Highlights
Gargoyles, the beloved 1990s cartoon, is getting a live-action remake with the help of horror film directors James Wan and Gary Dauberman.
Wan and Dauberman's background in horror makes them the ideal candidates to preserve the eerie and captivating atmosphere of the original show.
Gargoyles, with its mature themes and intricate plotlines, stands out from the crowd of children's cartoons, and fans are eagerly awaiting how the remake will embrace these elements once again.
Disney has enlisted Aquaman 2 director James Wan and renowned horror writer Gary Dauberman to assist in the live-action remake of Gargoyles. Both Wan and Dauberman bring extensive experience in the horror genre, having collaborated on multiple successful projects. This decision was made not only because of their background in horror, but also due to their previous successful collaborations. Their combined expertise ensures that the Gargoyles reboot will effectively capture the essence of its original setting.
The live-action Gargoyles series has gained attention as Disney has hired Wan and Dauberman, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Wan and Dauberman, who have made a name for themselves in the creature feature genre with the successful Annabelle horror movies, have partnered through Wan's Atomic Monster banner to bring a modern adaptation of the 1990s cartoon to Disney+. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Dauberman will handle the writing, executive producing, and showrunning responsibilities for the series, while Atomic Monster, the company led by Wan and Michael Clear, will also serve as executive producers.
Wan's experience in horror predates the Annabelle franchise, having directed Saw in 2004 and Saw III in 2007. Additionally, they are known for starting other successful horror franchises such as Insidious and The Conjuring. Disney's decision to entrust them with this project is likely influenced by their track record of multiple profitable franchises. Gargoyles resonated with fans because it fearlessly explored themes that other Disney cartoons, typically light-hearted and family-friendly, wouldn't consider. This bold approach contributed to the show's quality, as it competed with popular 1990s series like Batman: The Animated Series and X-Men.
Despite being targeted towards children, Gargoyles tackled mature subjects such as genocide, murder, betrayal, and loneliness. It also surprised fans with unexpected twists and turns. Xanatos stands out as one of Disney's most cunning and deceitful villains. The complex relationship between Goliath and Demona, former lovers turned enemies, remains one of the most captivating and tragic subplots in a children's show. Therefore, fans should be thrilled to see how these characters are revisited, should the opportunity arise.
Rumors of a Gargoyles movie had circulated, but considering the abundance of material in the show, it seemed challenging to condense it into a single film, especially because it targeted a younger audience. The creators of the live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender had experienced the difficulty first-hand. However, Disney is avoiding that mistake by ensuring that the Gargoyles reboot begins on the right foot. They have wisely hired two experts in the horror genre. Currently, the Gargoyles live-action reboot is in the development phase.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter