.png)
Jim Parsons to Star in DreamWorks Animation's HAPPY SMEKDAY!
By: Caryn Robbins Jun. 20, 2012
Dreamworks Animation SKG, Inc. today announced that Emmy® and Golden Globe® winner Jim Parsons (Harvey, The Normal Heart on Broadway and The Big Bang Theory) and international superstar Rihanna (Battleship) will star in the leading roles in HAPPY SMEKDAY! a feature film based on the critically acclaimed book "The True Meaning of Smekday" by Adam Rex. The studio plans to release HAPPY SMEKDAY!during the fourth quarter of 2014.
Tim Johnson (Over the Hedge, Antz) will serve as the film's director. Chris Jenkins (Rio, Surf's Up) and Suzanne Buirgy (Kung Fu Panda 2) are serving as producers and Dreamworks Animation's Head of Development Gregg Taylor is overseeing the project. Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember (Get Smart) are currently writing the screenplay.
"Adam's hilarious book is the perfect recipe for a compelling animated feature and we are ecstatic that Jim Parsons and Rihanna will contribute their immense talents to the production," said Bill Damaschke, Dreamworks Animation's Chief Creative Officer. "We're also thrilled that Tim Johnson is back to direct another Dreamworks Animation feature film and show the world just how fun an alien invasion can be!"
"When I read Adam Rex's remarkable book, I knew it would make an amazing film. I can't wait to introduce audiences to the unique world and characters of Happy Smekday!" added Tim Johnson.
In Happy Smekday! an alien race invades Earth and uses it as a hideout from their mortal enemy. When one lowly alien accidentally notifies the enemies of his whereabouts, he is forced to go on the run with a teenage girl. The two become unlikely buddies and embark on a comical globe-trotting adventure to right his wrongs, in which our alien hero learns what it really means to be human.
About Dreamworks Animation
Dreamworks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series and live entertainment properties, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. Dreamworks Animation has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE® Magazine for four consecutive years. In 2012, Dreamworks Animation ranks #14 on the list. All of Dreamworks Animation's feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 24 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon. The Company's theatrical releases for the current year are Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted on June 8, 2012 and Rise of the Guardians on November 21, 2012.
Photo credit: Walter McBride
Comments
Videos