Universal has a theoretically valuable property on its hands in the classic children’s book series Curious George. But so far the potential franchise has only produced the moderately successful 2006 animated feature ($58 million domestic) and a direct-to-DVD sequel. Enter Chris Meledandri and Illumination Entertainment, who laid the groundwork for cartoon success at Universal with this summer’s Despicable Me ($175 million domestic and counting).
24 Frames reports that Illumination will spearhead a reboot of the Curious George franchise, with Larry Stuckey (Little Fockers) writing the script. In case your childhood was relatively George-free, brush up on the history of the mischevious monkey after the jump.
Directly from the official Curious George site:
Curious George by H. A. and Margret Rey was first published by Houghton Mifflin in 1941, and since then books about the mischievous monkey have been capturing the hearts and minds of readers throughout the world. Creators H. A. and Margret Rey wrote seven original tales Curious George and he has become one of the most recognizable and beloved children’s book characters. Curious George is also the star of a PBS Kids television series as well a blockbuster motion picture.
1941. Wow. That’s some longevity.
Despicable Me was a great coming-out party for Illumination, and all eyes are on the studio to see how they’ll fare over the next couple films. At least a couple will likewise take inspiration from children’s literature, with an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax set for March 2, 2012, and a feature somehow based on the Where’s Waldo series in the pipeline. Naturally, you can expect a sequel to Despicable Me before too many years pass.
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The biggest success for Curious George has been the Emmy Winning animated TV series on PBS. I look forward to watching it almost as much as my now 5 year old daughter. The original movie kickstarted it and is sweet and is one of those lighthearted fluff movies that don't quite have any impact, but it is still fun to watch through the eyes of a child. The “sequel” direct to DVD movie, Curious George 2 was insultingly bad, especially since the TV show has established a large group of endearing characters that were ignored in favor of an annoying new set.
Anyway, I enjoyed Despicable Me on many levels and I'm curious –yep– to see the approach Illumination takes to the material. Even though it's not likely or maybe even healthy, I'd love for Illumination to pull from the television series. Either way, for me and millions of kids it will be easy to top the previous movies, but near impossible to surpass the TV show.