Hollywood is always on the lookout for once-popular IPs that they can reboot for shows and films. The 1980s has been one of their favorite graveyards to rob for content. Now, they are rebooting “The Neverending Story” for streaming.
Is Disney bringing it back?
While many people assume that Disney is the company that is reviving the franchise, it is not. Those rights have been sold to Michael Ende Productions and See-Saw Films.
If the name Michael Ende sounds familiar, it’s because he wrote the original book in 1979. Three films were produced based on the book, the most famous of which was “The Neverending Story” in 1984. Two other films, “The Neverending Story II: The Next Chapter” in 1990 and “The Neverending Story III” in 1994, were also released, but they didn’t do as well.
The rights were purchased from Ende’s executor, Wolf-Dieter von Gronau. Now, they are heading to film adaptations.
While many tried to get the rights for films or shows, See-Saw Films came out on top in March of this year.
See-Saw Films’ representatives made this statement:
“Michael Ende’s The Neverending Story is a beloved book that has captured the imagination of generations of fans all over the world. Bringing literary worlds to screen is part of See-Saw’s DNA, and we are passionate about cinematic storytelling and entertaining audiences. We have such love for the book and are honored to be working with Michael Ende Productions on this collaboration to bring audiences back to Fantastica.”
Michael Ende Productions also gave a statement saying,
“Michael Ende’s The Neverending Story is more than just a story. It is THE story of all stories, because it tells us (that) without stories there would be no individuality, no personalities, no sense of meaning in the world. We want to transform this unique story into a great cinematic work of art for a wide audience. We feel lucky to have See-Saw Films by our side for this great task!”
Disney is not rebooting the franchise, but it is being rebooted.
How this will go is yet to be seen.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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