Key Facts
After six years in development, a live-action adaptation of 'The Magic School Bus' is moving forward. Elizabeth Banks will star as the iconic Ms. Frizzle, and Rob Letterman ('Detective Pikachu') has signed on to write and direct. Legendary Entertainment has acquired the rights from Universal, which originally optioned the project in June 2020.
Details of the Project
The film is based on the beloved children's book series by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen. While plot details remain under wraps, the educational series follows the eccentric teacher Ms. Frizzle and her class as they embark on field trips in a yellow school bus that magically transforms into various vehicles to explore outer space, the human body, and more.
The original animated series aired on PBS in the 1990s, reaching over 100 countries, with Lily Tomlin voicing Ms. Frizzle. A sequel series, 'The Magic School Bus Rides Again', debuted on Netflix in 2017, featuring Kate McKinnon as Ms. Frizzle's sister, Fiona.
Production Team
Legendary Entertainment is producing the film alongside publisher Scholastic. The producing team includes Iole Lucchese and Caitlin Friedman for Scholastic; Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman, and Alison Small for Brownstone Productions; Marc Platt and Adam Siegel for Marc Platt Productions; and Mary Parent, Ali Mendes, and Cale Boyter for Legendary.
Impact and What Readers Should Know
This live-action adaptation brings a beloved educational franchise to a new generation. With a proven director and a star like Elizabeth Banks, the project has strong potential. Legendary's track record includes hits like 'Dune' and 'Godzilla vs. Kong', adding to the anticipation. However, no release date has been set, and the film is still in early development.
FAQ
- Who is directing the live-action Magic School Bus movie? Rob Letterman, known for 'Detective Pikachu' and 'Shark Tales', will write and direct the film.
- When will the Magic School Bus live-action movie be released? No release date has been announced yet. The project is in early development after Legendary acquired the rights.
- Who is producing the Magic School Bus movie? Producers include Iole Lucchese and Caitlin Friedman for Scholastic, Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman, and Alison Small for Brownstone Productions, Marc Platt and Adam Siegel for Marc Platt Productions, and Mary Parent, Ali Mendes, and Cale Boyter for Legendary.