Bad ideas don't die in Hollywood…they just get passed on to another producer. As the lackuster $46 million take for "The Three Stooges" this spring proved, just because something is a brand name doesn't mean audiences will care. And yes, while Disney is bringing "The Lone Ranger" to the big screen next year, it has Johnny Depp, and we're willing to bet that the developing, never-say-die movie version of "Mr. Ed" won't. (Though if Depp did play the horse that would be awesome).
The last time we heard about this thing was about a year ago when Fox 2000 were kicking the tires on it. Wisely, it seems they have moved on as Waterman Entertainment are now going to try their luck with it. If you haven't heard of the company, then you probably have heard of the credits belonging to honcho Steve Waterman which include "Casper," "Alvin & The Chipmunks" and "Stuart Little." So yes, this will be a live action/CGI job. The company has been on a slight tear of late, also picking up the rights to "The Brave Little Toaster," with an overriding goal to create movies that have "social values, morality lessons, and characteristics that are clearly identifiable for kids with comedic elements for all age groups.” Zzzzz…..
If case you still have no idea what a "Mr. Ed" is, ask your grandma or go with her when this opens. We're not sure kids of today are going to care about a talking horse movie, but what do we know? Until then, here's a reminder of what it's based off of. [Deadline]
