Sony Picks Up Angry Birds Movie

Sony Pictures Entertainment has won the exclusive worldwide distribution rights to the previously announced Angry Birds animated film, which is now scheduled for release worldwide July 1, 2016.

The 3D film is being developed, produced and financed by Rovio Entertainment, creators of the Angry Birds property.

"Every studio in town would love to add Angry Birds to their slate. There are few titles out there that bring this kind of excitement, brand awareness and built-in audience to the table,” said Michael Lynton, chairman and chief executive officer, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment in a joint statement. “We're thrilled to be distributing this film and we hope this is just the beginning of what will be a long relationship with Rovio as we look for ways to work on future projects together."

The “Angry Birds” mobile game, which was launched in 2009, remains the No. 1 paid app of all time and has since expanded into entertainment, publishing and licensing to become an international brand.

The upcoming movie marks Rovio Entertainment's first foray into feature films and follows in the footsteps of the “Angry Birds Toons” animated series, which debuted in March through “Angry Birds” apps, as well as on select video-on-demand channel providers and on select TV networks around the world.

"Sony impressed us with their great attitude, determination, and professionalism. They convinced us that we have found the right partners and team to help us market and distribute our first motion picture,” says Mikael Hed, chief executive officer, Rovio Entertainment.