ThunderCats Sword of Omens Crest
Today we have news of a new animated series from Cartoon Network called ThunderCats. Yep, you read that right. Over the last few years, the ThunderCats movie rumors have been nothing but cruel and unusual punishment to fans of the franchise as we sat, waiting. We wait no longer… at least for a new rendition of the ThunderCats franchise. Several hours ago, Mania.com reported this news!
Warner Bros. Animation is teaming up with Studio4°C to bring the new anime series to life on Cartoon Network. Their press release indicates that the series will touch on the origins of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne and those who would try to stop his ascension, at any cost.
Back in December we chatted about WB grabbing Charlie Wen to do some concept art for ThunderCats or that Gerry O’Flagherty may be directing. And that it would be an animated project! Did we have the clues all along? I wonder if the included image after the break that is related to the 2011 TV series is from Wen?
ThunderCats anime series comes to Cartoon Network in 2011
The new series will premiere in 2011… so that means just a touch more waiting gang.
Sidenote: This is terrible timing indeed, considering the news from GeekOSystem of the ThunderCats original writer, Stephen Perry, having disappeared under foreboding circumstances.
Thoughts On This New ThunderCats Project:
I’m happy to see a new ThunderCats TV series coming to Cartoon Network. CN has been bringing serious animation back to TV like its nobody’s business and I’m happy for that.
With all the rumors over the last few years of a movie, I can’t help but wonder if this could be some form of a market test to see if the new series would gain good traction with the viewers. If it did get good ratings, this could send a signal to Warner Bros. that just maybe, a movie would be warranted. No one else can do this since they own the rights to the ThunderCats franchise.
I have to wonder if this is related to the ThunderCats concept art and script that was floating about in February? It’s the same reference to where they point out the project will be an animated project.
Thundercats Lion-O concept art
What this means is that we have to get the news out to as many people as we can. (If my suspicions are right that is!)
With that in mind, smack those share buttons on this or any other post you come across on the internet and let as many people as possible know about this project. Get the fans motivated and excited. Get them to share the news too. If this is truly a test bed for a new movie, we need to make it count!
In the mean time, check out the home-made ThunderCats movie trailer from YouTube. It’s a superbly done job! The official press release from Warner Bros. Entertainment follows.
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NOW THAT”s what I’m talking about!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THUNDERCATS, HO!
WARNER BROS. ANIMATION ANSWERS THE CALL WITH A NEW
TAKE ON THE CLASSIC ANIMATED SERIES “THUNDERCATS,”
TO AIR ON CARTOON NETWORK
(June 3, 2010 – Burbank, CA) – Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) has begun production on “ThunderCats,” an all-new animated series for Cartoon Network, based upon the iconic 1980s action classic. “ThunderCats” is the newest series from WBA, joining “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” which was recently renewed for a third season, and the following forthcoming programs: “The Looney Tunes Show,” “MAD,” “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” and “Young Justice.” The announcement was made today by Sam Register, Executive Vice President, Creative Affairs, Warner Bros. Animation.
“In addition to being Warner Bros. Animation’s first anime series, ‘ThunderCats’ marks our most ambitious foray yet into fantasy,” said Register. “The realism and dynamic visual style we’ve achieved are sure to thrill viewers, and the cool weapons, vehicles and technology should help the show appeal to a diverse audience.”
The 21st century reimagining of the series marks a creative collaboration between WBA and Studio4°C, one of the most vibrant animation studios in Japan, with credits including “The Animatrix,” “Gotham Knights” and “Halo Legends.” WBA is working closely with Studio4°C, utilizing the latter’s expertise to give the “ThunderCats” characters a new cutting-edge look while remaining true to the compelling storylines and mythology of the original series.
“We at Studio4°C are excited to be in this creative partnership with Warner Bros. Animation to bring ‘ThunderCats’ to life,” said Eiko Tanaka, President and CEO, Studio4°C. “This collaboration combines the strengths of our two companies – high production values and great storytelling – toward reintroducing this classic fan-favorite to a new audience.”
Roaring to life through WBA and Studio4°C’s use of the Japanese animated artistry of anime, “ThunderCats” characters Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, Panthro, Cheetara and others will spring off the screen with realistic cat-like characteristics inconceivable in previous incarnations.
The new “ThunderCats” will appeal to viewers who have loved the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the franchise. A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes, the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost – takes on epic dimensions in this sharp new telling. As the forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest for the fabled Stones of Power, Lion-O and his champions learn valuable lessons of loyalty, honor and mortality in every episode.
“ThunderCats” is executive produced by Sam Register (“Teen Titans,” “Ben 10,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold”). Michael Jelenic (“Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “Wonder Woman”) and Ethan Spaulding (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”) are the producers.
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