It wasn’t the most popular cartoon from the 1980’s, but its original run of 130 episodes certain built Thundercats a significant fanbase. After a 20 year hiatus, Lion-O and crew are making their return.
Warner Bros is bringing the property to life in their first anime offering, and is set to work with Japan’s Studio 4°C to co-produce the series for Cartoon Network.
While the look of Thundercats might have changed slightly from what fans of the original series might be used to, a lot of the key elements and main characters are still present. In the promotional poster which was released, clearly visible is Lion-O, the Sword Of Omens with the Eye Of Thundera in the hilt, and the Claw Shield gauntlet.
The logoin the promotional poster looks slightly different than the one provided in a promotional image shared with the world last week by Warner Bros Animation.
(more after the image)
The newer photo gives a better feel for what the series will ultimately likely look like, and more importantly it shows some of the other characters came through in the new version. One aspect of the above image which die-hard fans should be pleased by is that the weapons weilded by Tygra and Panthro haven’t changed, despite an updated look to the characters.
Yet to be mentioned is the inclusion of characters beyond the four shown. It is conceivable that Warner Bros might not return characters such as Snarf, WilyKit and WilyKat, though it should be assumed that due to the target audience being Cartoon Network viewers, those characters will likely be involved in some form or another to help draw in a younger demographic, though with the fanbase of the original show now likely between the ages of 25 and 40, those roles might be a bit diminished. So long as they return the Thundertank, all should be fine.
The press release from Warner Bros Animation is as follows:
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.
We will share more details when they become available, and believe me, we’ll have our eyes wide open looking around for more details.
