Warner Bros. Television and J.J. Abrams‘ studio Bad Robot have collaborated on live-action shows like Westworld and Lovecraft Country. However, Warner Bros. Animation and Bad Robot will be teaming up to bring the graphic novel character, Emily the Strange, to the big screen.
Emily the Strange was first seen in the early 1990s on skateboards, t-shirts, and stickers. Her image evolved into a multi-million-dollar business found all over the place in comics, games, books, clothing, and merchandise. In literature, the goth-inspired character appears in four HarperCollins novels, four Chronic Books graphic novellas, and a NY Times best-selling 27-issue comic book series by Dark Horse Comics. According to Deadline, Emily the Strange will also be seen in theaters with Warner Bros. Animation and Bad Robot collaborating on the animated project.
It’s been a long time since Emily the Strange finally received film treatment. Originally in 2005, Fox Animation was going to make an animated film adaptation. Then in 2010, Universal was to make a go of the project. Initially, the studio cast Chloe Moretz as the lead with short film writer/director Kealan O’Rourke rewriting the project. Neither project went through.
In addition to Bad Robot and Warner Bros. Animation, Emily the Strange will have Moana writer Pamela Ribon writing the screenplay.
What makes Emily the Strange such a standout character?
The Cosmic Debris Etc. Inc. character’s trademark is not only her goth look but her witty observations on society. Millions of fans have loved her punk rock independent spirit with her attitude that screams “think for yourself, do it yourself, be yourself.” And most importantly, stay strange. Character creator Rob Reger spoke about why he thinks audiences resonate with her:
“Emily celebrates all that is weird and different, which in turn makes the strange and unusual in all of us, feel a little less alone. Bringing to life Emily’s universe and many mythologies we have created over the years is truly one of Emily’s best nightmares come true.”
With popular projects like Tim Burton movies and the Wednesday series celebrating what’s strange and unusual, Emily the Strange surely fits into that category. SVP of Animation John Agbaje also expressed why Emily the Strange is perfect for Bad Robot:
“At Bad Robot, we are looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible in animation. Emily, a character who refuses to be defined by others, is the perfect opportunity to do just that. We’re thrilled to add her world to our feature animation slate. The team assembled has so much passion for Emily the Strange, what she’s represented so far, and what she will mean to future generations.”