FernGully, the beloved animated classic that took the world by storm in 1992, is coming back to life in a big way. As a child, I remember watching FernGully and being enthralled by its colorful magical world, unforgettable characters, and powerful message of environmental conservation.
Starring the voices of the late Robin Williams, Tim Curry, Tone Loc, Christian Slater and Samantha Maris, the film is more than just a movie; it’s a cultural touchstone that has inspired generations of fans around the world.
The film’s environmental message was ahead of its time, highlighting the devastating impact of deforestation, the dangers of animal testing, and the importance of preserving natural habitats. Beyond its cultural influence, FernGully also left a lasting impact on the animation industry.
The film showcased the beauty of traditional hand-drawn animation, combining stunning visuals with imaginative storytelling. Its success paved the way for future animated films that explored environmental themes and promoted social consciousness.
In the years since its release, the film has become a cult classic, with fans still talking about it on social media and searching for it online. Watch the original trailer below:
Now, 31 years later, Reel 360 News spoke with the co-founders of Moonheart Entertainment, Moonli Singha and Rósa Guðmundsdóttir about FernGully and discovered what’s next for the beloved franchise.
According to the co-founders, fans can expect a great deal from the Return of FernGully. For starters, the original film has been remastered in stunning Blu-ray, with a brand-new 4K scan and restoration of the original film elements. Additionally, the film will be released through a new multi-year distribution partnership with Shout! Factory, granting them worldwide rights to distribute the film in various formats.
The executives of FernGully have big plans for the franchise, including state-of-the-art digital content and ongoing screenings in schools and theaters across the country. They are also partnering with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, to promote environmental awareness and emphasize the importance of preserving our planet’s natural wonders via the FernGully brand on any appropriate occasion, such as Earth awareness days.
Of course, with the return of any beloved franchise comes concerns about representation and cultural sensitivity. The executives of FernGully take these concerns seriously and are committed to addressing them with thoughtful and deliberate action.
One of the keys to FernGully’s original success was its voice cast. While Singha and Guðmundsdóttir cannot share specific plans regarding the involvement of the original voice cast, they are honoring the legacy of the original film while also exploring new and exciting ways to continue its important message.
Fans of FernGully still search for the film and talk about it on social media years later because the film was ahead of its time. According to the executives, the film’s enduring message of environmental conservation and its nostalgic appeal are two key factors for its continued popularity.
The film represents a time in people’s lives when they were discovering their passions, building friendships, and experiencing the world in new and exciting ways. The film has become a touchstone for many, a source of comfort and inspiration that they return to time and time again.
Today, we face increasingly urgent environmental challenges, and The Return of FernGully is more crucial than ever. The film’s message of conservation and its ability to inspire change and make a difference in the world is a testament to the power of storytelling.
The return of Fern Gully is a thrilling development for fans around the world, and a reminder of the enduring power of the classic tale.
Brianna Oppenheimer is a poet, songwriter, & actress. She studied Theater at Desales University & Psychology at Marymount Manhattan College. Visit briannaopp.com.
