Playmobil movie on the way because Lego Movie

$80 million animation expected in 2017

(Playmobil)

ON Entertainment has secured the film rights to Playmobil, just a few months after The Lego Movie grossed over $460 million worldwide.

The German line of toys bears a resemblance to Lego but is less blocky and doesn't require as much building.

The production company, one of Europe's largest, is partnering with Pathe and Wild Bunch for the $80 million animated feature, according to Variety.

Shrek 2's Bob Persichetti will head up the animation team, which recently worked together on the upcoming The Little Prince.

The film, expected to be released in 2017, will be the first animation of Playmobil, which has sold 2.7 billion figurines around the world.

The Lego Movie proved a surprise hit earlier in the year, thanks to a very funny script and voice work from Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman, Jonah Hill, Elizabeth Banks and more.

A sequel is already in the works from co-director Chris McKay, along with a spin-off centring around the popular Batman character.