The 1990s are alive and well – the return of classic cartoons, continuations of beloved shows like Clarissa Explains It All, and now, a feature-length Carmen Sandiego movie. That’s right, this premier streaming service will be bringing back everyone’s favorite international thief, and Gina Rodriguez will be wearing the iconic red trench coat and hat.
Aside from Rodriguez, there is no screenwriter, director, or other cast members attached to the project. We do know she will produce, alongside Kevin Misher and Caroline Fraser, with Andy Berman of Misher Films as executive producer.
Gina Rodriguez, for those who don’t know, stars in the popular show Jane the Virgin on the CW and recently starred in the sci-fi film Annihilation. Rodriguez is also set to voice the character in the upcoming 2019 Netflix reboot of the iconic animated show. The show will dive into more of the classic capers around the globe, but also look into the past of the mystery woman. On top of all of that, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, which owns the Carmen Sandiego franchise, will also be putting out a new Carmen Sandiego book series for 2019.
While I think a lot of us could use some more history and geography lessons, one has to wonder what exactly a feature film about this classy criminal is going to look like. Will it be more comedy or drama? Will it take influence more from the TV show or will it be aimed a little older with a noir theme? Rodriguez definitely has the chops to pull off any number of portrayals, but a lot is going to depend on story structure.
Either way, there’s no denying that it’s going to be an exciting ride, and since it’s now joining The Magic School Bus Rides Again as a reboot of an education cartoon of the 1990s, I can’t help but wonder which franchise will be next.
