The 3-D film, directed by Simon Wells (great grandson of H.G. Wells), will employ performance-capture animation, which Zemeckis and his studio (ImageMovers Digital) have used with such films as "The Polar Express" and "A Christmas Carol."

The story centers on a boy named Milo (performed by Seth Green) whose Mom (Joan Cusack) is kidnapped by Martians.

"Mars Needs Moms" -- a title that spoofs the '60s film "Mars Needs Women" -- is scheduled to be released next March.