Genndy Tartakovsky, who makes his feature directorial debut with Sony Pictures Animation's Hotel Transylvania later this year, is attached to direct Popeye for the studio.

We reported back in November that Jay Scherick and David Ronn (The Smurfs, Zookeeper) are writing the screenplay. No story details were given at this time, although it will be released in 3D.

Popeye was created in 1929 by Elzie Crisler Segar, and first appeared in the Thimble Theater comic strip. The character has been showcased in a number of animated shorts, the 1960 TV series Popeye, and director Robert Altman's 1980 live-action Popeye that starred Robin Williams.

Michelle Raimo and Michael Lachance are overseeing the project for Sony Pictures Animation. No production schedule was released.