The highly-anticipated animated film is based upon the comic book of the same name, which already spawned two blockbuster live-action features.

MADRID - Warner Bros. Pictures Spain bought Spanish rights for the upcoming 3D comic feature film Mortadelo and Filemon, helmed by cult director Javier Fesser.

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After box office successes with live-action Mortadelo and Filemon films, production houses Zeta Cinema and Peliculas Pendelton have opted for what they call a 10-million euro "3D extravaganza" on the comic book property.

The film, now in pre-production, is written by Fesser (Camino) along with Cristobal Ruiz and Claro Garcia.

Fesser's previous Mortadelo and Filemon venture--the 2003 Mortadelo and Filemon: The Great Adventure-- grossed more than 22 million euros with more than five million ticket sales.