Without a doubt, one of my favorite live-action Disney films from my youth is HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS. The 1989 classic directed by Joe Johnston (JUMANJI, THE ROCKETEER) stars Rick Moranis (GHOSTBUSTERS, SPACEBALLS) as a scientist father named Wayne Szalinski, who accidentally shrinks his son and daughter, alongside two other neighborhood teens, to the size of insects. Once miniaturized, the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for a way to bring them back to their original size. Truth be told, I used to fantasize about being reduced in size and stature, then going into my backyard for a series of small-scale adventures. While the trip would undoubtedly be a dangerous one, I'd embrace the journey nonetheless.
Today it's been announced that Johnston is in negotiations to helm Disney's upcoming reboot of the premise, which has Josh Gad (FROZEN, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS) in talks to star.
According to Variety, Gad pitched the story idea to Disney earlier this year, and the studio was eager to revisit the franchise based off of Gad's presentation. During Disney's search for directors, the House of Mouse had met with several potentials, though ultimately felt that bringing Johnston back for the job was best for all involved. Producing the new "Shrunk" project will be David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman by way of their Mandeville Films and Television studio, with Todd Rosenberg set to write the script.
For the new film, Gad will play Wayne Szalinski's son, who follows in his father’s footsteps by not only becoming a scientist, but also accidentally shrinking his children.
For a time, Johnston's "Shrunk" reboot was being considered for Disney+, though enthusiasm from studio execs has bumped the project up to a theatrical release. To be clear, the film is still very much in development and has yet to be given the green light.
What do you all think of HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS making a return to the big screen? Do you have fond memories of the original trilogy of films? Let us know in the comments section down below.