Whenever a film project is announced that draws on the nostalgia for ‘70s and ‘80s TV series, we joke about what might be next on the list. But that list is growing ever shorter as even more obscure titles are plucked for the development machine. Sony Pictures Animation grabbed Manimal in 2012, proving that everything is up for grabs and the company now has Anchor-men Will Ferrell and Adam McKay developing its CG/live-action movie take on the series.
Manimal, for those young enough to be furrowing brows and contemplating a trip to Wikipedia, began life in 1983 and starred Simon MacCorkindale as wealthy, mysterious British college professor Dr. Jonathan Chase, who helps solve crimes with a most unusual power – he can transform into different types of animals. Despite this power to become whatever he wants, he usually chose a hawk or a black panther, mostly because that’s what the show had budgeted for. The reason you may not have heard of it is that it also reached the end of its life in 1983, after just eight episodes. Yet despite – actually, because of – a cheese factor that would worry anyone with lactose intolerance, it’s become a cult favourite.
Now Ferrell and McKay are pushing ahead with a comedy blend of live-action and animation, which makes sense, since it’s even more given to parody and fun than, say, 21 Jump Street, and we know how well that worked out. “I think it’s right down our alley, it’s what we do,” says McKay in a statement via Deadline. “It’s tongue-in-cheek and has an action component, but overall it’s a comedy.” The duo, fellow producer Jimmy Miller and show creator/rights holder Glen A. Larson have Key & Peele head writers Jay Martel and Ian Roberts set to work on the script.
Last word, then to McKay. “Like The Catcher In The Rye or The Sound And The Fury, Manimal has always been one of those elusive projects every producer dreams of taking to the silver screen," he says. "I know the movie will be funny and entertaining, but will it be the first film to win a Pulitzer? We’ll just have to see.” We will indeed. The hunt is now on for a director. Wonder if Phil Lord and Chris Miller can be convinced to try another seemingly tough task?