Sigmund Coming To The Big Screen

Long time readers of KROFFT.NET will know that my favorite Krofft show is “Lidsville“, but one that has always been in in my top 3 is “Sigmund and the Seamonsters“. During early press for “Land of the Lost“, Sid and Marty mentioned that their next project would be Sigmund. Now, news has come in the last week that we’ll be Sigmund and Johnny on the big screen soon. Variety is reporting:

Universal has cut a deal to mount a live-action film based on Sid and Marty Krofft’s ’70s kidshow “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters.” The Kroffts will produce with Jimmy Miller and his Mosaic banner. Julie Darmody is executive producer. Script for “Sigmund” will be penned by Dana Gould, a writer-producer on “The Simpsons.”

This is great news. I’m comforted that a studio would greenlight the project before “Land of the Lost” has even been released. Dana Gould is a funny guy, but I’m not sure about his brand of humor. Most of his comedic writing experience comes from “The Simpsons”, and I don’t believe that type of humor will work with Sigmund.

But, that is what us old-school Krofft fans are supposed to do right? Cast doubt about the way our beloved memories are being handled. I blame it on George Lucas, and how he raped the memories of Star Wars. I think we all expect this to happen with Sid and Marty, and I keep telling myself to trust them and wait until I see the final product.

Of all the Krofft properties, I think Sigmund will appeal to children the most. It takes place in the “real world” (unlike Pufnstuf) and the main characters are kids. This type of story has been done before, but I believe the Krofft brothers can make it even more magical.

Let’s hope that Johnny Whitaker gets a cameo.

New Electra Woman Collectable

With the popularity of Sid and Marty Krofft starting to gain steam, it was just a matter of time before new collectables started showing up.Sideshow Collectables has a set of Electra Woman and Dynagirl mini-busts:

Electric Tiki and Sideshow Collectibles are proud to present the first ever mini-bust set based on 70’s super duo ElectraWoman and DynaGirl. This very special “Tooned-Up” mini bust set features the duo in classic poses atop a retro style electro-generator base. Each figure pair is roughly 5.5-inches tall and comes individually numbered in matching numbered sets, and is limited to only 500 sets. Designed by Tracy Mark Lee and sculpted by Karen Palinko.

I’m excited to see all the new toys and collectables that will be coming out with the upcoming “Land of the Lost” movie, and other Krofft creations. This is a good start.

Warner Posts “Banana Splits” Videos

Warner Brothers Digital Marketing just informed me that they’ve posted videos from the upcoming September 2, 2008 debut of the new Banana Splits show.

The Banana Splits are Back!

The Brothers Krofft’s first famous puppets, “The Banana Splits”, are coming back to the Cartoon Network. Variety gives us the information:

Hanna-Barbera’s 1960s phenom is returning in a multiplatform effort starting Sept. 2, with shorts and musicvideos airing on Cartoon Network and its website. Future efforts will include DVD and audio CD releases, as well as live performances.

Once in awhile we are treated to repeats of “The Banana Splits”, and my kids have really enjoyed it. The type of humor and style that was in “The Banana Splits” and the Krofft Shows have been missing from Saturday Morning. The manga-style entertainment is getting tiresome, and I think kids are ready for some old-school stuff.

I’m really looking forward to this, and I know my children are also. What do you think? Is the world ready for the splits to return?

Krofft Comic-Con 2008 Updates

The internets are a-buzz with Krofft-news from Comic-Con 2008 in San Diego. Here is a round-up of some of that news.

Over at MovieWeb there are some exclusive video interviews with Sid & Marty Krofft, actors Danny McBride and Jorma Taccone as well as the director Brad Silberling. In the interview, the Krofft brothers discuss LOTL merchandising and plans for Sigmund and Pufnstuf movies.

Over at ComingSoon they have a desciption of the teaser shown at the Land of the Lost Panel.

White on black text reads:
10 thousand pounds
Over 20 feet tall
Driven by hunger
Never before witnessed by man
The scene cuts to a dinosaur walking through a prehistoric jungle. In the foreground, Will Ferrell looks directly into the camera with his back to the creature.
“He’s right behind me, isn’t he?” says Ferrell, “I’m just trying not to move.”
The theme comes up and it cuts to the “Land of the Lost, 2009″ text.

At MTV’s MovieBlog Sid and Marty discuss the future H.R. Pufnstuf movie.

“Our next one is Pufnstuf,” explained Sid (79 years young), referring to their beloved children’s show about a mayor with an oversized head and oft-suspected predilection towards marijuana. “And then after that, ‘Sigmund & the Sea Monster.’ They’re all in the works.” “Look. They’re gonna happen when they happen,” chimed in his brother Marty, 71. “With ‘Land of the Lost’ and the way this thing turned out, you just have a gut feeling.”

Let’s end with a very lengthy article at The LA Times. In the article, Sid and Marty clear up a “mistake” in their bio.

For example, take the celebrated Krofft family history: Sid and Marty are supposedly fifth-generation puppeteers, dating to the opening of the Krofft Theater in the early 1700s in Athens. It is a truly amazing tale and cited in almost every article every written about them, and it’s the first line of their bio. It is also not true. It was cooked up by a New York publicist in the 1940s. The brothers have carried it with them ever since, until Sid suddenly decided to clear his conscience in an interview for this story. “It became a trap,” Sid explained, shaking his head. “I was telling Marty the other day how bad it is that some of his children even have heard it and believe it.”

They cite the famous quote from Walt Disney, ‘The one thing to remember is, don’t ever sell anything you create and always put your name above the title, whatever you do. They’ll fight you off from doing it, but stick to it.’ That being said, “Sid and Marty Krofft’s Land of the Lost” premiers on 17 July 2009. Yes!

Comic-Con 2008: Danny McBride Interview

MovieWeb went one-on-one with actor Danny McBride to talk about the re-imagining of Sid and Marty Krofft’s Land of the Lost.

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