Richard's Animorphs Forum
Animorphs Section => Animorphs Forum Classic => Topic started by: Estreen_Esteem on January 31, 2010, 02:22:04 AM
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[I'm sure this topic has been covered before, but I didn't see anything in recent history and it's always fun to rehash.]
I think if Animorphs was ever made into a visual series, animation would be the way to go - a smaller budget in order to show everything from every book, instead of a condensed CGI.
So if you won a billion dollars and invested it in making such a series, thus gaining total creative control, how would you do it? I think Gibli would be the best company to hire, for instance.
Specifically, who would you hire for voice actors?
I think Jeffrey Coombs would make a FANTASTIC Visser 3.
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i mentioned this on a thread about who should act in a show, and you pretty much have to go with unknowns, because otherwise, you are dealing with the likes of hannah montana and the jonas bros as your animorphs.
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If the money was there, I would prefer live action over animation. The movie making industry has the capabilities to make a believable looking Animorphs movie or television series. What made the first one so poor was a lack of good solid writing and a lack of funds.
Assuming I have endless dollars to throw at the campaign I think I would prefer to condense the series, remove a lot of the filler, and focus on the main points. I think it would work better as a tv show along the lines of Heroes and LOST than a movie, because then you don't have to cut as much out and you can even extrapolate. I do not think that every detail needs to be translated (ie Buffahuman).
If it were made into a movie I would keep in a few key points: David, the Ellimist, the auxilaries, the YPM, the Chee. I would cut out books such as #18, which do not involve earth, but keep in aspects of Andalite traitorism to drive home that point that not all Andalites are the 'good guys' (perhaps by keeping part of the Estrid storyline alive?). Bottom line, if it's a movie it won't remain completely loyal to the books because you are not going to have a 54-movie long series. I would hope for a trilogy at best.
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Yeah this has been done before. I would definitely go for animation. Even if I have tons of money to put into this, it just seems that animation would be cheaper. No paying animal trainers and such. Though live action mixed with computer animation would be good, as long as it's a good fit. I've seen movies that do it well, and some movies where the animated parts are just too obvious and detract from the immersion.
I would leave out some of the filler parts, because even if I decided to make the series as true to the books as possible, i don't think the fan backlash would be that much if I left out the Helmacrons, Buffa-Human, and possibly Atlantis.
Of course I would wind up changing a lot. Develop the secondary groups like Chee, YPM, Free horks, and such. Make David a recurring villain. Change that blasted ending.
I think a television series would be best, though making a movie series could be good too. It would have to be several movies, though, to keep things from being too condensed.
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i would want live-action over animation
I mentioned in the past that I would like it to be The Golden Compass adaptation, where all the animals are CGI. Because of, like Chad said, immersion...i always get taken out of the movie when real animals are changed to CGI for shots. I would rather just have the animals all be CGI so my mind accepts it and won't get taken out of the movie each time the animals switched
I agree with the unknown actors for the animorphs. i see something like the Harry Potter adaptations did: balancing unknown kid actors while using established, respected actors for the adults.
If it was animated, i would prefer traditional 2D animation rather than computer animation...Mostly because computer animated humans bug the hell out of me...like i can handle computer-animated animals and aliens...but humans just look so weird to me in computer animation lol. I'm not sure which voice actors i would use
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See my only problem with a live action TV show is how they're gonna incorporate the violence. A tv show doesn't have the type of budget for realistic looking CGI animals, Hork bajir and Anadalites all fighting each other, in fact creating the aliens will be expensive enough for a show. And they damn sure aren't gonna be able to get real animals to do half the stuff the anis have done.
That's why I'd rather have an animated TV show. But the problem is finding a channel to put it on. Animorphs doesn't need to be on Disney Channel or Nick. The only place it could possible go is Cartoon Network seeing as they not noly have Adult Swim but even their regular shows can get pretty intense with both the storyline and action(Dragonball Z, Naruto, ect)
The only thing I have against it being animated is the art style. But that's only becuase I'm not a fan of american cartoons. If they get some manga artists(maybe the ones who have worked on Death Note (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxNFAYv2EoA&feature=related) or Wolf's Rain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoQuu7GPxAI)) to work on the show then I'd have no worries.
Now if there was a movie...IDK I can't even think of a successful way for them to do an Animorphs movie. I mean I guess they could have the first movie deal with book 1 and somehow get Ax in there too. The second could deal with David and Tobias getting his morphing powers back/finding out Elfangor is his son and introducign the Ellimist, and the third movie would be the final 10 books. But I son't see Animorphs being done in just 3 movies. Four maybe but not three
There are no good actors that I know of that are between the ages of 12-16 so if it went live action, we'd need a cast of completely unknown actors
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I would get it put on a station where I could push the boundaries of a PG13 series as far as possible, but still keep it PG13. Not sure which one that is, but that would be a requirement.
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Well in that case you'd wanna put it on fox or NBC though I still think Cartoon Network can handle it
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Doesn't Fox have a habit of cancelling shows if they aren't instant hits? I guess I'd pick NBC or CN. Try to get it a between 4pm and 8pm slot. That would get it after school it over, but before they go to bed at 9 or 10. Or whenever young teenagers go to bed nowadays.
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Lol Jeffrey combs...do you want some ham with your cheese?
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I'm going to have to agree, I think the scope of Animorphs runs just to wide for it to be contained within a movie, even a movie trilogy. A television serial, that managed to establish itself as a deep, exciting show with large amounts of relaxed humor, violence, and complex themes, would be successful. The series from a television standpoint would have to get into that depth a bit faster than the book series to begin with a hook. Most books would fit within one or two 40 minute episodes, and many books could be cut out. (helmacrons, the mutation, #39 etc...) Special TV movies could cover specials such as the chronicles and megamorphs, because although the megamorphs dont contribute to the plot, they are entertaining enough.
I would also consider aging the Animorphs just a little bit so that they are in High School, i think middle school age is too young to be universally accessible; maybe a bit younger than the characters of Heroes, which was mentioned earlier.
Special Effects-wise I dont see it being a problem considering the SPX of shows like battlestar galactica. The aliens would be a bit tough but definitely could be done so they dont look awful and cheap.
As far as cast goes i think we've seen that as long as the roles aren't too complex, teen actors step up to the plate. Despite all the negativity Disney stars get, the characters in those shows are portrayed fairly well. I think the show could work well as you got actors who were, at least, actors who could just not be awful. Mediocrity isn't a bad thing. The most important thing, even more important than the dramatic acting, would be the comedic timing and once that's pegged they'll be set.
Really if anyone were truly interested in producing this book series, it would be very possible. As long as its marketed right, has the right amount of action and violence, and definitely needs to have more romance to hook in viewers.
Yeah I rambled a bit but you get the idea. Animorphs.
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I think the Rachel and Tobias thing was fleshed out enough, so if we want more romance we should flesh out jake and Cassie more. There isn't as much drama until later in the series as the war gets to Jake, but it could still be shown to progress. That way when Jake changes, and Cassie decides he isn't her Jake anymore, their breaking up can have more power to it. Fans would be more emotionally invested in Jake/Cassie if sweeter moments were shown.
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That's definitely the point; fans should be emotionally invested. Despite the fandom, I think more romance (much more) exists in fanfics and the imaginations of readers. People like seeing romantic drama. People like seeing relationships.
People also like pairing up characters, and they absolutely love Love Triangles. Now, I'm not speaking for myself but I'm just talking about marketability, and realistically animorphs would have to have some changes to be more universally marketable.
One idea I have is fleshing out some of the flirting that happened earlier on with Rachel and Marco and then bring in the Tobias element.
And you're definitely right, showing the initial rise then eventual collapse of the Jake/Cassie relationship would be great.
Although the books did a great job of having several chapters dedicated to normal activity, where the animorphs just hang out, the TV show could take advantage of its medium and have one or two "filler" episodes that were almost "fan service". Focus only on humor and develop romantic elements not in the book.
Really, as big fan of movies and TV (wait...who isnt a fan of movies and TV) I can really see this sort of series working out. Dream direction/writing? J.J. Abrams.
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We know that occassionally rachel considered dating a regular guy, and not a nothlit. In that way I can see her thinking about going to Marco over Tobias. That's really great love triangle material. It would also help define the two warring aspects of Rachel. of course she isn't the only one with two sides to her, but it seems KA made her stand out as someone who has two conflicting sides. It would also help gain interest from fans who don't like the Rachel/Tobias pairing. they may like a Rachel/Marco pairing better.
personally I don't know how I would do it. I wouldn't want to kill her off, and I do think think the two of thm would do fine after the war. Mainly because I believe Tobias would become Human for her.
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just go with animation i say. its much more possible to satisfy fans with everything from the sfx to the alien creatures without costing as much as live action, cuz simply, its drawn.
there have been some awesome animations out there in the past with excellent storylines like 'gargoyles' for example, and the x-men (original 90's one) and such. who cares if the stereotype views of society is that cartoons are 'for kids'. if i like a cartoon, i would watch it no matter what anyone else thinks. animorphs already has great storylines. with animation, they could include everything - hork-bajir, ships, different worlds and planets etc.
and don't underestimate animation - sometimes they can achieve greatness that their live action versions can't - like 'dragonball' and that awful 'dragonball evolution' movie recently released, or street fighter the animated series and the van damme street fighter movie and the legend of chun li, teenage mutant ninja turtles and their live action versions, and i could go on and on and list more, but you should get the point. alot of stuff is often better not being live action. some may say that these examples i've listed are all kids/teen stuff - not necessarily. i mean, yeh sure they may be aimed at kids, but they have all had some some adult themes and storylines in them as well. and hey, lets face it - 'animorphs' itself is a kids/teen series anyway.
and i think that having an animated animorphs show has a greater chance of being made, as opposed to a new, high budget live action one that would be better than the original live action one. The original live action animorphs series is proof already that a live action animorphs series would suck without proper effects, portraying actors and budget. animation does not have alot of these problems. its less risky for someone/some company to make a animation then a live action one, so the animation would have more chance and creators won't be as reluctant.
a live action animorphs as we all know has already been attempted and it sucked. we should give animation a try now.
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I'm not disagreeing with you, Live action transitions such as DB and Animorphs have sucked, but really the most important part of TV/Movies, what many seem to neglect, is script.
I'm sure many love/hate LOST, but as a LOST fan, I feel that JJ Abrams did a great job of balancing Story, Character Development, Mystery, and of course special effects.
When you have story and character development that is well done the product will be successful.
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I'll admit I've given serious thought to what I'd do were I the showrunner of an Animorphs TV series. I'd go live action, for sure. Also, this may be an unpopular choice, but I'd age them up to college. I KNOW that would lose a lot of the children/innocence themes in the book, but it would allow it to appeal to an older audience and push more boundaries in terms of storytelling. I'd hope for SyFy as the network to pick it up.
Having them older would mean I could make a few changes to the dynamics. I'd make Rachel a Marine, not a college student like the rest. Inspired by MM4, I'd give Marco and Rachel a romantic history, even if it ended with a lot of harsh words (when Marco dropped out of boot camp after his mother drowned??). Cassie would have come into their social circle a little bit later--and I don't think she and Jake would have taken as long to hook up. Finally, also inspired by MM4, I'd toy with Tobias a bit. At the beginning of the first episode, he's Jake's total douchebag roommate, student council president, polysci major with big ambitions and perfect hair. Who also happens to be a The Sharing bigwig. And then immediately post-construction site the others realize he's a controller and the resolution of that issue is the first major arc. Of course when they rescue him they learn that without the Yeerk he's the same sweet woobie we all know and love...and then promptly gets himself trapped.
Another thought I've had is maybe dropping Tobias' pokerface once he gets the ability to morph back--I don't know if that would play well on film. Tobias would hardcore be the hardest role to cast. He'd have to be flexible enough to play both ****!Tobias and sweet!Tobias (in the first episode and flashbacks), with an expressive enough voice that he could carry a mostly voiceover role, who could later in the series act without facial expression without appearing wooden. ALSO. Blonde and without a weird biker vibe. Christopher Ralph was a hottie but...I never found him to be a very convincing Tobias.
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I like some ideas such as aging/romantic developments, but college is too far; i think high school is an experience everyone goes through and will be more accessible.
Also your storyline involving Tobias already being infested might be changing to source material a bit too much. Adapting is good, but adding new plot lines seldom works out in the end
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Both have the potential, but they both have their faults. Honestly, I would want a live action series, but I would accept an animated series, too (just not manga or anime...but that's just a personal issue). As long as they get 1) Unknown actors, 2) solid writing group, 3) decent-above average budget. There should NOT be a movie because that would be asinine. Unless, of course, they release the Invasion as a stand alone, and then release a television series. That way, they have a blockbuster hit focusing on a SINGLE novel adaptation, and a potentionally successful tv series that could lead to future movie adaptations. Sort of like what they did with Spiderman after the film was released; they released an animated show that directly followed the events of the film.
The major problem that we face with a live action show is the special effects. I have thought about it long and hard, and I can not seem to imagine the Animorphs happening as a live action show; what with the aliens, animals/animal trainers, and morphing, especially. The one thing that really killed the original tv series--aside from the fact that they strayed so far away from the canon series that you could hardly tell they were doing an Animorphs tv series-- was that Power-Rangers-esque style they used for morphing; the one-by-one morphing sequence, where you watch their faces change. It was cheesy, time consuming, and just unrealistic. I still don't know how a live action show--or an animated show for that matter-- would be able to work out the morphing sequence. I think that's something a producer/director should REALLY focus on. How to make this stuff look like MORPHING, and not something any idiot can do with photoshop. How would YOU see the kids morphing? Because I really can't think of anything.
Post Merged: December 07, 2010, 07:33:45 PM
Another major area to focus on is characters and writing; deciding what to keep, what to cut, who to cast for these major roles, etc. etc. etc. I would want this new show to be AS TRUE TO THE SERIES AS POSSIBLE. No adding characters/plots/plot devices/ dialogue. Also, try to keep the names of the characters--mainly the parents-- canon. We don't need any Jeremies and Johns, when they're so obviously named Peter and Walter. No more nerdy kids stalking Rachel because they have a crush on Rachel (unless that actually happened in the series?), and no changes to the pairings. Sure, have some hints and red herrings; like the Rachel/Marco thing, since they have some sort of chemistry going on. In short....CONTINUTIT Y IS IMPORTANT!
This brings me to my next point. I would want the writers to have actually read, or atleast know the important points of the series. There are a lot of stories on Fanfiction.net that not only trump the cheesy script of the Nick series, but also manage to sound a lot like what K.A would write. Honestly, I know that I constantly boast about this, but Capnnerefir's Neomorphs series is brilliant. I don't know if anyone else has read it, but it sounds like this guy really knows the characters. I mean REALLY knows the characters. He's also a brilliant writer, and smart enough to know what works and what doesn't work. And he isn't the only one. Hotpink Coffee and Alikat are effective writers. There's that guy who wrote Sacred Host and the Garatron Chronicles. Bird of poetry is a decent writer. Powerpen was brilliant for comedy, but I haven't seen anything new from him. And Lady Kino wrote Animorphs 2010, and that seemed to make the idea of Animorphs in modern times work.
But imagine that...an entire writing staff of Fanfiction writers. Ha-ha!
It woud be foolish to even consider..good thing we have the foolishness that was ANITV
Post Merged: December 07, 2010, 07:46:21 PM
I agree with the idea of using unknowns for the show; that applies to all characters--kids and grown ups. If they were doing an Animorphs film, I could see them using some generally known actors, but not for the show. Whether it's animation/live action I would say that it's essential that the actors be above the age of sixteen, but under the age of twenty. The writers may want to boost the ages of the Animorphs to fifteen or sixteen, but only because I can't believe that middle-schoolers would be able to "save the world" and keep their sanity. And I would want the actors to look similar to how they're portrayed on the book covers. But then there's the question of Tobias...Personally, I never pictured him as a blonde (I actually preferred Christopher Ralphs portrayal of Tobias...though I would have lightened up with the leather...geez), but if the fans want a blonde, then they should get a blonde (by the way, how many blondes are in this book? Rachel, Tobias, David, James, Melissa, Taylor, Loren...everyone and their grandmother has blonde hair...Neo-Nazi what?)
I definitely think they should expand roles of the Secondaries; namely David and Erek, since they're what I consider to be crucial. Make the relationship between the main cast and their families sort of a sub-plot--which I have to admit, the original tv series did rather well. They could also use this new show to redeem a lot of things that we disliked about the series...I'm not suggesting that we change it. I'm just saying that they would have the opportunity to handle certain situations differently (David's return?). I also think characters that appear later in the series--Ax, Erek and Melissa-- into main cast members somewhere into the second or third seasons.
Post Merged: December 07, 2010, 07:53:41 PM
That brings me to my next point; the episodes. We have a good 54 books (excluding megamorphs and chronicles) worth of material. Now, a lot of people consider most of the books to be filler, and I have to agree. But I would definitely consider using most of those "filler" books as material for the show. I also think that some original episodes would make some sense, as long as they remained true to the series. Just a few episodes that progress relationships between the characters, and expand on ideas. This allows the show to run longer (theoretically) and appeals to the audience. But there's still the question of two-parters, three-parters, beginning/final arcs...etc. Obviously season one begins with the Invasion, but where does it end? How many episodes should be limited to a season? Theoretically, how many seasons could be produced before we reach book 54?
Episode one might have to be a two-parter, unless the shows run for 45-60 minutes (preferable to a 30 minute show).
Post Merged: December 07, 2010, 08:37:22 PM
For each season you need something to keep the audience interested. You need a kick ass season premiere that makes the viewers say, "This is deffinitely something I will tune into every week!" And a season finale that leaves them thinking, "Man, how are they going to top THAT!" But what would be the season finale for the first season? One of the logical options would be the David trilogy for the Season Two Premiere, and expand that arc into about five or six episodes. They could end season one with the change; maybe have the last few minutes focus on Rachel discovering Tobias' return to his human form. Obviously, season one should focus on the kids getting used to their powers, the invasion, and trying to balance saving the world with being a teenager. The Chee, Visser One, the Ellimist, the Oatmeal incident, and (maybe) the peace movement should make some sort of appearance.
Each season--if the show is so successful-- should get darker and darker as the show progresses. In season two you get David, the introduction of the Drode and Crayak, Taylor, and the explorations into the themes of right vs. wrong, good vs. evil, Marco's conflicts concerning his mother, Rachel's own self-conflict, etc.
I would personally like to see the show having four seasons, atleast. But I guess, if nobody could come up with anything for a fourth season, the third season would mostly focus on the last few books; where our characters are pretty much unrecognisable.
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How would YOU see the kids morphing? Because I really can't think of anything.
If it were animated, I could see the morphing being animated like so:
(http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/297/6/7/animorphs_rachel_and_tobias_2_by_fauxfolklore-d31e2gm.jpg)
Only in motion. Really focusing on each part at a time.
Also, try to keep the names of the characters--mainly the parents-- canon. We don't need any Jeremies and Johns, when they're so obviously named Peter and Walter.
In the show's defense, Peter and Walter didn't get canon names until #52, IIRC. I think all of the parents, bar Eva, didn't get named until the final arc. So really, the show just had to make up names.
Hotpink Coffee and Alikat are effective writers.
*blush* And on behalf of Alikat (who is in my dorm room ATM), I would like to add that she is also flattered and blushing. <3
(by the way, how many blondes are in this book? Rachel, Tobias, David, James, Melissa, Taylor, Loren...everyone and their grandmother has blonde hair...Neo-Nazi what?)
Eh, there are a ton of brunettes, too. All of Marco's family, Jake and Tom, Jordan and Naomi, Cassie's family, Erek and Mr. King, Allison Kim, and so on.
Now, as for blondes being villains, you might be able to make a case for that.
Make the relationship between the main cast and their families sort of a sub-plot--which I have to admit, the original tv series did rather well.
Thumbs up!
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Alright, that picture was just BRILLIANT! Now that is what I would want the series to look like!
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From my personal perspective, and from a practical viewpoint, I'd say that animation is probably the way to go. As mentioned by some people, it would be so much easier to nail down certain aspects such as hiring animal trainers, getting the animals themselves, epic fight sequences and of course, the morphing.
However, as much as animation would give everyone less of a headache, I'd still choose to go for live action if I were given total control of the project. In my personal opinion, animation just doesn't manage to capture that sense of, well, energy and passion when it comes to bringing this series alive. Plus, and this is just my personal opinion, animation will struggle a bit compared to live action when it comes to attracting a broader range of viewers. As in, more grown-ups and adults will probably tune in to watch a live action series about kids morphing rather than an animation which may give it away as being a little bit too childish.
And I'm sure many of us here agree that with the current level of technology and special FX, coupled to a diligent group of animators, the morphing will definitely look pretty outstanding.
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I think an animated series is a great idea, because it offers more freedom in how the character looks, as opposing to restricting them to the appearance of the on-screen actor.
As far as voices actors go?
Jake: I'd keep Shawn Ashmore (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_Ashmore) from the original TV Series
Marco: Joshua Gomez (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_Gomez) (Morgan from "Chuck", the TV series that the U.S [and my wife] has gotten me obsessed with)
Tobias: Zacahry Levi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zachary_Levi) (Chuck from "Chuck". Also in Halo: Reach and Arcade Gannon from Fallout: New Vegas and, so he' already a tested voice actor)
Rachel: Felicia Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felicia_Day) (from Buffy, The Guild and Fallout: New Vegas)
Cassie: Rutina Wesley (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutina_Wesley) (Tara from "True Blood")
Visser Three: Peter Stormare (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Stormare) (Lucifer from the film "Constantine")
As for animation style, I'd have to go with a more anime feels that doesn't overlook or censor what happens in the book. [spoiler]Like flesh peeling away from fingers to reveal fingertips of bone the first time David morphs.[/spoiler]
In that regard, I'd probably use the team from the original Neon Genesis: Evangelion.
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The writers may want to boost the ages of the Animorphs to fifteen or sixteen, but only because I can't believe that middle-schoolers would be able to "save the world" and keep their sanity.
Most of them didn't
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Also, I would have the original cast make cameo appearances in this new show.
As bad as most of them were, imagine an episode where Christopher Ralph appeared as a controller, or Paulo Constanzo played on of the other two Andalites on Earth (Mertil and whatshisface?). I think it would make everyone watching the new show feel some nostalgia. I wouldn't say have all of them appear in one episode (though, if you're into the whol reunion thing, then that could work) but have them make guest appearances in a few episodes throughout the series.
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I think if I was gonna do a show, I'd want the Jim Henson company to do it. They did a beautiful job with Farscape, and if it could be at that kind of level, with all the aliens and creatures, and probably CG animals (just because you couldn't use real animals for everything and it would be a noticable switch) it could be fantastic.
I'd probably like to make the characters a little bit older, like maybe early high school or something, like Glee is.
But if we're talking movies here, then I'd go with what they mentioned on Animorphs: the Radio Drama and go with the David trilogy. You have the team already in place, but you get an in with David and the intro that he's given. It seems like a normal teen drama flick, and then suddenly ALIENS AND WILD ANIMALS ARE IN MY HOUSE which throws it into the scifi world and then you get the intro to the whole war and everything there. I'd see that movie like ten times.
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If it involves David, then I would see it at least once a week :P Untill the DVD came out. And I think I would by one of those special edition DVDs too, just because it's David! :P
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If it was Animorphs at all, that'd be me as well.
OT, but someone on Livejournal wrote a Animorphs/Glee fanfic and it was the most fantastic thing I've ever read. I need more Animorphs in my life. So happy that this place exists. <3
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Tobias: Zacahry Levi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zachary_Levi) (Chuck from "Chuck". Also in Halo: Reach and Arcade Gannon from Fallout: New Vegas and, so he' already a tested voice actor)
Levi as my favuorite Animorph! *faints*
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Levi as my favuorite Animorph! *faints*
It'd just be like replacing the Intersect with the Escafil Device :P
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Yes, I wonder if he is a Animorphs fan.