Peanuts movie gets the right producer

Deadline.com is reporting that a new producer has been brought on board… and it gave me quite a pause, because, well, it’s the right guy.

For those of you who don’t know the work of Paul Feig, he basically appeared in the big-time showbiz world as the creator of Freaks and Geeks, a short-lived light drama from 1999 that was made by a group of folks who would basically take over Hollywood (showrunner Judd Apatow, stars Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, James Franco), with the theme of the pain of adolescence and the teenage years. I was a fan of it going back to its first airing (I’m glad to see it continues to grow in attention, well after it was cancelled after a mere 12 episodes.) Feig is someone who carries his young awkwardness around with him, writing prose books about that aspect of his background. So he has that focus.

He also has the ability to make an effective and successful comedic film. In 2011, it was Bridesmaids. This year, The Heat. I think this is a good choice to help keep the film’s focus and do so in a creatively and commercially successful way. I’m looking forward to the result all the more now!

Animated Peanuts
New Peanuts feature film on the way

Apple, who have been producing Peanuts series and specials in plentitude, have announced that they, Wildbrain, and Peanuts Worldwide are working together on a new Peanuts feature-length film, the Hollywood Reporter notes. If you liked the last feature film, then this should be very good news. They’re using a story …

Animated Peanuts
Beagle Scout missions

Those of you who have never been to the San Diego Comic-Con (or who haven’t been in a the past couple decades) may not realize that the event goes well beyond the convention center. For blocks around, there are pop-up shops in unused storefronts, studios creating fan “experiences” in parking …

Animated Peanuts
Bulk book

What do I have to say about the new board book edition of It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. I mean, the reading experience of being told “and that happens at every door. All the other kids get wonderful treats like candy, gum, and popcorn balls … and Charlie Brown …