Warner Bros. has potentially found its director for the movie adaptation of the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon
Tom and Jerry. As reported by Variety, the studio is in negotiations with director Tim Story (
Shaft, Fantastic Four) to helm the upcoming live-action/animated hybrid film.
According to Variety:
"...insiders say timing helped when it came to landing the “Ride Along” director, who had worked in animation. Story recently finished production on New Line’s “Shaft” reboot, and was talking to WB execs about what he was interested in doing next. When the classic cartoon property was brought up, Story immediately mentioned his admiration for the characters and how he’d love tackling that property."
There's no synopsis for the film, but it will presumably center on the rivalry between the two title characters: Tom, a cat, and Jerry, a mouse. Sources claim the film will stay true to the show's format in which Tom and Jerry didn't speak but instead relied on physical comedy. Because of that, Warner Bros. will reportedly not cast actors to voice the iconic duo.
Filming for
Tom and Jerry will reportedly begin in 2019. Animated versions of Tom and Jerry will be mixed into shots of the real world.