Rovio and Sony Pictures Join Hands to Release Angry Birds in 2016

Sony has announced that it has received global distribution rights for an animated film based on the highly popular game "Angry Birds,". The 3D movie will be produced and financed by Rovio and will be released in July 1, 2016.

Sony Pictures Entertainment beat several major studios to win exclusive worldwide distribution rights to the 3D movie, it said announcing a deal with Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio Entertainment.

"Despicable Me" producer John Cohen and "Iron Man" executive producer David Maisel are are both on board for the new Angry Birds feature film. Cohen will serve as producer and Maisel is going to be the executive producer.

"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. Michael, Amy, Jeff Blake, Sony's marketing and distribution head, and their teams will be the best possible collaborators as we get set to take our franchise to the next level." said Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio Entertainment .

Angry Birds, which started as a mobile game in 2009, went on to become one of the world's biggest entertainment franchises. The game has been praised for its great value and simple, casual gameplay.

Sony Pictures Entertainment chief executive Michael Lynton and chairman Amy Pascal said in a joint statement "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. 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."