In this day and age, it appears reboots are all the rage, with several networks ordering the return of classic television shows from decades past. For HBO Max, the current focus is on pushing into the highly-competitive adult animation space, and it is hoping that a two-season order to a Clone High reboot will move them in that direction.
Clone High, a cult-favorite series that ran from 2002 to 2003, is among four adult animated comedies that are currently being developed by the WarnerMedia-backed streaming service. MTV Entertainment Studio, which will produce the show, had shopped an updated version of the series to buyers last summer in a move that was part of the studio's long-term goal to become a regular content supplier to third-party buyers.
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The Clone High reboot will bring back original creators Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Bill Lawrence, as well as former writer Erica Rivinoja (South Park, Borat 2), who will be the showrunner on the two-season order. The update will revitalize the original series, which centers on a high school for clones of famous, historical figures such as Abe Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Gandhi, JFK, and Cleopatra. Suzanna Makkos, the executive vice president of original comedy and animation at WarnerMedia, said on Wednesday that it is a "tremendous privilege" to build on the 100-year plus legacy of cartoons at the company. She hopes that the distinctive line-up of shows they have in development will form a "first-stop destination for animation lovers everywhere."
Adult animation has skyrocketed over the past few years, making it one of the most lucrative genres in entertainment today. Popular titles such as Adult Swim's Rick and Morty continue to hook in younger audiences, which leads to opportunities in merchandising profits. Other franchises such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob's Burgers are estimated to be worth billions, which is impressive considering that they cost less to make than live-action works. Animated works can also be produced remotely, which is a big plus during a pandemic.
In addition to Clone High, HBO Max has also given a 10-episode order to a standalone series about Velma Dinkley from Scooby-Doo, with Mindy Kaling set to star and executive produce. Charlie Grandy, Howard Klein, and Sam Register will also join the project as executive producers. Other adult animated projects in the works include Hello Paul by Sean Solomon, Obi by Michael B. Jordan, Uncanny Valley by Ed Helms, and Cover by Brian Michael Bendis and David Mack, all being developed by HBO Max.
Clone High is currently in production.
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Source: The Hollywood Reporter