The trend of rebirthing epochal characters of yesteryear and giving them a dramatic, and sometimes comedic, backstory is bubbling in filmmaker circles. Valentine Productions is the latest filmmaker hub to join the sensational wave that is creating a whole sub-genre of cult followers.
Based on characters created by E.C. Segar, Popeye The Sailor is an independently produced feature film following Popeye as he travels across land and fights opposition to retrieve a hidden treasure. Mic Valentine directs, writes, and acts in the action adventure. In addition to Valentine, the cast includes Joann D. Correa, Travis McKoy, Parrish McGhaney, Ivan Goris, Andy Acevedo, Mike McNulty, and Kyle Torres.
Valentine Productions released an impressive three-minute trailer, that if equipped with an appropriate budget, could be a major draw at the box office with several sequels to follow. The spinach-eating sailor has long been a part of American culture dating back to the 1920s when he first appeared at the Thimble Theatre. What followed was an onslaught of television series and shorts over a span of nearly 100 years.
Watched the independently produced trailer below:
In 1980, comedian Robin Williams played the character in the Robert Altman directed family adventure Popeye, a feature film starring Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl, Donovan Scott as Castor Oyl, and Paul L. Smith as Bluto. The Paramount film took on a more comedic approach, aligning with the comedy of the animated series.
The Valentine Productions version is leaning more on the serious side, focusing more on Popeye’s opposition than his love for Olive. The not-for-profit film has yet to be assigned a release date, but hopefully Popeye The Sailor will land in a few select theaters for genre lovers across the world to enjoy.
