Crash Bandicoot Is Getting a Netflix Animated Series
▼ Summary
– Netflix is developing a Crash Bandicoot animated series, continuing its trend of video game adaptations.
– The Crash Bandicoot franchise originated in 1996 on Sony PlayStation and was created by Naughty Dog, with the series later changing ownership multiple times.
– This will be the first time Crash Bandicoot leads his own series, despite previous attempts and a guest appearance in Netflix’s Skylanders Academy.
– Details about the series’ story and talent are currently undisclosed and not yet revealed.
– Netflix is expanding its video game and board game programming, including adaptations of Minecraft, Clash of Clans, and board games like Catan and Monopoly.
Netflix is expanding its impressive catalog of video game adaptations with a new animated series featuring the beloved marsupial, Crash Bandicoot. The streaming giant has reportedly been developing this project behind the scenes, adding another high-profile title to its growing animation slate focused on gaming properties.
A previous report incorrectly identified animation studio WildBrain as being involved in the production. A representative for that company has since clarified that this information is not accurate.
The character of Crash Bandicoot first leaped onto the gaming scene in 1996. He served as a flagship mascot for the original Sony PlayStation, with the games being developed by the acclaimed studio Naughty Dog, which was co-founded by Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin. That team was responsible for crafting the original, highly successful trilogy of platformers as well as the beloved kart-racing spinoff, Crash Team Racing. Following Naughty Dog’s departure, the franchise’s ownership journeyed through several companies. It started with its original publisher, Universal Interactive, which later became Vivendi, before ultimately landing with its current owner, Activision, a subsidiary now under the Microsoft umbrella. The series has explored various genres over the decades, including party games and more kart racers. A major resurgence in popularity occurred with the 2017 launch of the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, a critically acclaimed remaster of the first three games. This successful revival helped pave the way for a brand-new mainline sequel, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time.
Specific plot details for the new Netflix series are being kept tightly under wraps. The creative team and voice cast attached to the project have also not been announced at this time.
While this will be the first show to feature Crash as the main star, it is not his first appearance in a Netflix Original. The iconic character previously had a guest role in Skylanders Academy, a series produced by Activision Blizzard Studios and TeamTO. He was voiced by Eric Rogers in the show’s first season, with Rhys Darby taking over the role for its third and final season. His sister, Coco Bandicoot, also appeared in that series.
This new project represents the character’s first major solo television venture, despite similar attempts being made in the past. Several years ago, a different animated series was in development through a collaboration between Activision and Amazon Studios, though it did not move forward.
This announcement is part of a broader initiative by Netflix to create programming based on popular video games. For mature audiences, the service has delivered adaptations like Splinter Cell and Tomb Raider, alongside the award-winning Arcane, which is based on League of Legends. For younger viewers, Netflix is also developing a Minecraft series and has a Clash of Clans adaptation in active development. The platform is even looking beyond video games, with planned series based on popular board games such as Catan, Clue!, and Monopoly.
(Source: Whats on Netflix)