Cartoon Network Leaps into Next Live-Action Movie with Tiger's Apprentice

Oscar-Nominated Screenwriter David Magee Adapts Bestselling Young-Adult Book

Cartoon Network announced its latest live-action/CGI movie based on the bestselling young adult Harper Collins book Tiger's Apprentice by Lawrence Yep. Oscar-nominated screenwriter David Magee (Finding Neverland) adapted the award-winning book into a feature script optioned by Cartoon Network. Jane Startz (Tuck Everlasting, Indian in the Cupboard) will executive produce the project. Set to premiere in 2010, Tiger's Apprentice is now in pre-production with staffing and casting currently underway at Cartoon Network Studios in Burbank, Calif.

"Tiger's Apprentice is an award-winning property that represents our expansion into the high-quality original TV movie event business," said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer at Cartoon Network. "We're proud to bring together a package of powerful writing and talent to a project we know is a passion for everyone involved."

Tiger's Apprentice tells the unfolding mystery of teenager Tom Lee, who, orphaned by his grandmother, is put under the protection of Mr. Hu, a mystical tiger who can take human form. Tom discovers an astonishing magical world inside San Francisco's Chinatown, full of spells and characters spun from the lore of the Chinese Zodiac, including a Tiger, Dragon, Rat and Monkey, who rise to the task of training him in order to save the world.

This latest original movie produced by Cartoon Network Studios, joins the network's expanding development slate with the previously announced comic book titles Firebreather, The Vanishers, Mice Templar and the sequel to the network's live-action hit movie, Ben 10. Image Comic's Firebreather, created by Phil Hester, and Mice Templar, by Mike Avon Oeming and Bryan Glass, will be developed as animated original movies. IDW Publishing's The Vanishers, created by Chuck Dixon, will be produced as a live-action original movie.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 97 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. From 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.