What character comes to mind when presented with the words spinach, sailor, tattoos, and strength? Popeye, of course! Elzie Crisler Segar’s character, Popeye, is one of the world’s most commonly recognized animated characters. According to Wikipedia, Popeye “first appeared in the daily King Features comic strip Thimble Theatre on January 17, 1929.” His popularity grew over time and eventually the comic was renamed after this beloved character. As in most cases, the success of the comic strip transitioned Popeye into an animated character. Mike Jones has chosen to bring Popeye back into the limelight because he has always been an avid fan and hopes to help create new Popeye fans.
It was recently announced on March 23, 2010 that a new Popeye film may be in the works. According to fanbolt.com, “[t]he film will be made by Sony Pictures Animation, with Sony Pictures Imageworks handling the CG, the same company that is working on ‘The Smurfs’.” Mind you, nothing is official as of this moment. According to contactmusic.com, it would be the first time in thirty years that Popeye would take on the big screen.
As stated before, the details are still on the negotiation table but it is rumored that Avi Arad will produce and Mike Jones hopes to write the script. According to getthebigpicture.net, “I’m an unabashed, lifelong Popeye fan,” Jones told Variety. “Introducing this squinty-eyed sailor to a new generation also means reintroducing him to those who, like me, grew up with him.” Jones hopes that he can introduce Popeye to younger generations in a successful manner. In a way you could say that Popeye has been enjoying retirement for thirty years. Soon, that may change because it seems that he is looking to make a comeback and grab a new seed of fans.
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March 26, 2010 at 9:09 pm
cinnamellon
I fear this plan coming to fruition. Unless he entirely reinvents Popeye the movie will flop. He is not meant to be a feature length character–he is too thin to last more then his standard cartoon episode. I loved Popeye as much as the next kid my age, but even as a child I knew the formula and could guess how the episode would end. If Jones can pull it off then more power to him, but I think this would suffer the same draw backs as “9″ did. Namely, that it had its strengths but, as USA today put it, was “less substantial in narrative” http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2009-09-08-nine_N.htm/
Let us hope Popeye does not suffer the same fate.
March 27, 2010 at 11:50 am
cfdemarco
I had heard about the possibility of someone doing a newer Popeye movie, and honestly was kind of shocked by it. Everyone seems to want to re-vamp all of the old television series or re-do some of the old movies for whatever reason. I don’t know why people just won’t leave things as they were because they were great the first go-around. Plus, just because it was good the first time, doesn’t necessarily mean they will be able to recreate the same thing. Like you had mentioned in your blog that Mike Jones was a huge fan of Popeye, but that does not mean someone should go re-create it. It’s like saying I really liked the Godfather, so I’m going to re-create it. Some, if not most, things are better left as they were.
March 28, 2010 at 7:27 pm
bgw1088
This is the first time, I’ve heard of Popeye coming to theaters. I can’t say if it would work or not. Some people would say; it should be left alone and the cartoons should just be remastered. Others, might just test the waters to see if Popeye can make it in theaters. But, I have to agree–just because your a fan of a cartoon doesn’t mean it can bring success to the big screen.
March 28, 2010 at 8:25 pm
wittel
I have to agree with all of the comments above me. I’m guessing that people are just running out of original ideas and have decided to bring back classics that do not need any sort of re-vamp. I love the character of Popeye and think that his personality suits the original animation styles because that style and look just fits into his personality. Although it will give new generations interaction with this classic character, I do not think that it is a good idea overall.
March 28, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Christen Sanderson
Okay…I’m totally excited now! I didn’t know that there will be a “Smurfs” movie coming out! Wow! I loved the Smurfs as a kid! And Popeye…very exciting stuff, but it will be interesting to see if they are able to remake it in a way that will appeal to audiences of all ages…not just children.
March 28, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Megan Pettry
This is the first that I’ve heard of Popeye becoming into a movie, and I’m really shocked. I think that they are not going to do as well as they may hope. Kids today are not interested in Popeye they want their Spongebob and Family Guy. I think that they are running out of ideas and are going to fail at their attempt to revamp Popeye. I mean as a kid I didn’t love the cartoon. I totally agree with the comments before me. I really dont think that they can pull off a feature length film with Popeye. But who knows maybe they can make it work and be a hit.
March 28, 2010 at 11:45 pm
danyaelrose
I am a little excited they are making a new Popeye film, but I am also a little skeptical. I personally think that Hollywood is running out of ideas and picking up old ones. The only problem is they are adapting them to the times and entering political issues that do not quite fit (i.e. Alice in Wonderland). Anyway, I hope this will live up to my expectation, but I am not holding my breath.
March 29, 2010 at 9:49 am
kyluna
I have seen the original movie and i have to agree that with todays audience the whole concept and story arc would have to be changed, Im sure many pepple will go just to see what was done with their childhood Icon but the modern generation will have no interest. While the original is amusing and funny it is because I knew of the popeye cartoons and the movie is a cheesy classic now. I for one wont be seeing the new version.