Pixar loses 'Leaf Men' & Chris Wedge to Fox's Blue Sky Studios

[ALIASd]

“Ice Age” helmer Chris Wedge will next direct “Leaf Men,” an animated film that Fox has committed to finance through its Fox Animation label, with Blue Sky Studios producing.

The development comes after a fascinating tug-of-war over the project between Fox, Blue Sky Studios co-founder Wedge, and Disney-based animation rival Pixar.

“Leaf Men,” an adaptation of the William Joyce illustrated children's book "The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs," was originally set at Fox Animation by Wedge, his "Robots" cohort William Joyce, and screenwriter James V. Hart, who adapted the book with the author.

According to sources, Wedge at some point got the studio’s blessing to find a new home for the picture. He turned to Pixar. Wedge has a close relationship with the label’s topper, John Lasseter, dating back to their beginnings on “Tron.”

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BFDealmemo on Variety.com