Summary
David Gordon Green, known for directing comedies and horror reboots, is developing a "naughty" animated series based on the controversial Garbage Pail Kids trading cards.
The introduction of the Garbage Pail Kids in the 1980s was a satirical take on the highly popular Cabbage Patch Kids, showcasing unsettling illustrations and repulsive antics.
Green's history of reimagining established intellectual properties has had varied outcomes, with Halloween Kills, Halloween Ends, and The Exorcist: Believer facing negative reviews and underwhelming financial performance. Perhaps, he may achieve greater triumph by revisiting independent dramas.
David Gordon Green has announced that he is collaborating with his frequent partner Danny McBride to develop an animated series centered around the Garbage Pail Kids cards. This "naughty" series comes after Green's successful venture into independent dramas and studio comedies, such as Pineapple Express. Recently, Green has gained attention for his work on the Halloween reboot trilogy, including Halloween, Halloween Kills, and Halloween Ends. He has also ventured into the horror genre with The Exorcist: Believer, which has recently been released in theaters and already has a sequel, The Exorcist: Deceiver, scheduled for the future. Green shared this exciting news during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz. For more details, you can read Green's comments or watch the full video below.
Right now, [Danny] McBride and I are currently working on an animated series inspired by the Garbage Pail Kids cards. We're really excited about it and have some unique ideas on how to create a naughty yet entertaining show. However, it remains to be seen if we will be given the opportunity to work on it. This project serves as an example of how I like to take existing intellectual property and infuse it with my personal touch. Instead of trying to cater to the masses, my goal is to create something that resonates with me on a deep level. It can be challenging to balance everyone's expectations and desires, but I believe it's important to have a distinct perspective and create something that evokes a specific and passionate response.
What Is Garbage Pail Kids?
The introduction of Garbage Pail Kids in the 1980s by the Topps Company was a satirical take on the popular Cabbage Patch Kids trading cards for children. In contrast to their innocent counterparts, the Garbage Pail Kids were portrayed in disturbing illustrations engaged in disgusting activities, which led to controversy and bans in certain locations. In 1987, The Garbage Pail Kids Movie, which was inspired by these trading cards, received widespread criticism, earning a 0 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and gaining a reputation as one of the worst films ever made.
Considering the negative impact of the franchise on the big screen, it remains uncertain if Green can successfully revamp Garbage Pail Kids as an animated series. Green has struggled when it comes to reinterpreting established intellectual properties, with Halloween Kills, Halloween Ends, and The Exorcist: Believer all facing disappointment, both critically and commercially. Perhaps instead of focusing on existing IP, Green should return to his roots, where he has achieved the most success with independent dramas like George Washington, All the Real Girls, and Snow Angels.
Source: Josh Horowitz