ThunderCats Movie Still Happening But We’re Getting Worried

The original ThunderCats came out in 1985 and became an iconic animated series for kids growing up in the 80s and 90s. Since then, the show was rebooted with the same name in 2011 then again as ThunderCats Roar in 2020. It’s also been adapted into numerous comic books and a side-scrolling action video game. 

In every iteration, ThunderCats follows a group of super-powered cat-like humanoids. They are led by the warrior Lioenel, a protagonist styled after He-Man, against the villainous Mummy Mumm-Ra. Other popular characters include the strongman Panthro, speedster Cheetara, and obnoxious sidekick Snarf. 

Adam Wingard is set to direct and write the ThunderCats film, but he has several other projects in the works, which may get in the way of the adaptation.

He directed the new Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire which was his last major project, and supporting that film post-release will also take time away from working on new projects.

Wingard is set to direct a reboot of John Woo’s classic action film Face/Off, another project delayed in the writing stage. 

It’s clear Wingard has a lot on his plate and ThunderCats is just one of a few projects he’s working on.

In a statement to Gizmodo, Wingard confirms this by saying, “… it’s definitely one of the top priorities I have right now in terms of working on a script.”

It’s certainly encouraging that the adaptation is a priority for him, but it’s also clearly not his only project in the writing phase, which means it could slip through the cracks. 

ThunderCats fans also have good reason to be worried about a movie being announced but never appearing.

An animated film adaptation of the series was announced back in 2007, with a 2010 release date set. Unfortunately, that film was never produced, and fans have only leaked concept art to show for it. 

Wingard working on ThunderCats is good news, but the fact that it’s still only in the screenwriting stage is disappointing.

Movies often take years, to produce, and special effects-heavy movies like Thundercats take longer than most. With the project still at its earliest stage, even if the movie gets made it’s still a long way from audiences being able to see it. 

Warner Bros’ involvement is another concerning factor, given the studio’s recent actions with other films at various stages of development.

Warner Brothers has become infamous for shelving completed films like Batwoman and Coyote vs. Acme. It’s valid to be worried that ThunderCats could be killed by a studio when that studio is killing finished movies. 

Fans should remain cautiously optimistic as ThunderCats is still being worked on. There are plenty of obvious opportunities for the movie not to materialize, but at least it’s not dead in the water. Fans shouldn’t give up on the possibility of a ThunderCats movie, but they shouldn’t expect it any time soon, either. 

Source: Gizmodo