Writer Gary Dauberman promises the Gargoyles reboot will live up to the tone that helped define the original animated show. The 1990s series focused on a group of creatures who are transported from their home in Scotland to the streets of New York City when petrified in a stone-like state, leading to them taking on the roles of the city’s protectors. Dauberman was confirmed to be helming a live-action Gargoyles reboot in 2023, with James Wan set to serve as a producer.
As Dauberman opened up to Variety about his work on Until Dawn, the writer also discussed the upcoming live-action reboot of Gargoyles. Acknowledging the distinct dark tone of the original series, Dauberman promised that they are aiming to replicate what made the show stand out for a new generation. Check out his full explanation below:
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. 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.
What Dauberman’s Response Means For Gargoyles’ Reboot
The Series Could Stand Out In The Modern Streaming Landscape
While it has been 28 years since the series concluded, there have been many attempts to reawaken the Gargoyles franchise on screen, including an animated movie adaptation with a script penned by G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra‘s David Elliot and Paul Lovett, and a pitch from Jordan Peele. As such, a variety of approaches to the original lore have likely developed over the years. However, Dauberman’s response does reveal several things.
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10 Best Gargoyles Episodes That Still Hold Up 26 Years After It Was Canceled
Gargoyles is considered one of the best animated series of the 20th century, with several episodes resonating to this day despite its cancellation.
Rather than attempting to match contemporary franchises, the showrunner’s response does suggest that the series is more keen on being faithful than creating something more in tune with modern television standards. This is not necessarily a bad move, as it could allow the new Gargoyles to stand out from other streaming shows in an era where audiences are becoming more critical of current standards. Of course, without an episode count, it is unclear whether the Gargoyles reboot can match the original series’ scope.
Our Take On The Gargoyles Reboot Tease
The Series Has Many Experienced Creatives On Board
It may be early days for the development of Disney+’s Gargoyles reimagining, but Dauberman’s response shows a clear understanding of what helped the original series stand out. Wan’s horror background and involvement in action franchises, including the Fast and Furious and Aquaman series, already showed that the reboot had the capacity to blend multiple genres, from supernatural to action. As such, it is a relief to see that both creatives’ visions will likely align to make the best Gargoyles live-action adaptation possible.
Source: Variety
Gargoyles
Gargoyles is a Disney animated TV series that aired from 1994 to 1997. It follows a clan of ancient gargoyles who awaken in modern-day New York City after a 1,000-year curse. Known for its darker tone and complex storytelling, the series has a devoted fanbase. The franchise has expanded into comic books, video games, and merchandise. In 2023, a live-action reboot for Disney+ was announced, produced by Atomic Monster.
- Created by
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Greg Weisman
- First Episode Air Date
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October 24, 1994