Film version of Chapman memoir on its way

NEW YORK, June 27 (UPI) -- A 3D animated version of the late British comedian Graham Chapman's memoir, "A Liar's Autobiography," is in the works, EPIX announced Monday.

The entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service said the film's world television premiere will be in both 2D and 3D on EPIX and EpixHD.com in the Spring 2012. It will be released theatrically in the United Kingdom by London-based Trinity.

Chapman was a member of the Monty Python comedy troupe. He also starred in the films "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and "Life of Brian." He died of cancer in 1989 at age 48.

The animated feature based on his book will be made in association with Bill and Ben Productions Ltd., Trinity and Brainstorm Media. It will feature recordings Chapman made of his book in 1982, EPIX said.

"This innovative and modern take on Chapman's comic genius is an exciting event, and EPIX is thrilled to premiere 'A Liar's Autobiography' in the United States," EPIX President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Greenberg said in a statement.

"I had no idea until recently that Graham Chapman is in fact dead -- I thought he was just being lazy," Python member Terry Jones added. "However, I am now delighted to find myself working with him again on this exciting project."

"We've been working closely with the Chapman estate and the Pythons to make sure we get this exactly right," said co-director Jeff Simpson. "Graham would be delighted that his work is being re-imagined in glorious 3D. He always loved wearing silly glasses."