‘Sigmund’ Resurrected for Feature Film
Following Universal Studio’s big screen adaptation of Land of the Lost, the company has signed to do the same with another show created by Sid and Marty Krofft: Sigmund and the Sea Monsters.
The Kroffts will produce the new film, according to Variety, with Jimmy Miller. Dana Gould (The Simpsons) has been hired to write the new screenplay.
The original Sigmund, a kindly monster kicked out his home by his nastier brothers, ran Saturday mornings on NBC from 1973-1975. Sigmund was found by two boys who hid him in their clubhouse, somewhat reminiscent of DC’s beloved Stanley and His Monster. Sigmund was played by Billy Barty and his human protectors were played by Family Affair‘s Johnny Whitaker and Scott Kolden. The 29 epsidoes that aired over the two seasons featured character actors including Margaret Hamilton, Mary Wickes, and Rip Taylor.
The Kroffts, who cannily retained ownership of their shows, have enjoyed renewed interest. Their signature hit, H.R. Pufnstuff, is also in the works at Sony. The Kroftts told the trade they would love to see feature film versions of their other series, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, Lidsville, The Bugaloos, Dr. Shrinker, Bigfoot and Wildboy and Wonderbug.
Marvel Studios Chairman David Maisel told investors at Merrill Lynch that their debut this year was” arguably the most successful" in modern history. He touted facts and figures for the smash success of Iron Man and coupled it with the so-so performance of Incredible Hulk to show their dominance. While claiming Iron Man is the 21st top grossing film in domestic history, adjusted for inflation, it’s actually 113th.
Heidi MacDonald’s 
The BBC has released details on the new season of The Sarah Jane Adventures which will debut in the United Kingdom on September 29 and run through December 15. 
Seth Green chatted with 
NBC released an announcement indicating their problems with Apple and iTunes are over. Beginning immediately, their top 10 programs will be available for download and season passes can be purchased for most of their series. This applies not only to the Peacock network but its USA Network, SCI FI Channel, Bravo, Sleuth and NBC News channels as well. Oxygen, Telemundo, Mun2 and NBC Sports will be added later.
Rango is a new CG-animated feature film from Paramount Pictures, set to begin production in January. It is being directed by Gore Verbinski, making his animated debut, and he’s being joined by his Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp as the lead voice, that for a pet that goes on an adventure. The script is from John Logan (Star Trek: Nemesis) using an idea by Verbinski. Industrial Light & Magic will handle the actual animation chores.
The Sun
As reported during our weekly box office items, this was not a good summer for 20th-Century Fox. We’re not the only ones to notice and an analysis in 
