My second favorite animated television program. The first being the original Jonny Quest. Yes, I’m old. I binge-watched and edited my WIP simultaneously. Who remembers this magnificent show? It was a fantasy writer’s dream and inspiration. It represented the inaugural original creation Hanna-Barbera ever developed.
It’s on Tubi and Amazon Prime: Live TV. Unfortunately, certain problems kept it from being completed. Creation costs, changes in management and word is, they weren’t paying the animators what they were worth.
You remember the story? “The alien world of Mer is being devoured by Dark Water…only Ren, a young prince can stop it, by finding the lost 13 Treasures of Rule.” Narrated by the butter-melting voice of the handsome Héctor Elizondo, who also voiced Ioz.
Hanna-Barbera created an exciting and innovative concept; a remake today would attract a larger audience. Hanna-Barbera became a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Animation in 1996 after the merger between Turner Broadcasting and Time Warner. The full absorption into Warner Bros. Animation occurred in 2001, following the death of William Hanna. -provided by Google AI.
But from what I have researched, they have no intention of doing anything else with the series. Which is a damn shame. You would think WB would want something else besides Scooby Doo. And yes, they’ve got more coming from Mystery Inc. Hell, they haven’t even done anything with the Flintstones, or at least not that I’ve seen. Hold on, let me check.
I was mistaken. According to Google AI:
The most recent major news is the 2024 announcement of a new animated movie, tentatively titled “Meet the Flintstones,” which will be an origin story. In contrast, a planned sequel series, Bedrock, starring Elizabeth Banks as an adult Pebbles, was canceled in 2024 after being in development since 2021.
You can read more on the Google Doc I uploaded, or you can ask Google the question: Most recent news about the Flintstones
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fWR1_zPUDRb1SSU2pfnafFySMBqNhzyDJvAni7yksr8/edit?usp=sharing
Next, let’s check on The Jetsons:
The most recent news is that a live-action film adaptation of The Jetsons is in development at Warner Bros. Pictures, with Jim Carrey in talks to star and Colin Trevorrow in discussions to direct and co-write the script. The project is still in early stages, and no official deals are in place, according to TheWrap.
And finally Tom & Jerry:
Recent Tom & Jerry news includes a new animated feature film, Tom & Jerry: Forbidden Compass, released in China, and a “Golden Era” anthology collection of the original 114 shorts being released on Blu-Ray and DVD in December 2025. Additionally, a Japanese-produced, “cute” version of the show is being released to Western audiences, and a new feature film is in development at Warner Bros. Pictures Animation.
More on my Google Doc:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_xiBPXb0AYND9gdmF-tF2sgQtVWxjQfL2CiQiGp82HQ/edit?usp=sharing
I’ve said before in articles that Hollywood has no imagination. I posted it on Medium, but it received no readership, and magazines turned it down when I tried sending it to them. One magazine even said: “We don’t like to publish articles where someone talks about what Hollywood is doing wrong.”
Apparently, they would rather have Hollywood doing the same reboots, remakes and endless sequels. The same goes for television.
Sigh… if only I could afford the rights to The Pirates of Darkwater, I’d finish the story. Or I would write a bunch of novel tie-ins. I wonder how I would set that up? Does anyone know of a fantasy book series like The Pirates of Dark Water? I’d like to read it. Or maybe I’ll write it. Only five treasures remained at the finish. I remember how Rainmaker Entertainment destroyed Reboot. With a freaking reboot! What is it with TV and movie producers that makes it so hard to give fans what they want? Rhetorical question: It’s money.
Peace~
Wendy
Google AI provided some information in this post.
Author WA Simpson 