Elizabeth Bankshas signed on to produce and star in a feature adaptation ofThe Magic School Busbook series from authorJoanna Coleand illustratorBruce Degen, which has sold more than 80 million copies worldwide.
Universal Pictures is teaming with Scholastic Entertainment, Marc Platt Productions and Banks' Brownstone Productions to bring the beloved bus to the big screen. Not only will Banks play teacher extraordinaire Ms. Frizzle, but she’ll produce alongside her Brownstone partnerMax HandelmanandMarc PlattandAdam Siegel, as well asIole LuccheseandCaitlin Friedmanof Scholastic Entertainment. Brownstone’sAlison Smallwill serve as an executive producer.
The Magic School Busis a science-centered seriesfeaturing the intrepid Ms. Frizzle and her class, who set out on field trips in their familiar-looking yellow school bus that magically transforms into a plane, submarine, spaceship, or surfboard, depending on the science concept being explored. The new project will be a live-action hybrid film, and Universal executivesSara ScottandLexi Bartawill oversee production on behalf of the studio, whileRyan Christianswill oversee for Marc Platt Productions.
The bestselling books were first adapted in 1994 as an animated PBS series featuringLily Tomlinas Ms. Frizzle. The showaired for 18 consecutive years in the U.S. and has been broadcast in more than 100 countries around the world, making itthe longest-running kids science series in history.SNL’sKate McKinnonrecently voiced Ms. Frizzle’s sister, Fiona, in an animated sequel to the original series titledThe Magic School Bus Rides Againthat debuted on Netflix in 2017 and featured a theme song performed byLin-Manuel MirandaofHamiltonfame, who I take it grew up as a fan of the original series.
“We are delighted to bring to life the iconic Ms. Frizzle and her zest for knowledge and adventure in a fresh new way that inspires the next generation of kids to explore science and supports the dedicated teachers who help make science real and accessible for young learners every day,” said Lucchese.
Platt is the Oscar-nominated producer of directorDamien Chazelle’sLa La LandandSteven Spielberg’sBridge of Spieswhose feature credits also includeMary Poppins Returns,Legally Blonde,Into the Woods,Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, andWanted, as well as my personal favoritesDriveandRachel Getting Married. He’s also the producer of the Broadway mega-hitWicked, which has racked up more than $5 billion in global ticket sales. In his former life as a film executive, he ran production for three different studios, where he oversaw classics such asThe Silence of the Lambs,Philadelphia,Rudy, andAs Good As It Gets.
With an exclusive television deal at Warner Bros. Television and first look film deal at Universal Pictures, Brownstone Productions’ slate currently includesInvisible Woman,The Grace Year,Science Fair,The Paperpag PrincessandUncanny Valleyat Universal, as well asMiss Conceptionat Sony/Screen Gems. On the TV side, Brownstone is behindAidy Bryant’s Hulu seriesShrill,DC Super Hero HighandOver My Dead Bodyat HBO Box, and an animated comedy series based onThe Flintstonesat Warner Bros. Animation.
Scholastic Corporation is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, and its media division Scholastic Entertainment’s award-winning productions include the animated seriesClifford the Big Red Dog,The Magic School BusandThe Magic School Bus: Rides Again, as well as theGoosebumpsfilm franchise and live-action series.
