Amazon MGM Studios announced that the cult 1992 animated film, FernGully: The Adventures of Zack and Crysta in the Rainforest, will be reimagined as a live‑action version.
Team and Production
Marielle Heller was appointed to lead the project, taking on the roles of director and screenwriter. The production team brings together heavyweight names:
- Stacey Sher – Shiny Penny
- Susan Ursitti‑Sheinberg – Shiny Penny
- Jon Sheinberg – Shiny Penny
- Matt Feige – SFO Entertainment
- Leah Holzer – Defiant by Nature
- Marielle Heller – Defiant by Nature
- Moonli Singha – executive producer
What makes FernGully memorable
Released in 1992, the animated film featured a voice cast that included Christian Slater, Samantha Mathis and Tim Curry. Robin Williams, in addition to giving life to the bat Batty Koda, also recorded the voice of the Genie in Aladdin that same year, sparking backstage curiosity.
The soundtrack gathered artists such as Elton John, Raffi, Sheena Easton, Johnny Clegg and Jimmy Buffett, highlighting the number “Batty Rap”, performed by Williams.
According to the official synopsis, the story takes place in a lush Australian rainforest inhabited by fairies. Crysta, one of those fairies, accidentally shrinks the human lumberjack Zack to her size. Together, they must stop Hexxus – an entity made of pollution – from destroying the ecosystem.
With the new version, Amazon aims to bring the classic’s environmental message to a new generation of viewers.
