VFX Genndy Tartakovsky to no longer helm Sony Pictures Animation's 'Popeye' -

Genndy Tartakovsky to no longer helm Sony Pictures Animation’s ‘Popeye’

In September 2014, Sony Pictures Animation had released a short test animation on an adaptation of Popeye by director Genndy Tartakovsky. But now it seems, Genndy has decided to part ways with one of his beloved projects.

Speaking to Moviefone, Genndy said, “Popeye, at least, we put up a great screening, everybody really liked that sizzle, we got a positive reaction. I was in love with what we were doing, but I think the studio is going through changes and I don’t know if they want to make the Popeye that I want to make. So they’ve got to make a decision. Right now, I’m off that project and moving on to the other one that we soft-announced, which is Can You Imagine? which is an original idea of my own and a very personal story. It was hard to let Popeye go, but that’s the business.”

Sony Pictures Animation has seen a lot of restructuring lately with Kristine Belson coming on board as president replacing Michelle Raimo Kouyate who stepped down in January. Sony Pictures Digital Productions president Bob Osher, who also looked after the animation sector, stepped down as well.

Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chairwoman and chairwoman of Sony Motion Picture Group Amy Pascal also resigned after several of her emails were leaked online.

VFX