Those annoying Smurfs are coming back to the big-screen as the trades are reporting that Scooby Doo and Beverly Hills Chihuahua director Raja Gosnell is set to direct a live-action/CGI film that offers a modern take on the classic ‘80s series.

The animated series made by Hanna-Barbera ran from 1981-1990 and followed the antics of blue-skinned dwarf-like villagers. It originated from a Belgian series of comic books.

In development at Sony Pictures, no story details were given, though it is expected that the human villain character Gargamel will likely be played by a major star.

Shrek 2 scribes David Stern, David Weiss and Audrey Wells have penned the screenplay. The film is expected out on December 17, 2010.