Earlier this year, Columbia Pictures teamed up with Frederick Warne & Co., part of Penguin Random House UK, for Peter Rabbit, a new live-action/CG motion picture based on the internationally beloved series of books written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter, whose 150th anniversary is being celebrated this year. James Corden has been set to voice the lead role of Peter, and Rose Byrne will star in the live-action female lead role of Bea. Today we have our first look at the title character through new promo art.

The promo art debuted on Twitter through film journalist Brendon Connelly, who said he "clipped that from a sort of licensing flyer thing". It isn't known when we may get an official first look at this animated adaptation, which has been set for release on March 23, 2018, which will put it up against 20th Century Fox's Annubis, Lionsgate's Robin Hood and an untitled DreamWorks Animation project. The voice cast also includes Daisy Ridley and Elizabeth Debicki, but it isn't known how many other characters need to be cast.

The film will be directed by Will Gluck and made at Animal Logic, the Australian based animation and visual FX production studio. Animal Logic previously created the animation for the global blockbuster The LEGO Movie. Will Gluck (Olive Bridge Entertainment) and Zareh Nalbandian (Animal Logic Entertainment) are both attached to produce the feature, with Doug Belgrad serving as Executive Producer. The screenplay is by Rob Lieber with revisions by Gluck. Jodi Hildebrand of Olive Bridge and Jason Lust will also serve as Executive Producers.

With this film, Columbia and Frederick Warne will bring Beatrix Potter's beloved character Peter Rabbit to a new family audience. Frederick Warne has been Beatrix Potter's publisher since its publication of The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902 and is the home of Peter Rabbit and the Beatrix Potter brand. Here's what Tom Weldon, CEO Penguin Random House UK said in stateement.

"We at Penguin Random House UK are delighted to be working with Columbia Pictures. As custodians of Beatrix Potter's brand and legacy, we are excited about the opportunity this production will bring to engage a whole new audience with the world of Beatrix Potter and one of her best-loved characters, the mischievous Peter Rabbit."

The film will be made at Animal Logic in Sydney with the support of the Australian Government through Screen Australia and Screen NSW and in collaboration with Sony Pictures Animation. Lauren Abrahams will oversee the project for the studio. Here's what director Will Gluck had to say in his statement.

"I am delighted to be teaming up with Frederick Warne. Their expertise and stewardship is absolutely critical to making a film that honors the legacy of Beatrix Potter."

Production on Peter Rabbit is due to commence in January 2017, and is due for worldwide release in April 2018. During the course of the production it is expected that over 600 specialized craft, live action visual FX crew and support staff will be employed to work on the film. Take a look at the first Peter Rabbit image below.