Universal Picks Up Flanimals

Universal-based Illumination Entertainment will create a 3-D animated feature based on "Flanimals," a children's book series by Ricky Gervais.

Gervais will voice the lead character, and the script will be written by Matt Selman ("The Simpsons").

The four-volume series, illustrated by Rob Steen, encompasses a world inhabited by 50 species of creatures so ugly and misshapen they become cute and endearing. Gervais' character, a pudgy, perspiring purple creature, goes on a mission to change the world. "It will be great to play a short, fat, sweaty loser for a change," Gervais said. "A real stretch."

Illumination founder Chris Meledandri will produce with Courtney Pledger. Gervais will exec produce.

Thoughts:

Never heard of it, but the pics look pretty funny. Nice to see Universal doing more animated films since they tend to gross a crap load at the box office. Will keep a good hear on this movie.