Warner Bros. had much to show at this year’s Lightbox Expo, including the first update on the nextFlintstonesmovie. The news surrounding the new animated project,Meet the Flintstones,had been quiet for over a year, leaving many to wonder about its progress. The upcoming movie will reintroduce audiences to the beloved prehistoric family while giving it a modern twist to appeal to new generations. With the directorial team and first look now revealed, anticipation is growing for what could be a major revival ofThe Flintstonesfranchise.
At the Lightbox Expo’s Animation Panel (viaCollider),Todd Wilderman and Hamish Grieve were confirmed as co-directors forMeet the Flintstones. While speaking at the panel, Wilderman said that the project would be a mix of"silliness and emotion,“adding that the story will not only focus on Fred Flintstone, but also the rest of the typical cast. In the teaser footage shown at the panel, attendees saw Fred and his best friend, Barney Rubble, racing around in the iconic car from theFlintstonesfranchise, which is powered by the riders' own feet.
What This Means For The Flintstones Franchise
The Project Is In Good Hands
The confirmation ofMeet the Flintstonescould not have come at a better time. Following the recent backlash Warner Bros. received after the shelving of theseemingly completedCoyote vs Acmemovie, and the announcement that after five years of development at Fox,The Flintstonessequel series,Bedrock,would not be moving forward,the franchise’s future looked uncertain. With the project now being led by two experienced animators, it is in good hands.
Wilderman co-directedAmbominableandOpen Season,while Grieve has worked in many beloved animated films, includingRise of the Guardians, Flushed Away,andMonsters vs.Aliens.
The fact that footage was already shared with members of the public indicated that production is further along than expected,raising the hopes of a release date announcement soon. This update also helps regain momentum for Warner Bros. after their prolonged silence regarding the project, especially ahead of the new Looney Tunes movie,The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie,which is set to premiere next February.
Our Take On The Meet The Flintstones Update
A Franchise Revival Could Be On The Way
Warner Bros.' decision to move forward with the project is an exciting update, especially given the franchise’s long absence from mainstream entertainment. The collaboration between the studios and two skilled animation experts seems to hint thatthey are investing in both quality storytelling and animation. If successful, the movie could revitalize theFlintstonesuniverse and introduce the iconic characters to a new, younger generation.
Meet the Flintstonesis a particularly exciting project sinceit can serve as a bridge between generational gaps. Older audiences who grew up watching the original show may appreciate the nostalgic elements, while new viewers could be drawn to the animation style and fresh stories. Although there has been no announcement of a release date or the cast, fans will have to wait until the next sneak peek while they rewatchthe classicFlintstonesseries.
The Flintstones
Cast
The Flintstones is an animated series created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. The series chronicles the life of the Flintstones, a family living during the Stone Age. Married couple Fred and Wilma, along with their neighbors Barney and Betty, attempt to navigate life during the prehistoric era.
