Hollywood interested in German polar bear

BERLIN, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The Berlin Zoo is in talks with a Hollywood producer who wants to make an animated film about its popular polar bear cub, Knut, it was reported Monday.

The deal reportedly could mean a $5.1 million payday for the zoo, the German magazine der Spiegel reported.

"We are delighted about the interest from Hollywood. It's unclear when we will sign the contracts. Some details have yet to be sorted out," zoo director Bernhard Blaszkiewitz told Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

The movie reportedly would be set in the Berlin Zoo and feature Knut's real-life keeper, Thomas Dorflein, as a character.

Dorflein hand-raised Knut after his mother rejected him when he was born 13 months ago, der Spiegel said.