The Smurfs, the children's TV cartoon characters introduced by Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford (aka Peyo) in 1958, will be the stars of a new Hollywood film, The Guardian reported.

The film rights were purchased by Studios Columbia and Sony. The TV show The Smurfs was based on a Belgian comic book series. The title of the movie, which will combine live action and animated sequences, hasn’t been decided yet.

The script will most likely be written by David Stem and David Weiss. The authors of Shrek 2 are currently in talks to pen the script.

Jordan Kerner (Charlotte's Webb) will produce the TV show.

The fictional group of small sky blue creatures who live in Smurf Village somewhere in the woods had previously been set to bow in a 3-D animation for Paramount/Nickelodeon, but Sony and Columbia Pictures have now obtained the rights.

The Smurfs are the most popular comic book series in the world, along with fellow Belgian Tintin. The Smurfs made their first appearance in a 1958 edition of comic Le Journal de Spirou. They were very popular and the show became a hit TV series in the 80s spawning a multi-million dollar toy and game industry. It was produced by Hanna Barbera during that period.

"The Smurfs are one of the best-known franchises, and among the most beloved collection of characters in the world. We're very excited to introduce a new generation to Papa Smurf, Smurfette and the other smurftastic Smurfs in all their 'three-apple-tall' glory,” said Columbia co-president Doug Belgrad.

The story revolves around the adventures of Papa Smurf, Smurfette and Grouchy Smurf. Living in mushroom houses in the middle of a forest during the Middle Ages, the Smurfs try to survive the evil plots of the wizard Gargamel.