Cartoon Network has signed an agreement with Angry Filmworks, giving Murphy and Montford's company the exclusive rights to develop and package a live-action Captain Planet motion picture, moving it toward production.
With a similar agreement for Ben 10 with producer Joel Silver, Cartoon Network now has a pair of theatricals in development!
Angry Filmworks is tied to the highly successful action-adventure franchise, Transformers, (2007), Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009), and Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011). Since forming the company in 1998, other Angry Filmworks credits include Hugh Jackman's upcoming Real Steel with executive producer Steven Spielberg., Shoot ‘Em Up (2007), The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003) and Apt Pupil (1998).
"The messages of Captain Planet are even more relevant today," said Stuart Snyder, president and COO of Turner Broadcasting System Inc.'s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media division, in announcing the pact. "We feel this team can bring the world's first eco-hero to life in a powerful motion picture that is not only pertinent but entertaining."
Noted Montford: "With the earthquakes, tornadoes, melting icebergs and all the other problems threatening the world right now, Earth really needs her greatest defender."
Captain Planet and the Planeteers was an animated environmental series, whose aim was to inform younger viewers about serious ecological issues. It showcased a group of young people who combine their special powers (the Planeteers) to summon Captain Planet, an environmental super hero, to battle the world's worst eco-villains.
Captain Planet and the Planeteers premiered in fall 1990, airing domestically and internationally in syndication and on cable networks TBS and TNT. During its six-season run, the series scored several Daytime Emmy nominations and won multiple environmental media awards across its production. The show featued the voice talents of a number of guests, including Whoopi Goldberg (Gaia), Meg Ryan (Dr. Blight), Martin Sheen (Sly Sludge), Edward Asner (Hoggish Greedly), James Coburn (Looten Plunder), Dean Stockwell (Duke Nukem) and Sting (Zarm).
"We are extremely excited about bringing the good Captain back to life," said Murphy. "His adventures are known worldwide and he is recognized across generations. We expect to make a spectacular series of films with the amazing team at Cartoon Network."
