Did you know?: The Manimal returns!

After the big screen comeback of “The Smurfs”, a Belgian comic and television franchise, in 2011; brace yourself for the return of “Manimal”! Sony Pictures Animation has picked up the movie rights to Manimal, a short-lived 1983 NBC series, and is developing the project as a feature film.

For all those who are not aware of the existence of “Manimal”, it is for good reason. The series that ran from September 30 to December 17, 1983 was slaughtered by critics and was cancelled after just eight episodes.

The plot of the show revolved around a wealthy doctor, Jonathan Chase, played by Simon MacCorkindale. Chase had the ability to transform into animals (mostly a hawk or a black panther) to fight crimes alongside the police.

Sadly for the producer of the show Glen A Larson, one of the most prolific TV producers of the ‘80s, “Manimal” debuted to abysmal ratings and even worse reviews. Here’s hoping for something better!

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2012.

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