Amazon MGM Studios is developing a new live-action series based on the 1980s animated hit “Jem and the Holograms.” The project, produced by Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan’s Kilter Films in partnership with Hasbro Entertainment, is being framed as an elevated live-action technothriller. This marks a significant effort to revive the iconic property for a modern streaming audience.
What is the new Jem and the Holograms project?
The upcoming series is an adaptation of the original 1985 cartoon created by Christy Marx. While the original show focused on Jerrica Benton—a record company owner who secretly fronted a rock band—this new iteration is described as an “elevated live-action technothriller series.” The project is currently in development at Amazon MGM Studios, with production duties handled by Kilter Films. The studio, founded by married duo Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan, is known for its work on the post-apocalyptic drama “Fallout.”
Why is the property being revisited now?
Despite the original animated series ending in 1988, “Jem and the Holograms” maintained a strong cultural footprint for decades. Throughout the 1990s, it remained one of the top three most-watched syndicated programs for children. Today, the brand continues to resonate through comic book series, various album releases, and a dedicated fan-run convention known as JemCon, which is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. The enduring nature of this fandom provides a built-in audience for Amazon’s new creative direction.
How does this compare to previous attempts?
This isn’t the first time the franchise has attempted a live-action comeback. In 2015, Blumhouse Productions and director Jon M. Chu released a live-action musical drama film starring Aubrey Peeples as the titular character. That project struggled significantly, failing to recoup its $5 million budget after grossing only $2.3 million at the global box office. Amazon’s current approach, which leans into the “technothriller” genre rather than a musical drama, suggests a clear shift in strategy to differentiate this production from the 2015 effort.
Key Details About the Production
- Production Banner: Kilter Films, the studio behind “Fallout” and “Westworld.”
- Collaborators: The project is a collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios and Hasbro Entertainment.
- Original Creator: Christy Marx, who created the 1985 series featuring the iconic theme song “Truly Outrageous.”
- Development Status: The project was recently announced as being in development, as reported by Deadline.
As Amazon MGM Studios moves forward with this adaptation, the challenge will be balancing the nostalgia of the 1980s original with the expectations of modern audiences who have come to expect the high-concept storytelling associated with the Kilter Films brand.