Your three year old is about to get very excited. Thomas the Tank Engine is en route back to the big screen.

The Hollywood Reporter says the cheeky steam train’s next feature will be produced by Julie Pistor of HiT Movies, a newly launched unit of HiT Entertainment. Josh Klausner (‘Shrek the Third’) has been hired to write the script.

Thomas, the star of the wildly popular Television series ‘Thomas & Friends,’ has appeared in films before, most recently the direct-to-video ‘Hero of the Rails.’ In 2000, a theatrical release, ’Thomas and the Magic Railroad,’ was spun off from the ‘Thomas & Friends’ predecessor, ‘Shining Time Station.’

“‘Thomas & Friends’ is a phenomenally successful and versatile brand that appeals to children and families worldwide,” said HiT’s Pistor. “Generations of children have grown up with the adventures of ‘Thomas & Friends’ with its storytelling tradition, positive values, timeless lessons and rich train history. We look forward to working with Josh Klausner to translate the classic ‘Thomas & Friends’ stories into a thrilling, big, modern adventure movie.”

Thomas the Tank Engine was created as a children’s book character by the Rev. W.V. Awdry in the 1940s, inspired by a toy. He now represents the world’s most popular preschool property, according to THR, with more than 100 million books and wooden train accessories sold globally.

“Rev. Awdry’s robust characters and stories continue to stand the test of time,” screenwriter Klausner said, “and I am excited to play a role in sending off Thomas and his friends on a new, exciting adventure.”

The new film project — a mix of live-action and CGI — is slated for a spring 2011 release. HiT is also planning a new CGI animated ‘Thomas’ series for next year.

(Image: © Brad Calkins | Dreamstime.com)