Care Bears Movie Reboot in the Works from Director Josh Greenbaum

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Stepping aside now, it’s time for Transformers and G.I. Joe to make room; the Care Bears are next in line for a nostalgic revival on the big screen! Originating as characters on greeting cards, the Care Bears eventually became a hugely popular plush toy line in the 1980s. Each Care Bear is one-of-a-kind, with distinct colors and unique belly symbols that reflect their individual personalities.

According to Deadline, Warner Bros. has chosen director Josh Greenbaum for their upcoming “Care Bears” film project. Greenbaum gained recognition with his 2024 documentary “Will & Harper,” which chronicled the journey of actor Will Ferrell and screenwriter Harper Steele during a 17-day road trip across America, following Steele’s gender transition. Greenbaum is also known for directing movies such as “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” and the mature animal comedy “Strays.” At present, no writer has been assigned to the “Care Bears” movie.

The Long History of ‘The Care Bears’

Prepare for the eagerly anticipated comeback of the Care Bears on the silver screen. In the 1980s, when their fame was at its peak, they starred in a trilogy of animated films that were shown in theaters. These included “The Care Bears Movies” from 1985, “Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation” from 1986, and “The Care Bears’ Adventures in Wonderland” from 1987. It remains uncertain whether the upcoming Care Bears film will be live-action or animated, as Deadline did not specify involvement from Warner Bros. Animation, hinting that this new version could potentially be a live-action production.

At first glance, Greenbaum’s resume might not seem like the typical choice for a project like Care Bears. But, hiring a director renowned for mature films and allowing them to infuse their unique style into a cherished childhood brand could generate excitement around what initially appears to be a commercially-driven decision. The success of Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s “The Lego Movie” and Greta Gerwig’s upcoming “Barbie” demonstrate the effectiveness of thinking creatively when transforming a toy line for the silver screen.

For over four decades, the Care Bears have maintained their iconic status as a brand. In 2019, they made a comeback with the animated series titled “Care Bears: Unlock the Magic”, but the recent projects haven’t quite rekindled the spirit of the ’80s. A future film adaptation must strike a balance between appealing to longtime fans who are growing more distant with time, and captivating a new audience. As Amazon MGM prepares for “Masters of the Universe” next year, Paramount grapples with the Transformers franchise, and Warner Bros. works on a Care Bears movie, everyone is eager to see if the ’80s nostalgia trend still holds sway.

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2025-06-05 22:04