Planet 51

Finally some news has leaked out on Ilion Animation Studios' "Planet 51," a film I've been very excited about for some time.



The film has now been sold to New Line Cinema for distribution (that's the good news), and will be in theaters sometime in 2009 (that "9" is the bad news).

According to an article on The Hollywood Reporter's website:

New Line is venturing into the animation business for the first time in its 40-year history by acquiring Ilion Animation Studios' $60 million feature "Planet 51" from Handmade Films International.

Written by Joe Stillman ("Shrek"), the story is set on Planet 51, whose inhabitants live in fear of an alien invasion. Their paranoia is realized when astronaut Capt. Charles "Chuck" Baker arrives from Earth. Befriended by a young resident, the astronaut has to avoid capture in order to recover his spaceship and return home.

I don't know if you folks remember the screenshots from this film, but if you don't, let me give you a refresher:













Needless to say, I cannot wait for 2009!

The Hollywood Reporter's Article on Planet 51