Thundercats. (New Series)

[Lord_Stewie]

Hey,

I am a huge fan of the thundercats. And just came across this article about a new series about to hit the wave.

The popular 80s cartoon show Thundercats will say it’s name and “Ho” once more as Warner Bros. is developing a new series for Cartoon Network. The new Thundercats will feature anime-style art but also bring “realistic cat-like characteristics” to Lion-O, Mumma-Ra, Panthro, Cheetara, and the rest of the gang. Personally, I’ve never watched a single episode of the series, but am aware of it due to its place in 80s pop culture.

I’ve been told that the rights to Thundercats were tied up with several different companies and that’s why nothing Thundercats-related was moving forward. If that’s the case and this new cartoon series is a hit, then that could renew interest in the rumored Thundercats live-action/CG movie. Also, the timing of the press release is worth noting since Comic-Con is less than two months away. I would bet that Warner Bros. Animation may show off some concept art from the series. Anyway, hit the jump for the full press release.

UPDATE: We’ve been given some official images!

First official images are at the bottom

Here’s the press release:

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.

This is way beyond awesome.

Source.

Enjoy.

[bluRazor]

nice.

[bluman007]

wow! knowing that studio4°C is involve with the production makes me feel good how this is gonna turn out! cant wait for this!

[WyldeMan45]

Anime? I'm out.................

[Cplhicks]

Originally Posted by WyldeMan45

Anime? I'm out.................

Anime? I'm in....

[seeweda]

I really don't want to see this remade I liked it as a kid but in watching those episodes later it really wasn't as good as I remember. Then these remakes are always worse than the original series anyway all the newer Transformers, GI Joe, TMNT cartoons all pale in comparison to the originals.

It will also be interesting to see what animation style they choose says the studio was involved with Animatrix, Gotham Knight and Halo Legends films and there was animation in all of them that I liked but a lot of it I thought sucked.

[goresnet]

cplhicks - have you seen the transformers anime?? if it's anything like that, I'm WAY out...

[Mykspawn02]

Originally Posted by cplhicks

anime? I'm in....

+1

[Mumps]

Originally Posted by WyldeMan45

Anime? I'm out.................

Seriously? This show is being written and produced in A-M-E-R-I-C-A, it is just being animated by a studio that is known for very highly stylized Anime. BTW, look at their credits, they haven't done anything that has resembled the stereotypical Anime style. The closest they have come to that is the American produced Transformers Animated, which was a huge success despite being canned way too early...

The people producing this show are responsible for Batman: The Brave and the Bold. There is no way this will be some super-anime styled storyless piece of garbage.

And to the guy who tried to compair this to the Transformers anime's... Umm... re-read my post! This series is American produced, with an american audience in mind. The TF Anime series (Armada, Energon and Cybertron) were garbage because they focused on gimicks to sell toys, and were made in Japan with the Japanese audience in mind.

I am not trying to bash Anime either. I am a pretty big Anime fan myself, but shows like this that are produced over here tend to be very good, if Batman The Brave and the Bold and Transformers Animated are anything to go by. The darker episode of Batman B&B was extremely dark and showed the range that they were able to go with it.

Anyway, end rant

*can't wait for more news*

[Mumps]

This news just made my day! Hell, it made my week. I can not wait for more news regarding this, I have no doubts that this will turn out to be an awesome show that fans of the old can appreciate and love, and people watching for the first time willl have their eyes glued to the screen.

*excited!*

[Bizdady]

Its funny I recently came accross all the episodes and started showing these to my 2 year old. We are barely in episode 4 but last night after ep4 ended I turned off the TV as it was bedtime and he got mad that he wanted to watch more lol.

[bandit29]

Yeah I always liked this show as a kid/teen..

but yet another remake of something from the 80's. When is that going to end?

[Mumps]

Originally Posted by bandit29

but yet another remake of something from the 80's. When is that going to end?

I'll give it until 2080