‘FernGully’ Gets a Live-Action Remake

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FernGully was about the last rainforest. What this news presupposes is … maybe it wasn’t?

Amazon MGM Studios revealed today that they’re planning a live-action remake of FernGully: The Last Rainforest. The original film features fairies, magical creatures, and talking bats, so the new version will likely still rely on visual effects.

Marielle Heller, known for directing films like The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, will direct the new film. She also wrote the screenplay, which is based on FernGully.

The animated film FernGully, directed by Bill Kroyer and inspired by stories from Diana Young, tells the story of fairies in an Australian rainforest who try to protect their home from being destroyed by loggers. The movie is remembered for its strong environmental themes and for featuring Robin Williams as a bat – a role he took on the same year he voiced the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin. (Notably, one of the loggers is magically shrunk in the film.)

The movie wasn’t a blockbuster in theaters, but it became popular with children on VHS and DVD. Over time, people started noticing similarities between it and James Cameron’s Avatar, as both films tell a comparable story and focus on environmental themes.

According to producer Jon Sheinberg, they’re not just creating a new movie; they aim to pay tribute to a beloved classic and share its enduring story and music with audiences everywhere.

Animated Movies KPop Demon Hunters Fans Must See

Belle (2021)

Inspired by the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast, the 2021 anime film Belle tells the story of a high school student coping with loss. She escapes into a virtual world where she becomes a popular singer. The film uses music to explore her journey as she learns to overcome her trauma and find the strength to help someone she loves. Belle is beautifully animated, a grand fantasy adventure, and features a truly memorable soundtrack, all built around a heartfelt and moving story.

Perfect Blue (1997)

Okay, let me start by saying Perfect Blue is definitely not a movie for kids. But if you’re an adult who enjoys psychological thrillers, trust me, you need to see this one. Satoshi Kon’s 1998 anime is a truly brilliant, and frankly terrifying, dive into the worlds of fame, obsession, and what happens when someone’s identity starts to slip. It follows a young J-Pop star who decides to become a serious actress, and things quickly descend into paranoia and delusion when a dangerous stalker enters her life.

Over the Moon (2020)

Released on Netflix in 2020, Over the Moon tells the story of a young girl who journeys to the moon to find the legendary moon goddess, Chang’e. She hopes to prove her mother’s memory will live on. Inspired by a traditional Chinese tale, the film is filled with vibrant animation and upbeat songs, all while exploring themes of loss, love, and healing after a difficult time.

Turning Red (2022)

Released in 2022, Turning Red is a charming story about a Chinese Canadian girl who magically turns into a giant red panda when she feels strong emotions—a fun way to explore the challenges of growing up. The movie is full of lively animation, upbeat music from the made-up boy band 4*Town, and heartwarming messages about friendship and accepting yourself.

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

Laika Studios’ 2016 film, Kubo and the Two Strings, is a beautifully animated fantasy adventure set in feudal Japan. It follows a young boy’s incredible quest to protect his family with the help of a magical instrument. The movie is filled with touching moments, stunning music, and traditional Japanese stories, combining exciting action with a heartwarming tale about family and forgiveness.

Nimona (2023)

I just finished watching Nimona on Netflix, and wow, it’s a fantastic film! It’s based on a really popular graphic novel, and it tells the story of Nimona, a teenage shapeshifter who doesn’t quite fit in, and a knight trying to redeem himself. Together, they uncover a pretty big conspiracy in their kingdom, which looks like a cool mix of medieval times and futuristic tech. What really grabbed me was the animation – it’s so vibrant and energetic, the action practically leaps off the screen! But beyond the visuals, it’s a surprisingly touching story about being yourself, accepting others, and fighting against prejudice. Definitely a must-watch!

Big Hero 6 (2014)

Disney’s Big Hero 6, set in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo, tells the story of a brilliant young inventor who forms a team of high-tech heroes after a heartbreaking loss. Along with Baymax, a kind and helpful healthcare robot, they discover a dangerous scheme threatening their city. Inspired by the Marvel Comics team of the same name, this vibrant 2014 film combines exciting action with memorable characters and a touching story about loss and the importance of family.

Trolls World Tour (2020)

2020’s Trolls World Tour is the most cheerful movie on this list. It follows Poppy and Branch as they attempt to stop Barb, a rock queen, from eliminating all other music genres and taking over the troll world. This vibrant and fast-paced musical is visually stunning, resembling a colorful, handmade craft project. It’s full of energetic characters, including country trolls inspired by centaurs and a K-pop girl group voiced by the real band Red Velvet.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse tells the story of Miles Morales, a teenager from Brooklyn who becomes the Spider-Man of his dimension. He joins forces with Spider-People from other universes to stop a villain who threatens to destroy everything. The movie, released in 2018 to widespread praise, is known for its unique animation that looks like a living comic book. But at its core, it’s a story about compelling characters and what it truly means to be special.

White Snake (2019)

Inspired by the classic Chinese story “The Legend of the White Snake,” the 2019 film White Snake tells the story of a snake demon who turns into a woman to carry out a mission, but forgets who she is after a fight. A snake catcher saves her, and the two fall in love, causing trouble between the human and demon worlds. This beautifully animated fantasy explores themes of freedom, sacrifice, and love that shouldn’t be shared, but it contains some mature content that may not be suitable for children.

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2026-04-17 22:26