Disney is reviving the chipmunk duo "Chip 'n Dale" for a live-action, big-screen movie. Mandeville Films/TV, the Disney-based production studio, picked up a "Rescue Rangers" pitch by commercials director Robert Rugan, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Rugan has done spots for companies like Visa, IFC, HBO, Kodak, Nikon and Durex. He also created a live-action spoof of a Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner cartoon in the popular video "Wiley vs Rhodes."
Rugan is writing an updated, modernized version of Chip and Dale. The film will reportedly be a live-action/CG hybrid. "Chip 'n Dale" made their first appearance in a 1943 animated short starring Pluto and appeared in 22 more reels.
The brainy Chip and the goofball Dale are known for annoying Pluto or fighting with Donald Duck. The two appeared in several Disney cartoons and got a makeover in 1989 when the TV show "Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers" aired.
In the TV show, the chipmunks ran a detective agency and helped solve mysteries for their animal clients. The show ran on The Disney Channel for three seasons before running in syndication for the next decade, THR reports.
Rugan's live-action feature will stem from the "Rescue Rangers" show. Mandeville's Alexander Young will executive produce.
Live action/CG hybrids have proven to be a success in the box office. Sony Pictures Animation released two "Smurfs" movies and Fox is currently making a fourth "Alvin and the Chipmunks" movie. Mandeville will be releasing another live-action/CG film "Muppets Most Wanted," March 21, 2014.
The reaction to the "Chip 'n Dale" revival news has been mostly positive on Twitter.
"Yo, Disney is making a Chip n' Dale movie, the kid I me is hype," @OptimusGrind_ tweeted.
"YES! ---- Chip n' Dale to hit the Big Screen," @TheKyleDome wrote.
"Chip n' Dale Rescue Rangers is coming back and I am screaming!!! " @Corrwill posted.
What are your thoughts on a "Chip N' Dale" movie? Tell us in the comments.
