Because eventually every ‘toon and toy-based property must attract the attention of filmmakers looking for likely new franchises/merchandising bonanzas, the adventures of animated environmentalist superhero Captain Planet are now being developed as live action pic.
Executives at the US Cartoon Network have reached out to Transformers producer Don Murphy and partner Susan Montford to kick off work to bringing the blue-hued, green-haired hero to life.
First bursting on to small screens in 1990, Captain Planet and the Planeteers featured the muscular world-saver and his team taking down eco-villains across six seasons of ‘toons.
“The messages of Captain Planet are even more relevant today,” said Stuart Snyder, president of Turner Broadcasting System Inc.’s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media division in a statement picked up by The Hollywood Reporter. “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.” Presumably without adding, “Also, we really think it can sell lots of toys…”