice in Wonderland.” No details have surfaced on the plot yet. The greenlight for the film is waiting on Sussman’s script, with Lima first in line to direct.
Lima, since directing “Enchanted,” has been attached to numerous projects, like “The Incredible Mr. Limpet” and an adaptation of the board game “Candy Land” for Universal, with those projects still remaining in various stages of development. “Enchanted” grossed over $300 million worldwide, making him a prime candidate for a great follow-up gig. Lima was also rumored to be helming the sequel to his hit “Enchanted,” but news of that has dropped off since last year. Sussman worked on the comedy “Marathon” for Sony, and worked on a TV pilot with Lima for Fox about a New York City family.
Sony Pictures Animation has been on quite a winning streak, with 2009’s “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” grossing more than $200 million worldwide. They’ve also got the fantastically-cast film adaptation of “The Smurfs” lined up for later this year. – Catherine Scott