Amazon MGM Studios Announces Live-Action Adaptation of FernGully: The Last Rainforest Directed by Marielle Heller
Amazon MGM Studios has announced that they will be producing a live-action adaptation of the popular 1992 animated film FernGully: The Last Rainforest. The film will be directed by Marielle Heller, who has also written the script for the project. Stacey Sher will produce the film along with Susan Ursitti-Sheinberg, Jon Sheinberg, Matt Feige, Heller, and Leah Holzer. Moonli Singha will serve as an executive producer.
The original FernGully movie featured the voices of Robin Williams, Tim Curry, Christian Slater, and Samantha Mathis. The story is set in an Australian rainforest inhabited by fairies who must protect their home from the logging industry and an evil pollution entity named Hexxus. The film included songs and performances by Elton John, Raffi, Sheena Easton, Tim Curry, Robin Williams, Johnny Clegg, and a song written by Jimmy Buffett.
This project adds to Marielle Heller's busy schedule, as she is also set to direct the upcoming baseball film Comebacker, starring Tom Hanks. Heller recently wrote and directed the film Night****, based on the novel by Rachel Yoder. She is represented by UTA, P.J. Shapiro, and Erin Einstein of Johnson Shapiro Slewett. Shout! Factory will continue to distribute the original FernGully film.
The deal between Amazon MGM Studios and the filmmakers was negotiated by Verve Talent and Fischbach, Perlstein, Lieberman & Almond. The live-action adaptation of FernGully is sure to bring the beloved animated classic to a new generation of viewers, with Marielle Heller at the helm.