“This is a marvel-ised version”: Even With Lisa Kudrow, Taika Waititi’s ‘Time Bandits’ Remake Has An Uphill Climb to Impress Fans For Two Undeniable Reasons

No matter how much great filmmakers try, some projects are just too good to be truffled with. One such project has been Time Bandits, a popular time-traveling movie about a young boy who discovers a magical portal in his bedroom.

Directed by Terry Gilliam, the 1981 movie remains a fan favorite even after all these years, enjoying a smashing 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Now, decades later, Taika Waititi is releasing a series based on the Apple TV+ movie starring Lisa Kudrow. Will the series manage to be as successful as the movie? We’ll have to wait and see.

Success of Taika Waititi’s Time Bandits hangs in the balance

Fans love Taika Waititi’s projects, which are full of heart and humor, even though there have been times when the filmmaker has fallen flat on his face. For instance, fans absolutely loved Thor: Ragnarok but did not think Thor: Love and Thunder was up to the mark. Waititi has a unique way of presenting characters and infusing humor into difficult situations. However, sometimes it can get a bit over the top.

On top of that, the movie Time Bandits is an exceptionally cult classic movie with fans all around the world. History is proof of how fans don’t like directors messing with their well-loved cult classic movies. The movie is still so highly rated on all platforms, and Waititi may land in deep trouble if fans don’t resonate with the latest series remake.

Time Bandits is a legendary flick that familiarized masses with time travel and a blended adventure. It will take something extraordinary for Waititi to add new life to the show and make it as successful as the movie.

Time Bandits series on AppleTV+ stars Lisa Kudrow Kal-El Tuck, among others in lead roles. Even Waititi himself will appear in the show for a brief cameo. Moreover, the series seems to tackle young Kevin’s issues at school where he feels alone and left out. With the team of thieves aka Time Bandits, he feels like a part of a cause, even though it means doing something outside the law.

Fans react to the trailer of Time Bandits series

AppleTV recently unveiled the trailer of the series Time Bandits on X (formerly Twitter). Fans have had mixed reactions to the story, some even calling the story a “Marvel-ised version” of the events. At the same time, some fans are super excited to witness their childhood favorite movie in the modern context.

@TaikaWaititi Thank you. This was one of my favorite movies from my childhood. This looks awesome. I can't wait.

— viper1829 (@viper1829) July 9, 2024

Man, I just don't think this is getting at what made the original special at all. The cinematography and production design is a major downgrade from the original, and none of the real mean humour that it had too. The original was frightening! This is a marvel-ised version.

— Meal Deal Supreme (@The_Meal_Deal) July 9, 2024

You and that hack Taika stole roles from Dwarves to make what will be a terrible remake of the classic film from 1981.

— Jason Nova (@JNova707) July 9, 2024

Ohhh this looks sooooooo gooooood

— Lisa Hafey #SaveOFMD #RhysDarbyFaction (@LisaHafey) July 9, 2024

This looks so good and charming. Is this a TV show or a movie?

— Timothy Patterson (@Timothy14822985) July 9, 2024

What’s more, the release of this series is making fans realize how old they have gotten. The movie came out in 1981 so the original fans of the movie will get to relive their best memories. On the other hand, the new generation will get to experience one of the most amazing movies that came out in the past. Lisa Kudrow as Penelope also looks great, giving fans some hope that the show might work out well after all.

Taika Waititi’s Time Bandits is set to release on AppleTV+ on July 24.