UniversalPictures is planning an early 2008 worldwide launch for the next VeggieTales film. CG animated feature The Pirates Who Don'tDo Anything - A VeggieTales Movie is being developedwith family media company Big Idea and the franchise's creative team of Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki.

Nawrocki will direct based on a script by Vischer, who will serve as executive producer through hiscompany Jellyfish Labs. Big Idea's David Pitts will produce.

The2002 project Jonah-A VeggieTales Movie, grossed $25m intheatres.

Theannouncement was made today by Universal marketing heads, Adam Fogelson and Eddie Egan, and Big Idea COO, Terry Pefanis.

Thenew film is set in a suburban pirate-themed restaurant where the charactersfind a time machine.

"Thebeloved and hilarious VeggieTales characters, and thebeautifully designed and rendered CG animation have made this franchise a favorite of families everywhere," said Universal'sheads of marketing Adam Fogelson and Eddie Egan. "We'redelighted to be partnering with Big Idea on bringing these vegetables back tothe big screen in an all new adventure full of fun and music."