All aboard the Magic School Bus! It has been announced that Universal Pictures, Elizabeth Banks' Brownstone Productions, and Marc Platt are developing a live-action hybrid adapted from Scholastic's "The Magic School Bus."
Banks isn't just on board as a producer but also as an actress. Banks will take on the role of teacher Ms. Frizzle, a role that was voiced by Lily Tomlin when the books were first adapted as an animated series on PBS for 18 consecutive years in the U.S. and in more than 100 countries around the world. The Magic School Bus has the distinction of being the longest-running kids' science series in history and it also earned more than 100 awards, including an Emmy Award, Annenberg Award, and National Education Association Award.
"The Magic School Bus" books were written by Joanna Cole with Bruce Degen serving as illustrator. The books featured Ms. Fizzle and her class, who set out on science-centered field trips in their familiar-looking yellow school bus that magically transforms into a plane, submarine, spaceship or surfboard, based on the science concept that is being explored. The books currently have 80 million copies in print worldwide. President and Chief Strategy Officer of Scholastic Entertainment, Iole Lucchese, had this to say about the live-action adaptation:
"We are delighted to bring to life the iconic Ms. Frizzle and her zest of knowledge and adventure in a fresh 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. We're also extremely excited to be working with such top-tier partners as Elizabeth Banks, Marc Platt Productions, Brownstone Productions, Universal Pictures, and all of the amazing talent assembled for this noteworthy feature film."
An animated sequel series, The Magic Schoool Bus Rides Again, debuted on Netflix in 2017. The theme song featured the musical stylings of Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda and Kate McKinnon provided the voice of Fiona, Ms. Frizzle's sister.
Are YOU interested in riding the live-action MAGIC SCHOOL BUS?