So what’s up for Zack Snyder (pictured, left), now that he’s wrapped production the epic “Watchmen”? How about jumping right into an animated film called “Guardians of Ga’Hoole”, to be based on the series of children’s books by author Kathryn Lasky. The film has already been fast-tracked for production, and Snyder will direct “Guardians” for Village Roadshow, who is eyeballing either a 2009 or 2010 release date. But considering that animation takes seemingly forever, I’m thinking 2010 is probably the safer bet.

More:

Pic is set in the Forest of Tyto, where Barn Owls live in peace until their kingdom is threatened by an evil that could destroy their home.

Script was written by John Orloff (”A Mighty Heart”) and John Collee (”Master and Commander”). The pic will be produced by Zareh Nalbandian, with Donald DeLine, Deborah Snyder and Lionel Wigram exec producing.

And yes, it really is about a bunch of owls. More about it from Wikipedia:

Guardians of Ga’Hoole is The New York Times bestselling book series written by Kathryn Lasky and illustrated by Richard Cowdrey. Most of the main characters are owls, and the series is a cross between animal fiction such as Watership Down and epic fantasy. There are currently fourteen books in the series published so far and one accompanying book, with the most recent book in the series entitled Exile.A fifteenth book is going to be released.It’s title is The War of the Ember

Ga’Hoole, in the owl language, means “Great Spirit of Hoole”.

I was going to say, jumping into animated movies shouldn’t be too big of a leap for Snyder, but a movie about owls? Hunh. Didn’t see this coming.