Warner Bros has released the official image of the upcoming ThunderCats remake, after an earlier fan-captured image of some episode footage emerged online. The official synopsis:
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.
So, upon initial inspection, it looks like the ThunderKittens (WilyKit, Wilykat) have been euthanized, as well as (gulp) Snarf? Probably as a nod to the show’s supposed darker/edgier tone. Lion-O’s been 90210-ed and Cheetara has gone from a one-piece bathing suit to something looking like a B-Girl get up. Is that Tygra with a piece? And Panthro is bigger and sporting spikes. And some magic rocks have been added to the mix. Wonder how Mumm-Ra’s going to come out. And hopefully the Robear Berbils are collateral damage in the first five minutes. What the hell, I’ll check it out when it hits Cartoon Network later this year.