Back in the ’90s, the animated action-adventure series Gargoyles ruled weekday afternoon TV. Produced by Disney for the iconic Disney Afternoon block of shows, for years folks have wondered when the beloved series would get some kind of revival, reboot, or continuation. Well, according to a report in the Belfast Telegraph, director Kenneth Branagh has signed on to bring a Gargoyles movie to the big screen. Branagh has a long relationship with Disney prior to this. He directed the 2015 live-action Cinderella, and before that, the original Thor film in 2011.
Disney has not issued an official statement on the news. However, Nerdist reached out to a Disney spokesperson who shared there is no truth to the claims. Sorry, folks.
The original Gargoyles cartoon ran for three seasons and 78 episodes, from 1994 to 1997. Not based on any comic or game, but an original concept, Gargoyles was spearheaded by writer Michael Reaves and future Young Justice showrunner Greg Weisman. It centered on a group of 10th century Scottish gargoyles, naturally, who get petrified in stone for 1,000 years. Eventually, they find a home in the New York City skyscrapers, where they finally awaken and become the city’s protectors. Actor Keith David lent his memorable voice to the lead Gargoyle Goliath. Also, many Star Trek cast members, from The Next Generation, Voyager, Deep Space Nine, and even Nichelle Nichols lent their voices to the show.
Disney did make other attempts over the years to revive Gargoyles. The show’s original writers once wrote a script adapting the show’s first five episodes. And in the last several years, even Jordan Peele came up with a Gargoyles script. Sadly, one that never got any traction. Whether this Branagh version ends up being true or not, we still would love to have a Gargoyles movie out in the world.