One of Robin Williams‘ most beloved movies is getting a surprising new adaptation, with a director already attached to the project.
What Robin Williams movie is getting a surprising remake?
According to a report from Deadline, Amazon MGM Studios is developing a live-action film based on the 1992 animated movie FernGully: The Last Rainforest. Marielle Heller (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Nightbitch) will direct the project, with no official casting or information on if the move will be a 1:1 adaptation of the original or not available as of yet.
Stacey Sher will produce the project alongside Susan Ursitti‑Sheinberg, Jon Sheinberg, Matt Feige, Heller, and Leah Holzer. Moonli Singha will executive produce the project.
Originally released in 1992, FernGully tells the story of an Australian rainforest that’s inhabited by fairies who accidentally shrink a logger named Zak down to their size. The boy and fairies then come together to help protect their home from loggers and a pollution entity known as Hexxus. Williams played the role of Batty Koda, a bat who was experimented on by humans and given a manic personality as a result.
Alongside Williams, the movie also starred Samantha Mathis, Jonathan Ward, Tim Curry, Christian Slater, Grace Zabriskie, Douglas Seale, Geoffrey Blake, Robert Patsorelli, Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Tone Lōc, Townsend Coleman, Brian Cummings, and Danny Mann. A sequel, FernGully 2: The Magical Rescue, was released in 1998, with none of the original cast returning.
The original movie was directed by Bill Kroyer in his directorial debut and written by Jim Cox, based on the FernGully stories by Diana Young. The movie was seen as a moderate success upon its launch, but developed a bigger following after its home release. The film is also notable for having performances from several high-profile stars, including Elton John, Raffi, Sheena Easton, Tim Curry, and more.
