UPDATE: July 17, 2023, 4:30 PM EST
Contrary to earlier reports, series creator Greg Weisman has denied the existence of a new Gargoyles movie on Twitter. Disney has yet to confirm or refute this information.
After a prolonged period of development, it seems that a live-action Gargoyles film by Disney is finally making progress. The renowned actor and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh is expected to take the director’s seat for this project, which draws inspiration from the popular 1990s animated series of the same name.
According to The Belfast Telegraph, Branagh, known for his diverse talents, has been chosen to direct the film. It is likely to follow in the footsteps of Disney’s trend of creating live-action adaptations of its beloved animated classics. Currently, Branagh’s involvement as director is the only confirmed detail, with no announcement regarding the writers or potential cast. The stage of development for the project remains uncertain. However, due to the ongoing strikes of both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, progress on the Gargoyles adaptation may face significant delays. It is worth noting that Branagh has joined the picket lines, demonstrating his solidarity with the work stoppage.
With Branagh at the helm, the film appears to be in capable hands. He has garnered widespread acclaim for his work both as an actor and director. Notable directorial achievements include successful box office hits such as Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, adaptations of Agatha Christie’s mysteries. His latest film, Belfast, a semi-autobiographical piece, received critical acclaim and garnered Academy Award nominations for Best Picture and Best Director in 2021. Branagh is also familiar with Disney’s live-action remakes, having directed Cinderella in 2015, starring Lily James. On the acting front, audiences can anticipate his portrayal of physicist Niels Bohr in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming biopic Oppenheimer.
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A Live-Action Gargoyles Film: A Long-Awaited Journey
If the Gargoyles movie receives the green light, it will mark the end of a lengthy road to production. The original series, which aired from 1994 to 1997, followed a clan of Gargoyles led by Goliath (voiced by Keith David). The clan originated in the Scottish Highlands during the 10th century but was frozen for a millennium, awakening in modern-day New York City. They were forced to adapt to life in the bustling metropolis. The animated series also featured the talents of Jonathan Frakes, Ed Asner, Salli Richardson, Marina Sirtis, and Bill Faggerbakke.
Gargoyles gained significant popularity and sparked efforts to adapt it into a feature film as early as the late 1990s. However, difficulties arose in translating its darker themes, causing development to stall until 2011. At that time, David Elliot and Paul Lovett, known for their work on G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, were brought on board by Disney to pen a new script. Unfortunately, this attempt also fizzled out. Notably, acclaimed director Jordan Peele had previously expressed interest in helming a Gargoyles adaptation, which did not come to fruition either. Branagh’s involvement now represents the first substantial indication that the film may finally emerge from its extended period of inactivity.
No specific release window has been announced for the Gargoyles adaptation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gargoyles Live-Action Movie
Is a live-action Gargoyles movie in development?
Contrary to earlier reports, series creator Greg Weisman has denied the existence of a new Gargoyles movie on Twitter. Disney has yet to confirm or refute this information.
Who is set to direct the live-action Gargoyles movie?
Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh appears to be the chosen director for the live-action Gargoyles movie.
What information is available about the movie’s development?
Currently, the only confirmed information is Kenneth Branagh’s attachment as the director. No details regarding the writers or potential cast have been announced. The stage of development for the project remains uncertain.
Will the ongoing Hollywood strikes affect the Gargoyles adaptation?
Yes, the strikes by both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA may cause significant delays in the progress of the Gargoyles adaptation.
What are Kenneth Branagh’s credentials as a director?
Kenneth Branagh is widely acclaimed for his work both in front of and behind the camera. He has directed successful box office hits like Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile. His semi-autobiographical film, Belfast, received critical acclaim and Academy Award nominations. Branagh has also directed a Disney live-action remake, Cinderella, and will appear in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming biopic, Oppenheimer.
How long has the Gargoyles movie been in development?
Efforts to adapt Gargoyles into a feature film started in the late 1990s but faced challenges in translating its darker themes. Development remained stalled until 2011, and subsequent attempts to move the project forward have not been successful.
What was the original Gargoyles series about?
The original Gargoyles series followed a clan of Gargoyles led by Goliath. They originated in the Scottish Highlands during the 10th century but were frozen for a thousand years. Upon awakening in modern-day New York City, they had to adjust to life in the bustling metropolis.
Who were some of the actors involved in the original Gargoyles series?
The original series featured the talents of actors like Keith David as Goliath, Jonathan Frakes, Ed Asner, Salli Richardson, Marina Sirtis, and Bill Faggerbakke.
When can we expect the Gargoyles adaptation to be released?
No specific release window has been announced for the Gargoyles adaptation at this time.
More about Gargoyles Live-Action Movie
- Greg Weisman’s Twitter – Greg Weisman’s Twitter account where he denies the existence of a new Gargoyles movie.
- The Belfast Telegraph – The Belfast Telegraph’s article reporting Kenneth Branagh’s involvement as the director of the live-action Gargoyles movie.
- Murder on the Orient Express – IMDb page for Kenneth Branagh’s film, Murder on the Orient Express.
- Death on the Nile – IMDb page for Kenneth Branagh’s film, Death on the Nile.
- Belfast – IMDb page for Kenneth Branagh’s film, Belfast.
- Cinderella – IMDb page for Kenneth Branagh’s film, Cinderella.
- Oppenheimer – IMDb page for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming biopic, Oppenheimer.
- Gargoyles IMDb – IMDb page for the original Gargoyles animated series.
- WGA – Writers Guild of America – Official website of the Writers Guild of America, the organization currently on strike in Hollywood.
- SAG-AFTRA – Official website of SAG-AFTRA, the labor union representing actors and performers in the entertainment industry.
- Jordan Peele IMDb – IMDb page for Jordan Peele, who expressed interest in helming a Gargoyles adaptation.
- G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra – IMDb page for the film G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, written by David Elliot and Paul Lovett.
- Gargoyles Wiki – A fan-run wiki providing information about the Gargoyles animated series.
5 comments
oh man, i loved the original gargoyles series back in the 90s! it was the best! been waitin soooo long for a movie. but i heard there were probs adaptin the darker stuff. hope this time they get it right. goliath and the gang deservin their liveaction debut, fo sho!
wow, disney’s makin a liveaction gargoyles movie?! finally! i’ve been waitin 4ever for this! hope ken branagh does an amazin job directin it, his movies r always great. can’t wait 2 c goliath n the gang on the big screen! disney remakes rulez!
dang, those hollywood strikes causin delays in the gargoyles adaptation. really hope they sort things out soon, i need my liveaction gargs fix! at least ken branagh is supportin the strikes, good on him. solidarity, man! gotta fight for what’s right!
OMG Kenneth Branagh is gonna direct the gargoyles movie?? that’s awesome! his murder on the orient express was so good, i’m sure he’ll do justice to this project too. hope they announce the cast soon, i’m curious who’ll play goliath. fingers crossed for a release date!
disney remakin everything these days, huh? well, if they’re gonna do a liveaction gargoyles, i hope they stay true to the original. don’t mess with my childhood memories, disney! but hey, if ken branagh’s involved, maybe it’ll turn out alright. cautiously optimistic.