‘Scooby-Doo’ director takes on ‘Smurfs’ movie

Los Angeles, July 09: Raja Gosnell has signed on to direct ‘Smurfs,’ a live action/animated movie starring the popular small blue characters created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo.Those involved with the Columbia Pictures/Sony Animation project have experience working with a hybrid blend of actors and cartoons. Jordan Kerner ("Charlotte`s Web") is producing, and J. David Stem and David N. Weiss ("Shrek 2" and "Shrek the Third") and Audrey Wells ("George of the Jungle") wrote the script.

Gosnell`s addition complements the team. The editor-turned-director is best known for helming "Scooby-Doo" and "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed," as well as last year`s "Beverly Hills Chihuahua." The movies combined live actors and settings with photorealistic animated talking animals. Gosnell also directed the romantic comedy "Never Been Kissed" as well as comedies "Big Momma`s House" and "Yours Mine and Ours." The plot of "Smurfs" is being kept under wraps, but the story is expected to feature well-loved characters such as Papa Smurf, Smurfette and the villainous Gargamel. The film will be released in 3-D and 2-D formats on December 17, 2010. Bureau Report