Earlier this week, TVLine reported that Fox has ultimately decided to pass on Bedrock after five years of development. However, TV Line notes that Fox is open to redeveloping the project at a later date.
Bedrock, was developed as a joint production from Fox and Warner Bros, (with Elizabeth Banks spearheading development) and was first announced back in 2019 and had several years of quiet development until March 2023, when the show's voice cast was revealed- which included:
- Stephen Root (Barry) as Fred
- Amy Sedaris (Strangers with Candy, Bojack Horseman) as Wilma
- Nicole Byer (Grand Crew, Nailed It!) as Betty
- Joe Lo Truglio (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) as Barney
- Manny Jacinto (The Good Place, Top Gun: Maverick) as Bamm-Bamm
- Elizabeth Banks (Charlie's Angels, Cocaine Bear) as Pebbles
Bedrock was reportedly set to air on Fox as part of the network's Sunday Animation Domination programming block, which has been anchored by The Simpsons and Bob's Burgers, for years.
Speaking on the project back in June 2023, Banks stated that Bedrock would have been closer in tone to The Simpsons and South Park, albeit a bit more family-friendly. Of course, that would be a sharp departure from the origins of the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon from the '60s.
"Oh, I think we still want it to be for co-viewing [by parents with their kids]. It will have adult themes, like all the greats — just like The Simpsons or South Park — but “family-ish friendly.” I mean, I let my kids watch South Park…. [Chuckles], " said Banks.
A previously released press release noted that Bedrock would have been set 20 years after the events of the original '60s animated classic and see Fred on the brink of retirement while a 20-something Pebbles is struggling to find her way in life. The story unfolds as the residents of Bedrock are navigating the transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age.
Lindsay Kerns (DC Superhero Girls) worked alongside Banks as a scriptwriter.
Bedrock would not have been the first sequel to The Flintstones as 1971's The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show, imagined teenaged Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm going to high school in Bedrock. Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty would also appear in the series. The show ran for one season, totalling 16 episodes.
Were you looking forward to watching a modern take on the beloved Flinstones? Or are you glad that Fox has passed on the project? Let us know in the comment section below.