Super Size Me's Spurlock to direct Simpsons doc

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock will direct a new documentary about the popular cartoon show The Simpsons.

The Super Size Me director will both produce and direct The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special in 3-D and Ice for the show's 20th-anniversary debut.

The documentary, however, will not be in 3-D or on ice, according to a press release by Fox.

In a statement, Spurlock was quoted as saying he was shocked by the invitation.

"When they first called me about this, I thought it was a prank and I hung up. And then my agent called back and said, 'No, no, this is for real,' at which point I fainted. When I woke up, I called everyone I knew because it was the coolest thing I could ever get to do in my career."

The documentary will explore the cultural phenomenon of The Simpsons and the impact the longest-running American prime-time entertainment series has had in the U.S. and worldwide.

The Simpsons began in 1987 as a recurring short on the comedy program The Tracey Ullman Show.  After a three-season run, the cartoon sketch was developed into a half-hour primetime show.

Since then, the show has gone on to air 441 episodes and include a successful feature-length film, grossing $527 million US worldwide.

The special will air January 14, 2010 on its 20th anniversary.