Tim Story To Helm “Tom and Jerry”
Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Animation Group are in negotiations with filmmaker Tim Story (“Shaft,” “Ride Along”) to direct the new “Tom and Jerry” live-action/animated hybrid feature. Additionally, the studio has also brought on “Harry Potter” helmer Chris Columbus as creative producer on the new “Scooby-Doo” animated movie.
The studio reportedly wants to give its Hanna-Barbera and Looney Tunes characters as much attention as DC and Harry Potter projects, trying to turn the brands into a success the way Warners have made “LEGO” films work.
Warners is also reportedly making a concerted effort to make sure the animation and live-action teams are working hand in hand in developing these projects, something rarely seen at other studios.
“Tom and Jerry” is expected to be the first live-action hybrid to shoot in 2019 with an animated cat and mouse interacting in the real world, and no voice cast being set for the pair who will have no dialogue. Second project will be the Terence Nance-directed “Space Jam” sequel with LeBron James, and the untitled “Scooby Doo” film which Tony Cervone directs.