"One thousand years ago, superstition and the sword ruled. It was a time of darkness. It was a world of fear. It was the age of gargoyles. Stone by day, warriors by night..."
Following months of anticipation since its official announcement in October 2023, it seems the live-action adaptation of the beloved '90s animated series Gargoyles remains in development for Disney+.
The project unites the creative forces of Gary Dauberman and James Wan's Atomic Monster, the production banner known for their successful collaborations on the Annabelle horror franchise.
Dauberman, who will helm the series as writer, executive producer, and showrunner, recently offered an encouraging update on the project.
Speaking about the adaptation, the screenwriter, who also co-penned the screenplay for the recently released live-action Until Dawn video game film, emphasized his intention to capture the essence of what made the '90s after-school cartoon special.
"Oh, yes, another beloved piece of IP. This new iteration of “Gargoyles”… The show was already pretty dark in that it was serialized, it was a mature thing, it’s operatic and the story was so epic," Dauberman stated.
He further elaborated on the desired atmosphere, saying, "I’m hoping it’s very similar to the vibe that you got when you were watching it back in the late ’90s. I just loved that half hour of television, falling into their world. I’m hoping we achieve that. It’s a lot of fun, though — it’s a thrill."
The original Gargoyles, which aired for three seasons under the Walt Disney Television Animation banner from 1994 to 1997, was a mature and somewhat dark animated series for the time.
The show followed a clan of gargoyles transported from a Scottish castle to modern-day New York City. Awakening after a thousand-year spell, they dedicate themselves to protecting their new urban home.
Fans of the animated series fondly remember actor Keith David's iconic voice portrayal of the gargoyle leader Goliath.
While no casting announcements have been made for the live-action series, there is widespread hope among the fanbase that David will reprise his role, with many finding it difficult to envision any other actor embodying the character's commanding presence.
Dauberman's comments suggest that he's fully committed to honoring the darker, more mature themes that distinguished the original Gargoyles, promising a faithful adaptation for both longtime fans and a new generation.
As development continues, stay tuned to Toonado for updates on casting and a potential release window for this highly anticipated Disney+ series.