A new movie based on the 90s TV classic Wishbone will be making its way to theaters soon. This adaptation would be the first new Wishbone content in over two decades. The PBS Kids television show wrapped production in 1997, only returning once for a made-for-TV film in 1998.
While it was on the air, Wishbone told the story of a Jack Russell Terrier named Wishbone with a big imagination. In each episode, Wishbone would imagine himself as the main character of famous works of literature like Great Expectations, Romeo and Juliet, and Treasure Island, among many others. Although the show adapted popular stories for a young audience, it was often praised for its faithfulness to the source material. Wishbone won several awards, including four Daytime Emmys, but unlike other popular children's series like Dora the Explorer, it has not been adapted for theatrical release.
Now, Variety reports that the adventures of Wishbone will be back in the form of a live-action film. The Wishbone movie comes as a partnership between Universal Studios and Mattel Films, a branch of the popular toy manufacturing company. The movie will reportedly be produced by Peter Farrelly, director of the Academy Award-winning film The Green Book. There aren’t many details as to what will happen in the movie, or what famous literary works might be adapted, but Mattel promises the new film will be a fun, family-friendly comedy.
Wishbone isn’t the only Mattel-owned property being adapted for film. The toy company has paired up with numerous creative outlets to bring their IP to the screen. Just last year, it was announced that Mattel would be developing a new He-Man series for Netflix, once again re-introducing a previously popular character to a new generation of children. The company is also reportedly partnering with Warner Bros. to produce a live-action movie inspired by the Hot Wheels toy cars. Mattel is even pursuing some unconventional projects adapting their IP for adult audiences, including a horror film from Blumhouse centered on the Magic 8 Ball toy.
Given that these Mattel properties are able to find success through nostalgia, Wishbone could follow in their footsteps. It’s likely that adults who grew up in the 90s will fondly remember the show, and use the new live-action film as a way of introducing their children to the story. If the movie is successful, it could be a chance for the show’s writers to bring the literary pup back to PBS for a new audience. Whether Wishbone will have that lasting impact, though, remains to be seen.
Source: Variety