Most of the big animated characters have already had a movie versions in the last decade or so, and so producers are now delving into the second tier, which is definitely where Heathcliff lives. The cat started as a comic strip created in 1973 by George Gately, and became an animated series in the 1980s, although he hasn’t exactly been a major part of popular culture since then.
Now family-based production outfit Waterman Entertainment has secured the feature rights to the character. Waterman made the deal directly with rights holder, Peter Gallagher (who is Gately’s nephew). Here’s what Gallagher had to say about this the movie, “Their track record is impeccable. Casper, Stuart Little and Alvin and the Chipmunks are examples of incorporating elements that past audiences loved and adding a contemporary flair that makes these properties endure with a whole new generation. That is exactly what I was looking to achieve with Heathcliff. We want our existing fans to identify with the characters they know while introducing him to an entirely new audience. As a creator I know that they will be attentive to our lasting vision for the brand and welcome our input, which is very important to me.”
Waterman has been busy recently as they’ve also made similar feature film deals for The Brave Little Toaster and Mister Ed. As is the case with those titles, Heathcliff will be reimagined as a CGI/live action film.