Not only are we getting a live action movie about the cartoon superhero but it will be produced by none other than Oscar Winner (and Environmentalist), Leonardo DiCaprio. “Scream Queens” writers Glen Powell and Jono Matt will be providing the screenplay. The Hollywood Reporter also cited that the film will take place years later from the TV series and feature a ‘washed up’ Captain Planet who really needs the help of the ‘planeteers’ to get back to doing what he does best.
“The Power is yours!” Oh, who can forget the beloved cartoon series? “Captain Planet and the Planeteers” (1991-1992) and “The New Adventures of Captain Planet” (1993-1996) revolve around five young adults (from around the world) who are given power rings – four controlling the elements of nature: Earth, Wind, Water, Fire and the fifth controlling the element of Heart. They are given these from the spirit of the Planet, Gaia. When the team of ‘planeteers’ have a rough go at it, they can combine their powers to summon Captain Planet who has all of their powers but magnified.
I like to remember how cheesy the cartoon was. Oh, and who can forget that hilarious Don Cheadle skit from Funny or Die? Check it out below.
Anyways, the TV series emphasized the dangerous impact we have on our environment while also emphasizing ways to better interact with our environment – like solar power and other green technologies. After every episode, the planeteers offered ways to become part of the solution.
Note: DiCaprio has also made it his mission to spread awareness of how fast the world is changing due to human influence. He made a documentary titled, “The 11th Hour” in 2007 and has the intriguing climate change documentary, “Before the Flood”, set to debut on the National Geographic Channel on October 21st.
I will most certainly welcome a live action Captain Planet movie. Not only is there a nostalgic trend for remakes/reboots but the hero can take the center stage and promote awareness to the many issues we continue to face as a human race.
Pop Culture Crunch 