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The pending primetime return of "Popeye" just got some extra muscle: Kathy Bates is adding her voice to the project.

Oscar-winning thesp will supply the voice of Popeye's archenemy Sea Hag/Siren in "Popeye's Voyage: The Quest for Pappy." Fox network spec, due to air at the end of the year, reps the first time Popeye will get the CGI toon treatment (Daily Variety, Sept. 9).

In addition, Devo vet Mark Mothersbaugh has inked a deal to whip up a new version of the classic theme "Popeye the Sailor Man." Mothersbaugh's credits include "The Royal Tenenbaums," "Pee Wee's Playhouse" and "Rugrats."

Hearst-owned King Features Syndicate is overseeing the relaunch of the Popeye franchise in honor of the character's 75th anniversary. Mainframe Entertainment is animating the special.

As previously announced, Billy West ("Ren and Stimpy") will supply the voice of Popeye. Paul Reiser and Jim Hardison co-wrote the 30-minute special.

"To get an Oscar winner like Kathy Bates is a big coup for us," King Features prexy Rocky Shepard said. "The delays we had in production ended up helping us produce the best team possible."

King Features will be stepping up its multiplatform marketing campaign on behalf of Popeye's 75th in the next few weeks, starting with a presence at next week's Toy Fair in New York. A teaser campaign featuring the first look at the new CGI-style Popeye is also set to get under way shortly.

King Features is intent on using the anniversary festivities as a springboard for bringing new life to the Popeye franchise. "We may also do more specials or series or even an animated movie," Shepard said. "It's all yet to be determined."

A DVD featuring an expanded, hourlong version of "Popeye's Voyage" will be released by Lions Gate Family Home Entertainment Nov. 9, a month later than the previously announced release date.

Bates won the 1990 actress Academy Award for her role in "Misery." She was nominated again for 2002's "About Schmidt," and 1998's "Primary Colors."

Thesp's upcoming features include "Around the World in 80 Days" and "Little Black Book."