If you haven’t heard, DreamWorks is reviving the classic cartoon Mr. Peabody & Sherman from The Rocky & Bullwinkle Show as a feature-length 3-D movie early next year. The director, Rob Minkoff (The Lion King, Stuart Little) had reportedly wanted to do the film since 2003, but the project didn’t take off until Minkoff joined DreamWorks in 2006.
The movie will have many aspects of the old cartoon fans will be hoping for, including the WABAC (way-back) machine. Originally, Mr. Peabody (the dog) built the machine as a way for his adopted boy, Sherman, to get some exercise since Mr. Peabody’s apartment was too small.
According to the USA Today article on the film, Minkoff says:
“The latest technology is that Mr. Peabody has combined time travel with flight. You can you actually fly through a wormhole into your historical destination, then fly the craft around once you are there. It’s a little 2.0.”
Minkoff adds:
“Sherman uses the WABAC machine to travel back in time to learn about history firsthand. And it works for the girls, too, including classmate Penny Peterson (Modern Family‘s Ariel Winter).”
Mr. Peabody will be voiced by Ty Burell (TV’s Modern Family) and Sherman will be voiced by child actor Max Charles (The Amazing Spider-Man). Burell is also voicing a character, Bailey, in Pixar’s upcoming Finding Dory. Originally, Robert Downey Jr. was cast as the lead voice actor in Peabody, but Burell still offers the level of name recognition DreamWorks looks for when casting along with what should prove to be some good dry, humorous Peabody-ish inflection.
About the story:
The adventure begins when Penny decides she likes ancient Egypt so much that she’s going to stay forever. This is a big no-no for time travel.
“The prospect of altering history is something they have to worry about,” Minkoff says. That forces Mr. Peabody to save the day, torches and all.
The film is set for release March 7, 2014.
Animation Fascination 
I never grew up with the actual show/segment, but from what I see of the animation, I’m kinda excited for it.
This was my favorite segment on ‘The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show’ – I can’t wait for this film.
Is it weird that I am looking forward to this film? And I have no connection with the series of whatever. The animation is very good.
As someone who has always felt that history is part science and part fabrication, this excites me (okay, I have soft spot for moose and sqvirrel and derr friends)
Just can’t wait for intrepid Peabody to save the world with his puns every boy should have a dog.