Animaniacs Reboot
 

http://www.indiewire.com/2017/05/ani...in-1201817336/

Hellloooo, nurse: It’s time for “Animaniacs” – again!

Amblin Television and Warner Bros. Animation are kicking around a brand new version of the hit 1990s cartoon, IndieWire has learned. The potential reboot comes as “Animaniacs” has experienced a new surge in popularity since arriving on Netflix last year. Steven Spielberg, who developed the original as a follow-up to the success of his “Tiny Toon Adventures,” is expected to be on board in crafting the updated version.

There’s no home yet for “Animaniacs,” and insiders caution that it’s still in the early stages of development. But 1990s nostalgia is big business these days – witness the success of another Warner Bros. TV title, “Fuller House,” which is one of the most-watched originals on Netflix.

“Animaniacs” ran for 99 episodes – from 1993 to 1995 on Fox Kids, before moving to Kids’ WB from 1995 to 1998. It also spawned the primetime spinoff “Pinky and the Brain,” which aired on The WB.

The cartoon consisted of various segments (including “Pinky and the Brain”), all tied together by the Warner siblings – Yakko, Wakoo and Dot, who were said to have been trapped in the Warner Bros. lot watertower since the 1930s until their escape. Tom Ruegger, who oversaw the show’s creation, was inspired by his own three children in developing the characters. “Animaniacs” was popular with kids, but young adults also gravitated to its sophisticated humor and references.

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Voice stars on the series included Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille, Jess Harnell, Sherri Stoner and Maurice LaMarche. Each episode was also heavily scored with original songs and music.

“Animaniacs” won eight Daytime Emmy Awards during its run, as well as a Peabody Award. “Too often today, animation on television is produced in a workman-like manner, with little attention paid to characterization, illustration, and above all, narrative storytelling,” the Peabody website says in explaining the 1993 honor.

“This series, with appeal to adults as well as children, reminds us of the glory days of Hollywood animation and brings that period up-to-date with sparkling characters, witty dialogue, and stunning production. The magic touch of executive producer Steven Spielberg is in evidence in the work of senior producers Rich Arons and Sherri Stoner, and the rest of the outstanding production team. For restoring quality to the daily animated television series, and for doing so in a thoroughly engaging and highly kinetic manner, a Peabody to Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs.”

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The show ended with the 1999 direct-to-video release “Wakko’s Wish.” But the show remains so fondly remembered that Paulsen and the cast recently announced plans to reunite via “Animaniacs Live!” stage shows, including one last month in La Mirada, Calif., with more dates later this year.

If it gets off the ground, I could really get behind this! One of my favorites from those days.

As long as they get Rob Paulsen Jess Harnell Tress Macneille Maurice Lamarche

I will be for it. Since Spielberg is working on it I think we have a good chance.

Yeah, get the ol' gang together and I'm there like white on rice.

The fact that Spielberg is behind this means that the original cast is for sure going to return. I can't imagine that he and Warner Bros. would do what The Powerpuff Girls reboot did by recasting the leads. If the 'Rita and Runt' cartoons are included I hope they get Bernadette Peters to come back. She truly has one of the best voices in show business.

Considering how disappointed I have been with most reboots, I will not get too excited for this one.

think of all the Trump stuff animaniacs can do it a gold mine.

I wouldn't get too excited yet. Look at the Powerpuff girls reboot, Teen Titans Go, etc....I don't expect it to be in line of the original.

Eh, low hanging fruit.
I preferred their more subtle stuff.

I hope they don't bring back the Fat Hippos and Rita & Runt I always found those to be boring.

More Goodfeathers Pinky & The Brain & Slappy Squirrel Mindy and Buttons and Chicken Boo please.

If it's a reboot, I would want them to not use the old cast.

I wouldn't watch the new Animaniacs if they recast it. You can't have animaniacs without Rob Paulsen. Like I said with Steven Spielberg working on it there is a good chance they will get the gang back together

After almost 20 years, I just realized the meaning of those "pay for play contracts" they mention in the theme song.

Yeah agreed.
And it's not like there isn't interest from McNeil and Hartnell, since they tour the country doing Animaniacs shows.

ya I went to a smaller Animaniacs show in 2014 it was Just Rob and Randy Rogel. Rob was super friendly. I know Rob would join the reboot he never gets tired of doing the Yakko songs and Yakko and Pinky voices

I remain firmly convinced that Rob Paulsen has a secret basement dungeon where he tortures puppies, or something...because no human being is as nice as he is.

Except maybe Mister Rogers.
Both men are just such utter class acts.

Funny you say that I like to refer to Rob Paulsen as the Mr Rogers of Voice acting.

Given that we know Spielberg will return to produce, this could potentially end really well. Samurai Jack's made me very optimistic about cartoon reboots that retain at least some of their original crew. I'm not going to get too excited yet, though, since we're not even entirely sure it'll come to fruition yet.

Sounds awesome. I hope they don't just put this on Netflix though and that it's going to air where I can watch it. Would love for the old cast to get back together.