14 DAY TRIAL // Critics often say that, when Hollywood is running out of fresh ideas, it turns to classics either for inspiration or for the material needed to make a film. However, remaking an oldie does have its advantages, it is argued, with one of the most important being that it introduces an old film to younger audiences. Speaking of which, Warner Bros. is currently working on a remake of the 1984 “The NeverEnding Story.”
Although the project is only in its initial stages, and all the details have not yet been dealt with, it’s almost certain that Warner will be diving into this one hundred percent, since it’s a story that could prove immensely successful with the audiences, just like the first film in the franchise was. Moreover, word in the industry has it, Warner is not the only one to be looking into it, as several other big names are also interested in the production.
“The Kennedy/Marshall Co. (‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’) and Leonardo DiCaprio’s company Appian Way are in discussions with Warner Bros. about reviving the 25-year-old franchise with a modern spin. The studio recently acquired rights to the property, clearing the way for a potential remake.” ComingSoon writes, citing inside sources who claim to have thorough knowledge that talks are underway.
Should the remake take place, the same publication informs, then it will most certainly also involve producer Dieter Geissler, who is also the original producer of the 1984 film. The two sequels that came in later years, in 1990 and 1996, respectively, were poorly received by both fans and critics – especially the last one, which ended up straight to DVD.
“The NeverEnding Story” is based on a novel by Michael Ende, and deals with the story of an isolated boy who comes across a book (also called “The NeverEnding Story”). As he reads more and more of it, he finds multiple parallels between his own life and a young boy’s journey to save the land of Fantasia on behalf of an unfortunate princess. Useless to say, the original film was an instant hit, turning into one of those movies that truly shaped the childhood of an entire generation, which is why more and more voices are speaking against this remake.