Elizabeth Banks to play Ms Frizzle in live-action 'Magic School Bus' adaptation
Los Angeles, June 24
'The Magic School Bus' is getting the live-action treatment, with actress Elizabeth Banks set to star as the eccentric teacher Ms Frizzle in a new feature film, according to People.
Legendary Entertainment, the company behind blockbusters including the "Godzilla" and "Dune" films and "A Minecraft Movie," has acquired the rights to the children's franchise from Universal. Rob Letterman, who directed 2019's "Detective Pikachu," has signed on to write and direct the new film.
Based on the Scholastic children's books by authors Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen, "The Magic School Bus" originally aired on PBS from 1994 to 1997. The animated series followed Ms. Frizzle, a school bus-driving teacher who led her eight students on magical field trips across time and space, with Lily Tomlin voicing the role. A sequel series aired on Netflix in 2017, with Kate McKinnon taking over as the voice of Ms. Frizzle.
Plot details for the upcoming live-action adaptation have not yet been confirmed. Letterman, 55, brings experience across both animated and live-action projects, having previously worked on 2004's "Shark Tale" and the recent "Goosebumps" revival.
Banks, 52, recently led the Peacock comedy-drama "The Miniature Wife" and also has the drama "Signal Hill," co-starring Jamie Foxx and Anthony Mackie, among her upcoming projects, according to People.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally! Live-action Ms Frizzle! 🙌 Elizabeth Banks has that perfect mix of weird and wonderful. But honestly, I'm more excited to see how they adapt the crazy field trips - the digestive system episode was my absolute favorite as a kid! Just hope they keep the science accurate.
Hmm, bit skeptical. Another Hollywood remake of a beloved classic. Rob Letterman did great with Detective Pikachu though, so maybe this could work. But why can't they leave good things alone? The Netflix reboot was already decent. Still, will watch it for nostalgia.
This brings back so many memories! ❤️ Used to watch this on Doordarshan as a kid. Ms Frizzle taught me that learning can be fun and adventurous. Elizabeth Banks is a good pick - she's got that same 'let's take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!' attitude. Can't wait for my kids to see this!
As someone who watched the original as a kid in the US, this is exciting but worrying. Lily Tomlin's voice is iconic. That said, Banks is talented. Let's hope they don't dumb it down for modern audiences like they did with some other reboots. The educational aspect was key.
India also needs shows like this! 😊 Ms Frizzle made science so fun. Elizabeth Banks will bring her own flair, but I hope they don't lose the heart of the series - that curiosity and wonder. Also, fingers crossed for a global release in Indian theaters!
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