As reported exclusively by Deadline, comedy icon Will Ferrell will be resurrecting the short-lived 1983 television series Manimal, turning it into a feature that combines both live-action and animation.
While re-watching film and television from the ’80s can often be a cringeworthy task, many might agree that Manimal can be forgiven simply for nostalgia’s sake, however ironic it may be. The NBC series about the young and wealthy Dr. Jonathan Chase’s ability to shape-shift into any animal of his choosing in order to assist police forces in fighting crime, was taken off the air after only eight episodes. The show starred Simon MacCorkindale, with Melody Anderson as the female lead.
Ferrell will be producing the new film with Gary Sanchez Productions partner Adam McKay, along with Jimmy Miller of Mosaic, and Glen A. Larson, the original series creator. Jay Martel and Ian Roberts (TV’s Key & Peele) will write the screenplay. The two are also working with Ferrell for the upcoming film Get Hard with Kevin Hart (Grudge Match, Ride Along), set to release in May of 2015. Ferrell already has a longstanding relationship with Mosaic, as it was the company behind some of his biggest titles like Talladega Nights, Step Brothers, and The Other Guys. No casting information is available as of yet, however the outrageousness of the plot alone makes it easy to imagine Ferrell bringing his own goofy style to the lead role.
While the technology behind combining live-action and animated effects has advanced in leaps and bounds from the less refined technical effects of the early ’80s, perhaps this new movie will offer a throwback to the ’80s somewhere in the mix.
Let’s hope it’s a montage.
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