Farrelly Bros. sign up for 'Stooges' movie

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Hollywood's Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures says it is moving forward on a modern incarnation of an as-yet untitled Three Stooges movie.

"There's Something About Mary" filmmakers Bobby and Peter Farrelly will direct the Stooges movie from their screenplay.

The announcement was made Monday by Mary Parent, chairman of the Worldwide Motion Picture Group.

"The Three Stooges are a timeless staple of comedy and when we heard what the Farrellys had in mind, we knew it was time for Larry, Moe and Curly to return to the big screen," Parent said in a statement.

There have been numerous manifestations of The Three Stooges, but their relationship with MGM dates back to 1933 when the trio appeared in a series of shorts and features for the studio.

The Farrelly Brothers have been working on a modernization of the Stooges' "slapstick with heart" concept since the mid-90s, but it was their decision to focus on an origin story for Larry, Moe and Curly and, thus, introduce the three to a new generation that "pushed the picture onto the fast track," MGM said.

"We love The Stooges! They have been sending the world into hysterics for more than 80 years," Peter Farrelly said. "Moviegoers today deserve their own Stooges and we look forward to introducing them to a new generation of knuckleheads."