Fox to develop 'King Kong' animated film

The obsession with our hairy ancestors seems to know no end. With huge hits like “Curious George,” “Dunston Checks In,” “Mighty Joe Young,” and Tim Burton’s magnum opus rehashing of “Planet of the Apes,” it makes perfect sense that the studios keep pumping out primate pictures. 

With “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” set to release in August, 20th Century Fox is now turning its attention to the animation department, where Christian Magalhaes and Bob Snow are charged with the task of telling the story of King Kong through the perspective of, well, Kong himself. (via Deadline)

I’m looking forward to getting an in depth view into the psychological state of the hopelessly romantic gorilla, who wanted nothing more than to provide a good view for the woman he loved.

Anne Hathaway, Neil Patrick Harris board 'Rio'

The charming Anne Hathaway and funny guy Neil Patrick Harris will lend their voices to the characters in Carlos Saldanha's upcoming 3D animated adventure "Rio" for Blue Sky Studios and Fox Animation.

The Hollywood Reporter says "Rio" focuses on a macaw who abandons his small Minnesota town and heads to Rio de Janeiro to have a great summer. Rodrigo Santoro has also boarded the film's voice cast.

"Rio" is set to open April 8, 2011. Carlos Saldanha most recently directed the summer box office mega hit "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs." He also helmed "Ice Age: The Meltdown" and co-directed the first film.

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Chris Wedge to direct 'Leaf Men' adaptation

Oscar-winning filmmaker Chris Wedge, the man behind "Ice Age," is set to direct Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios' upcoming adventure "Leaf Men," based on William Joyce's illustrated children's book.

Variety reports Fox first wanted to give away the picture but decided to keep it after Wedge started talking to the good folks at Pixar. Yeah, I guess that's reason enough for Fox to be scared.

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