Making live-action adaptations of beloved animated content can be risky, especially within thefantasygenre. Most often, there’s a reason that the stories were told through animation in the first place. Thanks to the expansive animation techniques that make visuals possible that would be difficult to create in real life,there are many obstacles that live-action iterations of animated fantasy TV shows face.However, this doesn’t mean that these projects shouldn’t happen, as they can be a great way to bring renewed interest and enthusiasm back to an underrated piece of television.
While thebest animated fantasy moviesare widely discussed, there are many fantastic additions to the magical side of animation on television. Famous additions to the genre, likeAvatar: The Last AirbenderorAdventure Time, are well known even by audiences who don’t traditionally seek out animation. The recent live-actionAvatarshow has received positive reviews and has done justice to the beloved source material so far. Though this is a series aimed at children,animation has been expanding, especially within fantasy, to appeal to adults and younger viewers,meaning there would be many potential audiences for live-action versions.
The Dragon Prince
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The Dragon Prince is a Netflix-created animated fantasy series created by the original minds behind Avatar: The Last Airbender. It follows two human princes, an infant dragon prince, and an elven assassin, as they embark on an epic quest to stop the endless war between their worlds and bring peace to the magical continent of Xadia.
Frequently compared to other iconic series about the power of friendship and the importance of community and tolerance,The Dragon Princehas had a loyal following throughout its run. Featuring the voice work of Jack DeSena, who also lent his talents toAvatar: The Last Airbenderas Sokka,The Dragon Princeuses its strong ensemble cast to great effect.While this does create pressure for the actors who would bring the characters to life in live action, they would have plenty of inspiration for their performances.
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Even the most beloved fantasy TV shows must come to an end, and these series have already been slated to conclude in a few months or years.
Though some animated series have struggled to reach their planned conclusions without being canceled on streaming services like Netflix,The Dragon Princehas been able to proceed as planned.The Dragon Princeseason 7 will premiere on Netflix on December 19th and will mark the final installment of the show (viaForbes). However,The Dragon Princehas never reached the level of success as other similar works.A live-action iteration might bring new viewers into the fold, inspiring them to watch the animated series.
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She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
She-Ra and the Princess of Power is an animated fantasy series created for Netflix, which follows the adventures of princess Adora, who battles an evil army trying to consume the world. Adora is a young teen who has the power to transform into a legendary warrior known as She-ra and stands against the evil Hordak, who seeks to control the entirety of Etheria. The show also shares the spotlight with Catra, a girl who establishes herself as a high-ranking official in Hordak’s army and tries to contrast their war against the rebellion’s efforts.
Based on the original animated TV series from the 1980s,the updatedShe-Ra and the Princesses of Poweris one of the best-crafted children’s fantasy stories of the past decade.Taking a traditional story that was a spinoff of theHe-Manfranchise,She-Rais not a typical show and challenges its characters with realistic arcs and development. While the mysteries of She-Ra’s origins and power are a large part of the story, the character and relationship-driven narrative are what keep audiences coming back every season.
SinceShe-Rablends both sci-fi and fantasy, there would be plenty of opportunities for a live-action take onShe-Ra and the Princesses of Powerto experiment with practical and visual effects. While another installment of the franchise would likely increase its popularity, this isn’t the only reason it would be effective.The relationship between Adora and Catra is the best part of the show,and seeing two skilled actors take on this nuanced dynamic would be a big draw for fans of the show.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018–2020)
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The Owl House
The Owl House is an animated fantasy series that follows Luz Noceda, a teenage human girl who stumbles upon a portal to a magical realm. There, she befriends a rebellious witch named Eda and a tiny warrior named King. Determined to become a witch herself, Luz embarks on various adventures while learning about magic, friendship, and self-discovery. Created by Dana Terrace, the series debuted in 2020 on Disney Channel.
Rich in imagination, character, and LGTBQ+ representation,it’s unsurprising thatThe Owl Housefound such a dedicated audience base. The protagonist, Luz, is the perfect main character as she enters the magical land of the Boiling Isle as an outsider from the real world, allowing the viewer to learn about the setting as she does. Despite being full of gothic and horror art styles,The Owl Houseis more concerned with the development of its characters and Luz’s experience of finding herself through magic and friendship.
There’s still a lot left forThe Owl Houseto discover about itself and its characters.
The Owl Housewas canceled after season 3despite its boundary-pushing representation and emotionally complex stories.Many audiences and critics are still disappointed that the show was cut short,especially since season 3 had a limited number of episodes. If adapted into live-action,The Owl Housecould start from the beginning but then expand past the show’s finale and explore further installments of Luz’s path forward and her growing relationships with her loved ones. There’s still a lot left forThe Owl Houseto discover about itself and its characters.
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SinceBlood of Zeuspremiered on Netflix in 2020, the series has received universal critical acclaim for its skillful storytelling and gorgeous visual aesthetic.Set in Ancient Greece,Blood of Zeusisn’t a retelling of Greek mythology,which has become popular in recent years, but a show that chronicles new stories that take place within the canon of the legends. This strikes the perfect balance between original and familiar, as the gods and monsters Greek myth buffs know and love are featured, but their actions aren’t predictable.
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After the success of the screen iteration ofPercy Jackson and the Olympians, it’s clear that there’s more space for Greek mythology on television. WhilePercy Jacksonis filling this niche in part, it’s a show more skewed towards younger audiences, and adult viewers who lovePercy Jacksonwould jump at the chance to see a more serious and intense take on mythology. Additionally, since the myths are original to the show,Blood of Zeusexplores narratives that are unfamiliar and exciting to audiences.
Blood of Zeus (2020–Present)
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Infinity Train
Infinity Train is an animated anthology series created by Owen Dennis, following various characters who board a mysterious train with infinite cars, each containing its unique world. The series explores themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and redemption as passengers solve puzzles and cope with their inner struggles to find their way home.
Infinity Trainreceived a tragic fate despite being one of the most innovative animated TV shows of the 21st century. Told in an anthology style,Infinity Traingives every new character the same time and care, building their stories with attention to detail and empathy. As the characters are transported onto the Infinity Train and struggle to heal their emotional wounds, the audience is taken on their journeys, learning about their traumas and uncovering their mistakes, which are a reflection of the real world.
The popularity and success of fantasy and sci-fi anthology series prove that there’s a place for a live-actionInfinity Trainon television.
Despite the critical and audience acclaim thatInfinity Trainreceived every season,the series was canceled and has limited availability to watch on streaming platforms.This makes it vitally important forInfinity Trainto be brought back to screens, even in a live-action format. The popularity and success of fantasy and sci-fi anthology series prove that there’s a place for a live-actionInfinity Trainon television. Audiences have been waiting forInfinity Trainto get the chance to return to screens and prove its value.
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Danny Phantom
Nickelodeon’s Danny Phantom is a 2D-animated superhero series in which a teenage boy uses his ghost powers to save the world from supernatural entities. Devised by The Fairly OddParents creator Butch Hartman, Danny Phantom’s three seasons aired from 2004 to 2006 and were received to critic and fan acclaim.
WhileDanny Phantommight not be familiar to younger audiences, for viewers who grew up watching cartoons in the early 2000s,Danny Phantomwas a favorite.Following the protagonist, Danny, after he becomes a half-ghostin an accident in the pilot,Danny Phantomis a primarily episodic TV series that sees Danny and his friends use his ghostly powers to protect their town and keep his secret identity hidden. The central dynamic between Danny and his two best friends, Sam and Tucker, is a large part of the series' emotional core.
In the years sinceDanny Phantomhas been off the air, it hasn’t lost its potency or become any less compelling. There are plenty of audiences who rememberDanny Phantomvery well and would be happy to get another installment of the show, especially if it was live-action. Whilethe art style and ghostly look ofDanny Phantomis a definitive part of the series,this could be achieved for live-action, and the updated show could be more serialized, focusing on Danny’s development as a hero.
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Castlevania
Based on the video game franchise, Castlevania is a Netflix original animated action series that follows the never-ending battle of the monster-slaying Belmont clan as they continue to face off against the hordes of the night. When Count Dracula’s human wife is murdered, his grief leads him to doom the world to eternal darkness. To stop him, it’ll take a team of three unlikely heroes banding together: the last remaining Belmont, Trevor, a magic-wielding seeker named Sypha Belnades, and the tortured half-human, half-vampire son of the count himself, Alucard.
As one of thebest vampire TV shows of all time,Castlevaniablends the art style of anime with an updated twist on the classic story of Dracula. Whilemost audiences are familiar with tales of vampires and supernatural narratives,Castlevaniadistinguishes itself by not holding back when it comes to the violence and complexities of its story. Following Dracula, his son, monster hunters, and magicians, the scope ofCastlevaniais one of the most impressive parts of the show and could be achieved in live-action with the right resources.
SinceCastlevaniais full of gore and mature content, the live-action iteration would skew towards a style similar toGame of Thrones.
SinceCastlevaniais full of gore and mature content, the live-action iteration would skew towards a style similar toGame of Thrones. However, this does mean that there’s a significant audience base who are interested in fantasy and supernatural stories and want the excitement of an adult narrative.Castlevaniadelivers on all fronts when it comes to this and utilizes interweaving storylinesand perspectives to give the audience a far-reaching view of the story’s world.
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Gravity Falls
When Dipper and Mabel Pines are dropped off to spend the summer with their uncle in Gravity Falls, they discover that all is not as it seems in this small town. When Dipper discovers a strange journal in the forest, the twins team up to solve the town’s mysteries.
Gravity Fallsis not afantasyanimated series that needs help in terms of popularity or notoriety. The short-lived but beloved show immediately connected with critics and audiences, allowing it to live on past its two-season run and remain popular today. There are plenty of reasons why there’s no shortage of love forGravity Falls, as its characters are memorable, the atmosphere is immersive, and the mysteries that the story tackles are genuinely engaging. Of course,there’s an argument to be made that producers shouldn’t mess with perfection,but there would be exciting opportunities in live-action.
Gravity Fallscould translate well into live-action, as it already draws so heavily from classic monster movies of classic Hollywood. An adaptation ofGravity Fallscould lean into the practical effects and costume-y monster and character design to make the show feel like an old-fashioned campfire story. Unafraid to be strange and unique,Gravity Fallstouches upon the most pivotal moments of adolescence while making them fun and digestible with supernatural elements.There’s little else that an animated or live-action series could ask for in terms of quality of content.
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