Amazon MGM Studios is developing a live-action version of FernGully, with filmmaker Marielle Heller attached to write and direct the project. The director, known for films like A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Nightbitch, will also produce the remake alongside Leah Holzer under their Defiant by Nature banner.
Originally released in 1992 as FernGully: The Last Rainforest, the animated film centred on a group of mystical beings living in an Australian rainforest, banding together to protect their habitat from deforestation and a toxic entity named Hexxus. The film featured a notable voice cast that included Robin Williams, Tim Curry, Christian Slater, and Samantha Mathis, along with music contributions from Elton John and Jimmy Buffett.
The upcoming adaptation brings Heller back into collaboration with Amazon MGM following her recent film Nightbitch (2024), which stars Amy Adams and was adapted from Rachel Yoder’s novel about a woman navigating motherhood and transformation.
The FernGully remake is being produced by Stacey Sher, an Academy Award nominee known for films such as Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained, and Erin Brockovich. She is joined by Susan Ursitti-Sheinberg, Jon Sheinberg, and Matt Feige, representing the Sheinberg Feige Organisation (SFO Entertainment). Moonheart Entertainment’s CEO Moonli Singha, will serve as executive producer.
Meanwhile, the original animated film continues to be distributed by Shout! Factory. The deal for the new adaptation was brokered by Verve Talent and Fischbach, Perlstein, Lieberman & Almond LLP.
