After two successful big screen outings, the CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS franchise is going small screen in what appears to be a partial reboot. Sony Pictures Animation has entered into a deal with DHX Media to produce 26 episodes of the series which will be traditionally animated rather than CGI like the feature films. While the key characters will return, it will be in a slightly different manner than either of the features showcased them.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: The Series takes place before giant food came raining down on Swallow Falls. Flint Lockwood is a high school tween with big dreams. Swallow Falls is a blue-collar town where sardines are driving a booming economy. But Flint suffers from NFD: Non Fish-related Dreams. He wants to be a serious scientist and maybe one day not have his inventions blow up in his face. Along for the ride is Sam Sparks, who’s the new girl in town and the school’s newest wannabe ace reporter. These two outsiders come together for laughs and comedic adventures with all the great characters from the film: Flint’s Dad Tim, Steve the Monkey, Manny the head of the school’s audiovisual, school gym teacher Earl before he becomes a cop, Brent who still models baby wear, and Mayor Shelbourne, who wins every election on the pro-sardine platform.
It will be tough to explain to younger viewers why everything they learned about Flint Lockwood and his friends is completely different than in the movies, but it could also be a non-issue for those really excited for more CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS. It also seems unlikely that Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Terry Crews, Benjamin Bratt, or Andy Samberg will return. Bruce Campbell I could see come back as the mayor, but it may also be determined by where the series ends up.
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS was written and directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller who have gone on to THE LEGO MOVIE and the 21 JUMP STREET films, but they do not appear to be involved with the animated series at all. We will see how this one turns out. The films were bizarre but still pretty fun, so hopefully this series keeps that alive.