Logline
Lisa Kudrow leads a new gang of time-hopping thieves in a new series from Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, premiering July 24.
Breakdown
Time Bandits, the latest remake in the ’80s kids’ fantasy adventure genre, brings a modern twist to Terry Gilliam’s 1981 classic. Created by Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, and Iain Morris, the series follows a gang of time-traveling robbers who drag an 11-year-old history buff into their treasure-seeking adventures. The show’s tone is distinctively Waititian, blending humor and a disaffected style that has become popular in recent TV hits.
Plot Beats
- A gang of time-traveling robbers embarks on treasure hunts across history.
- They inadvertently involve an 11-year-old history enthusiast in their adventures.
- The series updates the original’s scrappiness with modern, computer-generated visuals.
Cast and Crew
- Cast:
- Lisa Kudrow
- Rune Temte
- Kiera Thompson
- Kal-El Tuck
- Tadhg Murphy
- Roger Jean Nsengiyumva
- Directors:
- Taika Waititi
- Screenwriters:
- Jemaine Clement
- Iain Morris
Buzz and Highlights
The series stands out with its modern visual effects and a tone that resonates with fans of Waititi’s previous work like Our Flag Means Death and What We Do In The Shadows. However, it has faced criticism for its casting choices, specifically the decision to replace actors of shorter stature with average-sized actors, which sparked controversy among disability advocates.
Production Notes
This remake of Time Bandits shifts from the original’s D.I.Y. charm to a polished, computer-generated spectacle. Despite the visual upgrades, the show has attracted criticism for its casting decisions, which some argue undermine the original’s representation of disabled actors. Comments from Jack Purvis’s granddaughter and Disability Rights UK highlight the ongoing conversation about inclusivity in media.
Closing Credits
Time Bandits premieres with two episodes on Wednesday, July 24, on Apple TV+. New episodes will be available every Wednesday.
