Wow, there’s a name from the past: Woody Woodpecker. Last time I saw him was Jackass 3.5… In other words, been a long time since I saw the red-haired looney bird causing hell for his castmates in the classic Walter Lantz shorts. But now THR reports that Woody is going to be getting a big screen resurrection. Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me) are reportedly planning a full CGI big screen adventure for the crazy cartoon character that first starred in an Andy Panda short in 1940 and then kicked that bear’s ass to the curb to hog the spotlight for himself. Woody was created by Ben “Bugs” Hardaway and cranked out by Lantz’ studio in shorts and later on TV. He was initially voiced by Mel Blanc and later Grace Stafford, wife of Lantz. And in his earlier incarnations, he was as batshit as a certain little black duck. Universal bought the rights to Woody in 1985.
John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky (Blades of Glory) are reportedly in talks to develop the script, which THR says will look to update the character and perhaps start a franchise.