According to Variety, Popeye will be the subject of Chernin Entertainment and King Features’ new live-action feature film. The film is set to be a big-budget feature and has screenwriter Michael Caleo attached to the project. The film is also notable as it will be the first live-action Popeye film since director Robert Altman’s 1980 Popeye starring Robin Williams as the iconic sailor and Shelley Duvall as his love interest Olive Oyl. Though the film was panned by critics originally, it has gained a cult following and critical reconsideration since then. It should also be noted that the film, released by Paramount Pictures, was profitable as it grossed around $60 million globally with a budget of $20 million.
This year also marks the 95th anniversary of the iconic character after Popeye first appeared in a 1929 comic entitled “Thimble Theater.” His appearance led to the creation of an animated series and animated features, those of which have remained widely popular to this day. Popeye can be seen as one of the earliest influences in cross-generational mass merchandising and even as recently as two years ago, Popeye inspired menswear collections from notable brands, such as Moschino and Supreme. Due to this popularity, the new film is sure to get lots of attention.
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