Despite nearing its 30th anniversary, the beloved video game icon, Crash Bandicoot, has never received his own animated television show or film adaptation. However, recent reports now suggest that this could finally change, with a television series featuring the anthropomorphic critter possibly in development for Netflix.
According to insights from “What`s on Netflix,” an animated series centered on Crash Bandicoot is reportedly being developed by WildBrain Studios. While the specific creative team members behind the project have not yet been disclosed, WildBrain has a notable track record in the realm of video game adaptations. The studio was previously responsible for successful projects such as Sonic Prime and Carmen Sandiego. Their other diverse credits include popular titles like Johnny Test, Go Dog Go, and The Snoopy Show.
Netflix`s current streaming library already boasts a substantial collection of content derived from video games. This includes titles such as Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, multiple installments of Castlevania, Devil May Cry, and the recently launched Splinter Cell: Deathwatch. The streaming giant is also actively working on a live-action series based on the widely popular Assassin`s Creed franchise.
The original Crash Bandicoot game was created by Naughty Dog and first released for the PlayStation 1. Over time, the rights to the franchise have changed hands, initially transferring to Universal Interactive and currently residing with Activision. The most recent gaming installment, Crash Bandicoot 4: It`s About Time, was published in 2020. Interestingly, a concept artist from Toys for Bob revealed last year that a planned Crash Bandicoot 5 had been cancelled during its development phase.
Earlier this year, Shuji Utsumi, a former Sony executive and the current CEO of Sega of America, disclosed that Hollywood had previously rejected a proposal for a Crash Bandicoot movie. Despite this setback, Naughty Dog boss Neil Druckmann has publicly expressed his support for a potential film. He also highlighted that any future decisions regarding a Crash Bandicoot movie now fall under Microsoft`s purview, following their acquisition of Activision.