Live-action Thomas the Tank Engine film on track

Thomas the Tank Engine is set to steam ahead into first live action feature film.

Shane Acker, who directed the Timur Bekmambetov/Tim Burton produced 9 , is on board as director.

The film will be set in Sodor, the island of talking trains. The story will revolve around a pre-teen boy, who has drifted from his father.

The son is then introduced to the world of Sodor, a place his father visited as a child but can’t remember.

Weta Workshop and Mattel have joined the creative team behind the film. Weta is well known for working on the likes of King Kong , Lord Of The Rings and most recently, Tintin .

Acker told Deadline that his 20-month old daughter inspired him to join the film, but the movie won’t just be aimed at pre-schoolers.

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