Mumbai: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures is moving forward on a modern incarnation of The Three Stooges with Bobby and Peter Farrelly attached to direct from their screenplay. The announcement was made by MGM chairman worldwide motion picture group Mary Parent.

"The Three Stooges are a timeless staple of comedy and when we heard what the Farrellys had in mind we knew it was time for Larry, Moe and Curly to return to the big screen," Parent said.

There have been numerous manifestations of The Three Stooges but their relationship with MGM dates back to 1933 when the trio appeared in a series of shorts and features for the Lion. The Farrelly Brothers have been working on a modernization of the Stooges, slapstick with heart concept since the mid-90s. But it was their decision to focus on an origin story for Larry, Moe and Curly and thus introduce the three to a new generation that pushed the picture onto the fast track. Audiences have embraced The Three Stooges in a variety of mediums; vaudeville, shorts, television and home video but for Peter the communal nature of a theatrical feature remains the perfect experience.

"We love The Stooges! They have been sending the world into hysterics for more than 80 years. Movie goers today deserve their own Stooges and we look forward to introducing them to a new generation of knuckleheads." Peter added.

Executive producer Earl Benjamin said, "Now is the perfect time for The Three Stooges to return, we can’t wait for family members of all ages to enjoy the fun together, and these days everybody needs a laugh."

Executive vice president production Cale Boyter and vice president production Luke Ryan are overseeing the project for MGM. Bobby and Peter are producing with Bradley Thomas and Charles Wessler. Earl Benjamin and Robert Benjamin of C3 Entertainment are serving as executive producers. As casting gets underway the filmmakers are targeting a release date of 20 November, 2009.