Adding to the ranks of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Fahrenheit 451,” and “The Great Gatsby” comes “Captain Underpants,” the most banned book of 2012. Yes, the immensely popular children’s book by Dave Pilkey about a superhero in tighty-whiteys was deemed too controversial for our children’s fragile, developing minds by many a Concerned Mom.
So naturally, DreamWorks is adapting it into a film with Monsters vs. Aliens’ Rob Letterman set to direct. The book, first released in 1997, follows two fourth graders who write an underground comic book about an awesome superhero named Captain Underpants. Through the power of a 3D hypno ring from a joke company, the twosome accidentally hypnotize their mean principal into thinking he’s their titular hero. Much to their distress, he strips down to his undies and procures a cape, and begins fighting crime in their small town. It’s up to them to figure out how to turn him back into his normal form.
The film has Muppets and Muppets Most Wanted scribe Nicholas Stoller on as writer, meaning this should be a smart, silly caper that both kids and adults will find amusing. Who doesn’t love fart jokes? [Animation Magazine]
