Summary
After a long period of silence surrounding the potential series, Fox’sBedrockhas been quietly shelved, leaving the iconicFlintstonesworld to lay dormant once more. The classic animated series by studio Hanna-Barbera broke ground in its 1960s golden age as the first animated primetime show focused on a family of relatable Stone Age humans and their close friends. Despite an incredible success that would eventually be surpassed byThe Simpsonsand an expansion into spin-offs, adaptations, and other formats, few projects have been released for over a decade.
While news surroundingBedrockhad been sparse for over a year after an all-star comedy cast had been gathered by producer and star Elizabeth Banks,TVLinehas confirmed the fate of the modern Stone-Age family’s latest attempted return. Over three years after the adult-orientedFlintstonesrevival focused on a now twenty-something Pebbles (Banks) was confirmed to be in development, it has been revealed thatFox quietly shelved the project. While Banks and her production company Brownstone Company had no further comment, Fox is reportedly open to revisiting the project later down the line.
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However, as seen byVelma’scontroversy about reviving theScooby-Doofranchise, it can be difficult to strike a balance between tone and respect for the legacy, especially with older franchises.
Bedrockis only the latest in a line of potentialFlintstonesrevivals to face extinction. Previously,Family Guy’s Seth MacFarlane was set to take viewers back in time to Bedrock with his own twist on the franchise for Fox, but the project was quietly scrapped following his submission of the pilot. Hope isn’t lost for the franchise, asThe Super Mario Bros. Movie’sAaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic are developing a theatrical movie, but there has been a noticeable change in the franchise’s priorities.
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While an older property, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine a franchise revival ofThe Flintstonesthat skews towards a more family-friendly, but somewhat adult demographic to be successful. Shows likeMy Adventures with SupermanandX-Men 97have become more varied and are not limited by the mold set by MacFarlane’s series orSouth Park. However, as seen byVelma’scontroversy about reviving theScooby-Doofranchise, it can bedifficult to strike a balance between tone and respect for the legacy, especially with older franchises.
With the likes of Banks,Brooklyn Nine-Nine’sJoe Lo Truglio,Bojack Horseman’sAmy Sedaris, andThe Good PlaceandThe Acolyte’s Manny Jacinto,Bedrockhad the foundations of a solid revival. However, with televised animation entering a turbulent period despite recent successes, it is clear that more solidly established properties have been prioritized over a potentially controversialFlintstonesreimagining. As such, viewers may have to wait until the theatrical movie to see the groundbreaking family from Bedrock make a return.
The Flintstones
Cast
The Flintstones is an animated series created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. The series chronicles the life of the Flintstones, a family living during the Stone Age. Married couple Fred and Wilma, along with their neighbors Barney and Betty, attempt to navigate life during the prehistoric era.
