Footage From Failed Live-Action ‘Powerpuff Girls’ Leaks Online

For the very first time this week, clips surfaced online from an unsuccessful attempt at a live-action adaptation of the beloved late ’90s and early 2000s cartoon show The Powerpuff Girls.

And it looks really bad.

In 2021, the debut episode of the revamped Powerpuff Girls series was created. If it had been released, Chloe Bennet would have played Blossom, Dove Cameron as Bubbles, and Yana Perrault as Buttercup. The storyline centered around the Powerpuff Girls reconnecting as adults after a lengthy separation, during which they faced typical adult challenges. For instance, Blossom was depicted as grappling with unresolved childhood superhero trauma that left her feeling tense and introverted; she aspired to step up as a leader once more, this time on her own conditions.

The CW aired their Powerpuff pilot (created by Diablo Cody), but weren’t happy with how it turned out; in the summer of 2021, it was revealed that they intended to discard the initial pilot and re-film it. Following a change in management at the CW, the entire project was ultimately abandoned.

The story concluded there, until this week, a teaser for the live-action Powerpuff emerged online. It showcases instances like grown-up Buttercup declaring “I’m not sporting that dress anymore, it’s outdated and hideous,” and Bubbles joking “Oh yeah, I’m game for the clown” in a reference to Insane Clown Posse.

As a movie enthusiast, I can attest that while Variety confirmed the authenticity of the footage, they couldn’t authenticate the trailer as officially produced by The CW. Regardless of its origin, the raw footage leaves much to be desired. Upon closer inspection, it becomes abundantly clear why The CW opted against developing it into a full-fledged series.

Originally, the Powerpuff Girls series ran on Cartoon Network for six seasons and produced 78 episodes. In addition, a full-length film adaptation was released in 2002. Unlike other adaptations, only an animated version of this show has been made so far, which makes the reasoning behind it more apparent now.

The Best Movies to Show to Kids to Get Them Hooked on Movies

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

In everyday language, one could say: Marketers often use the term “timeless” casually when discussing older movies, but in the case of “The Wizard of Oz”, it truly applies. This timeless masterpiece continues to captivate children even today. The special effects might not be state-of-the-art by current standards, but they have a unique and magical quality that enhances rather than detracts from the film. To top it off, the fantastic music and memorable performances make it an excellent choice for family viewing, with my youngest having enjoyed watching it since she was just 4 years old.

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

If you’re looking to introduce a child to the enchanting realm of musicals, “Singin’ in the Rain” is an excellent choice. Just be aware that prior to watching, it would be helpful to provide some context about silent films as this movie portrays the transition period from silent movies to talkies in Hollywood. Despite potential difficulties in fully grasping the story’s complexities, they will undoubtedly be captivated by its catchy tunes and mesmerizing dance numbers. If your child doesn’t find “Make ‘Em Laugh” amusing, you may want to consult with a pediatrician to ensure their wellbeing.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Few films capture the essence of timeless childhood dreams – endless sweets, rivers flowing with chocolate, and elevators that fly – quite like “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Despite being slightly longer than some kids’ movies at 100 minutes, it moves at a breakneck pace. Once the children enter Willy Wonka’s enchanting factory, there’s no stopping the action until Willy Wonka and Charlie soar through the roof of the chocolate factory, living happily ever after. If your concern is that Willy Wonka might be harmful to the wicked children who won Golden Tickets, rest assured that they are all safe in the end. (Rest easy knowing that Willy Wonka did not harm these children in any way. Absolutely not! Definitely not.)

Star Wars (1977)

In the later Star Wars sequels, things turn quite dark and violent. (Even the prequels, marketed as children’s films, have scenes of clone wars and the occasional lightsaber-induced dismemberment.) However, the original Star Wars stands out beautifully as a standalone sci-fi fairy tale. It’s no wonder this movie captured the imagination of so many kids from the ’70s and ’80s; it strikes the perfect balance of excitement and intensity for that age group.

The Great Muppet Caper (1981)

As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that many resources online praise “The Muppet Movie” for kids. And while I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment, my own children seem to find the original film somewhat dull! Instead, they gravitate towards “The Great Muppet Caper.” This production offers even wider humor, such as the hilarious running gag featuring Charles Grodin trying to win over Miss Piggy’s affection. It seems that kids today have a soft spot for Charles Grodin; they simply can’t get enough of him!

Ghostbusters (1984)

Parents often hope their children will share their fondness for movies from their youth, but this isn’t always the case. For instance, I’m still recovering from my daughters’ dismissal of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. At one point, I even considered DNA testing to confirm our relationship! Fortunately, both my kids are enthusiastic about Ghostbusters, with my older daughter developing a deep appreciation for the franchise. She owns her own Ghostbusting gear and was thrilled to accompany me to a special New York City screening of the rare preview cut of Ghostbusters. She enjoys all versions of the movies, but the original remains her favorite. It still manages to be a fresh, anarchic (though sometimes slightly scary) treat for younger viewers.

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)

As a devoted movie enthusiast, it’s clear that while Paul Reubens intended Pee-wee to be a satire of wholesome kid’s entertainment, the film “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” has always managed to captivate both children and adults alike. Despite its subversive elements, it never fails to amuse or spark envy over his fantastical Rube Goldbergian home or magnificent bicycle. In truth, I find myself chuckling just as heartily at the “Tequila” scene as my kids do.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

A widely suggested Hayao Miyazaki film to introduce to your children might be “My Neighbor Totoro”, but based on my personal experience raising kids, they may find more appeal in “Kiki’s Delivery Service”. This movie centers around a 13-year-old witch-in-training. If your children are sensitive to scary villain characters, like my eldest daughter was for some time, then “Kiki” would be an excellent choice as it lacks any antagonist entirely.

Home Alone (1990)

Before deciding to watch “Home Alone” with your children, it’s important to understand that its level of violence is comparable to or even exceeds that found in classic cartoons like Looney Tunes. The difference being that this movie features real people instead of animated characters. In the film, young Kevin McCallister cleverly protects his home from two burglars using a variety of potentially harmful traps and pranks.

If you are uncomfortable with your children viewing such content, it’s best to avoid this movie. However, if you do decide to show it to them, be prepared for them to find it extremely funny and laugh a great deal. They may also become obsessed with watching the film repeatedly. Additionally, if you mention that there are sequels, they will likely express interest in those as well, so it’s best to keep this information private unless you want to encourage further viewings.

The Lion King (1994)

As a captivated cinematic observer, I must say that the enchanting tale of “The Lion King” never fails to enthrall audiences of all ages. This masterpiece showcases the intricate dance of life, adorned with stunning animation and melodious tunes, even throwing in a few humorously timed fart jokes for good measure.

However, within its compact 87 minutes lies an emotional intensity that should be noted. Specifically, the demise of Mufasa, a poignant scene which may prove challenging when shared with younger viewers. So, if you decide to introduce this cinematic gem to your little ones, do exercise caution and prepare yourself for their possible reactions.

Toy Story (1995)

In my opinion, I’ve always thought that when I fell asleep at night, my toys would come alive and carry on with their daily routines. It seems like many kids have the same dream, which could be one reason why Toy Story remains so popular across generations. After all, this classic film beautifully captures that idea in a fun and surprisingly convincing manner.

Elf (2003)

In this movie, you’ll encounter another production that seems filled with the vitality, excitement, and insight of actual children. The heartwarming film Elf truly understands kids, and it beautifully conveys these elements in a charming tale about a man (the unstoppable Will Ferrell) who was brought up by North Pole elves before embarking on a quest to discover his true human family.

Moana (2016)

In our household, we have two girls. One adores princesses while the other prefers superheroes and action tales. Consequently, there are times when they don’t see eye to eye on our movie night picks. However, there’s one film that unites them – “Moana,” a movie that appeals to both their interests with its brave princess (brilliantly voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) embarking on a journey to save her village. My children enjoy rewatching movies, and truth be told, watching certain ones repeatedly can test the patience of even the most resilient man. (Ahem, “The Paw Patrol Movie.”) Yet, I must admit, I never tire of watching “Moana” with them.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

As a passionate comic book enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of introducing numerous superhero films to my little ones. Among all these cinematic adventures, the one that truly captivated their hearts was none other than “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” While I must give an honorable mention to “The LEGO Batman Movie,” which held a special place in my daughter’s heart when she was just two, it is undeniably “Spider-Verse” that strikes a chord with kids. The film’s innovative animation and style resonate deeply, mirroring Miles Morales’ transformation into the new Spider-Man. And let’s not forget the added charm of Spider-Gwen and the goofy Spider-Ham!

Dino Dana: The Movie (2020)

If your child is fascinated by dinosaurs, I recommend introducing them to the thrilling journeys of the character Dino Dan and his fellow young paleontologists, Dino Trek and Dino Dana. These characters hail from a collection of Canadian TV series featuring kids who can observe dinosaurs in present times. A few years ago, there was also a movie based on Dino Dana, which while not as expansive as one might hope, will undoubtedly delight fans of the shows and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

2025-03-08 01:38