Thomas is one of those properties that is difficult to translate into a feature film for general audiences - the leap from bedtime story to 5 minute episodic television is one thing, but an hour+ of a story about talking locomotives seems to be a difficult sell to the execs that make these calls (call me Mattel, I know the source material and have thoughts).
A feature film was attempted just over two decades ago, by the beloved creator of the television show, Britt Allcroft, and met mixed reactions from fans and the general public. It's plot largely revolved around the magical portals between Thomas' world and the real world, something which was never addressed before or after the movie in any other media. But despite the mixed feelings towards this movie, Thomas fans have hoped another attempt would be made. For years a new film has been promised, being stuck in early development, it has long been teased to be another story of two generations reconnecting over a visit to Thomas' world, possibly amid WWII.
Though the film has apparently been DOA for years, Mattel has promised to look at developing it if their first project out of their new film initiative is financially successful... that new film being "Barbie."
Now, while Barbie is a fascinating, humorous and surprisingly deep movie rife with social commentary and a plot about adults projecting their feelings and problems onto children's toys, it does hint at the possibility that it is possible to make a movie about a popular toy for an older audience. (I would hope that they would find a different tone and themes for a Thomas film, but you see what I mean about it being possible. Call me, Mattel; seriously.)
So we'll wait and see if the company makes any decisions about Thomas going forward!
No comments:
Post a Comment