It’s no secret that recapturing 80’s nostalgia has been the trend for entertainment for years now and it’s especially prominent in animation be it the fun kids shows like My Little Pony or action adventure programs like Voltron.

I’m sure some recall Warner Bros. Animation’s attempt to resurrect the ThunderCats franchise back in 2011. Despite strong positive reviews and a more serious and serialized approach to storytelling, it was cancelled after only one season of 26 episodes.

Clearly, these felines have 9 lives because Warner Bros. Animation has announced a new iteration of the popular 80’s franchise. Entitled ThunderCats Roar, it’s not hard to notice that they’re going into the opposite direction of the 2011 series, with a completely comedic tone. Take a look at the official poster below:

 

Considering the enormous success of Teen Titans Go!, despite criticism regarding its stark departure in style and tone from the original series TTG remains one of the highest rated shows currently on Cartoon Network, it’s not that surprising to see Warner Bros. Animation attempt a similar approach with ThunderCats. Fans can judge for themselves when it debuts in 2019. Until then, here’s a teaser video with producer Victor Courtright as well as a first look at the sweeping opening title sequence.

It’s time again to feel the magic and hear the roar! Production is currently underway on ThunderCats Roar, an all-new, animated sci-fi action comedy series from Warner Bros. Animation. Bursting with over-the-top action and razor-sharp comedy, ThunderCats Roar boasts fresh and vibrant character designs along with a dynamic storytelling tone that promises to reignite the passionate fanbase of these iconic characters and introduce the legacy of Thundera to a whole new generation. ThunderCats Roar will be coming to Cartoon Network in 2019.

Staying true to the premise of the original series, Lion-O and the ThunderCats — Tygra, Panthro, Cheetara, Wilykat and Wilykit — barely escape the sudden destruction of their home world, Thundera, only to crash land on the mysterious and exotic planet of Third Earth. Lion-O, the newly appointed Lord of the ThunderCats, attempts to lead the team as they make this planet their new home. A bizarre host of creatures and villains stand in their way, including the evil Mumm-Ra, Third Earth’s wicked ruler who will let nothing, including the ThunderCats, stop his tyrannical reign over the planet.

ThunderCats Roar features a talented voice cast with Max Mittelman (Justice League Action) as Lion-O and Wilykat, Erica Lindbeck (DC Super Hero Girls) as Cheetara and Wilykit, Patrick Seitz (Justice League Action) as Tygra and Mumm-Ra, and Chris Jai Alex (Star Wars: Battlefront II) as Panthro. Victor Courtright (Pickle and Peanut) and Marly Halpern-Graser (Right Now Kapow) serve as producers, with Sam Register (Teen Titans Go!) as executive producer.

4 COMMENTS

  1. It looks like they’re trying the Teen Titans Go formula with Thundercats. The look on this one is very strange; the puffy, almost squishy character design isn’t what I think of when I think of the old (or even the newer) series. Based on the animation alone I wouldn’t go for it, but I am encouraged by the reverence of the animators for the original material. It might work. We shall see.

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