Forget the Harry Potter remake. Let Twilight rest. No more Hunger Games! If networks and streaming services really want to reimagine a quality nostalgic favorite from the late 90’s/ early 2000’s, it should be K.A. Applegate’s Animorphs series.
Animorphs is a science fantasy series that follows a group of teens who are Earth’s only defense against the Yeerks, parasitic slug-like alien invaders who take over human hosts by entering through the ear canal and merging with the brain.
Gifted with the ability to transform into any animal they touch, the Animorphs must wage war against the Yeerks in an epic series that spans across 54 books and 10 companion books.
The series was published between June 1996 through May 2001, covering issues and themes like growing up, identity, the effects of war, morality, mental health and so much more.
While the plot of the story is reason enough to green light a new adaptation of this series, what really makes this story shine are the characters themselves.
Animorphs was a rare and progressive gem for its time, because it’s one of the few series I remember reading that had such a richly developed and diverse cast of main characters. Jake is the reluctant leader. Rachel is the pretty and popular blonde who became a bloodthirsty warrior. Marco is Latino. Tobias is a loner who becomes trapped in hawk form. Ax is an alien teen trying to adapt to human culture, and then there is Cassie.
In a time where Black and Brown characters were rarely represented in a positive or meaningful light, K.A. Applegate gave us a gem. Cassie lives on a farm. Her parents are veterinarians, she becomes one of the most gifted Animorphs and (spoiler) she doesn’t die at the end!
Nickelodeon previously adapted the series as a live action TV show from 1998- 2000, and just recently the books are being republished as graphic novels. Its diverse representation, compelling story, and powerful themes are extremely relevant and important in our current times. Plus, it could introduce a whole new generation to a series with an incredible backlist to devour.
Are you an Animorphs fan?
Let me know how you’d like to see it reimagined. Maybe Netflix or Amazon Prime will take a hint.
About Montrez, Contributor
Montrez is a sci-fi and fantasy author, a freelance editor, and blogger passionate about celebrating and amplifying BIPOC and indie voices in the bookish and blerd community.
Visit her website for more on her books and editing services at https://www.authormontrez.com.
Connect on Instagram, and get all her latest book recommendations on her blog, The Novel Creature.
I have never heard of this show, but I am intrigued. Speaking of remakes, I'd love to see Star Kid get some love as well.
I gotta say, I'd love to see this re-done!