New ThunderCats Series from Warner Bros. Animation
It's the year of the ThunderCats!
Warner Bros. Animation announced on Wednesday that it is currently creating a fresh take on our favorite feline heroes. Japanese animation studio Studio4°C will be in charge of recreating the popular 1980s animated series in an updated, more anime style.
The new ThunderCats animated series, which will premiere on Cartoon Network in 2011, promises to be true to the original series and cater to both new and old fans alike. According to the Warner Bros. press release, the show will consist of "a sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes…"
“In addition to being Warner Bros. Animation’s first anime series, ‘ThunderCats’ marks our most ambitious foray yet into fantasy,” said Register. “The realism and dynamic visual style we’ve achieved are sure to thrill viewers, and the cool weapons, vehicles and technology should help the show appeal to a diverse audience.”
For the full press release, click here.
Larry Kenney to Voice Claudus, Lion-O's Father
Larry Kenney, the voice of Lion-O on the classic 1980s series ThunderCats, has confirmed through his Facebook page that he will be voicing Lion-O's father Claudus in the newly announced ThunderCats animated series.
On Wednesday, Larry posted: "Great news, huh? I'm playing Claudus, father of Lion-O. Recorded his first episode yesterday."
Fans of the classic show have been huge supporters of Larry Kenney, even after the show ended many years ago. When news of a movie was announced in 2008, fans rallied behind Larry Kenney by signing a petition that was hosted by ThunderCats Lair asking Warner Bros. to give Larry Kenney the role of Lion-O in the new movie.
In addition, Larry Kenney has also been very active in the ThunderCats community, by conducting interviews, including an interview with ThunderCats Lair.
On behalf of the team at ThunderCats Lair and all the fans of the 1980s, we would like to congratulate Larry for getting a role in the new series and hope that he will continue to be a part of many more episodes!
Bandai America Announces New Line of ThunderCats Toys, Recap of Statue Products
With the announcement of a brand new ThunderCats animated series, Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) also made rounds around the web on Thursday by announcing that it was teaming up with Bandai America in producing toy products based on the ThunderCats property.
By obtaining the master toy license for the ThunderCats, Bandai will create and distribute products based on the newly announced animated series as well as the classic 1980s series.
“ThunderCats have been a cult pop culture phenomenon for the past 25 years, and Bandai America looks forward to developing modern and engaging toys for these beloved characters,” said Masayuki Matsuo, chairman and chief executive officer, Bandai America Incorporated.
“Through the Bandai America and Warner Bros. Consumer Products partnership, die-hard devotees as well as a new generation of fans will be introduced to quality, innovative toys that will create magical playtime experiences capturing the adventurous spirit of the brand.”
For the full press release, click here.
Statue Announcements
Two weeks ago, Icon Heroes and WBCP announced a partnership to produce six inch ThunderCats "stactions," static non-articulated action figures based on the classic 1980s series. Icon Heroes also informed us days later that they will be selling a San Diego Comic Convention Exclusive Lion-O staction this July to launch the new line.
Hard Heroes was the first company to acquire the coveted ThunderCats license to mass produce large scale, highly detailed statues based on the iconic characters from the 1980s. The company revealed Lion-O as the first statue in line at the 2009 San Diego Comic Convention and was released earlier this year. Cheetara and Mumm-Ra statues are scheduled to be released later this year.
A month ago, Pop Culture Shock Collectibles, creators of highly detailed, large scale statues, was also able to acquire the ThunderCats license. Unlike the Hard Heroes statue product line, Pop Culture Shock Collectibles will be producing premium statues that offer highly detailed sculpting of figures 17" and larger providing collectors a chance to obtain characters with amazing detail and quality.
We expect to have more information regarding the new animated series and toy lines as well as updates to all the statue lines in the coming weeks leading up to and during the San Diego Comic Convention being held from July 21-25, 2010. ThunderCats Lair will be at the convention for full coverage of all the ThunderCats news!
It is definitely a great time to be a ThunderCats fan! HOOOO!
All of the team at ThunderCats Lair have been shocked and saddened to hear of the death of ThunderCats writer Stephen Perry. Amongst his notable screenwriting career, Steve wrote some of the most memorable ThunderCats episodes, including fan favourites such as "Safari Jo". 
