“Our goal isn’t simply to make a new film. It’s to honor a timeless classic and extend its powerful themes and musical legacy across every platform," said Jon Feinberg, one of the producers for the live-action film
Credit: Fai/Yongestreet Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock
NEED TO KNOW
- FernGully is getting a live-action revival
- The 1992 hand-drawn animation film follows a community of fairies in an Australian rainforest, as they’re faced with environmental evils that threaten their home
- “Our goal isn’t simply to make a new film. It’s to honor a timeless classic and extend its powerful themes and musical legacy across every platform,” said Jon Feinberg, one of the producers for the live-action film
FernGully is getting the revival treatment!
The animated '90s classic musical fantasy film will be adapted into a live-action movie, Amazon MGM Studios announced on April 17. The revival comes roughly 34 years after the original film, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, debuted in theaters.
The original movie is set in an Australian rainforest inhabited by a population of magical fairies, led by wise fairy Magi Lune. Her granddaughter, Crysta, accidentally shrinks a logger named Zak, and his new perspective shows him the damage of his company and the threat of a pollution-eating villain named Hexxus.
Credit: Fai/Yongestreet Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock
FernGully: The Last Rainforest, created with hand-drawn animation, featured voice acting from Robin Williams, Tim Curry, Samantha Mathis, Christian Slater, Tone Loc, Cheech Marin and Jonathan Ward, among others. Curry and Williams also contributed notable musical performances, alongside Elton John, Raffi, Sheena Easton, and Johnny Clegg, per the announcement.
The success of the 1992 film propelled its sequel in 1998, titled FernGully 2: The Magical Rescue, which follows the fairy community as they wander beyond FernGully to help young animals who were captured by poachers.
According to the announcement, Stacey Sher will produce the live-action film through Shiny Penn, while Susan Ursitti‑Sheinberg, Jon Sheinberg, and Matt Feige will produce through Sheinberg Feige Organization (SFO Entertainment). Representing Marielle Heller and Leah Holzer, Defiant By Nature will also produce, and Moonli Singha will executive produce.
“Our goal isn't simply to make a new film,” said Jon Sheinberg, per Amazon's MGM Studios' announcement. “It's to honor a timeless classic and extend its powerful themes and musical legacy across every platform."
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Credit: Fai/Yongestreet Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock
Amazon MGM Studios did not disclose details about cast members or an anticipated release date.
Machine Media Advisors will also be involved in the revival process to "protect and promote the legacy of the film FernGully and broaden its reach across the generations," per Amazon MGM Studios' announcement.
Both SFO Entertainment and Machine Media Advisors are seeking methods to expand FernGully across media by exploring partnerships in music, merchandising, literature and gaming.
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