Scenes from an allegedly canceled Crash Bandicoot animated series have leaked online, causing a wave of disappointment to hit long-time fans of the franchise. The short clip featuring Crash’s origin story offers a glimpse of what the modern-day Crash Bandicoot cartoon could have offered.
Originating from the Crash Bandicoot subreddit, the post contained a clip from the supposedly canned series. Development is said to have been a collaboration between Amazon and Activision.
The scene stars Dr. Neo Cortex as he genetically mutates Crash into the zany, crate-smashing marsupial audiences know today. The art direction of the clip differs quite a bit from Toys for Bob’s well-received Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, instead opting for a more vintage animation style.
The post has since created a community outcry to revive the project. Fans are utilizing #ResurrectCrashCartoon to rally support for the axed project. The hashtag can be seen flooding comments sections of Crash Bandicoot’s official social media posts.
The question of whether or not the origin of the leaked footage is legit is still up in the air. While Amazon could have commissioned a Crash Bandicoot cartoon, another plausible explanation is that this scene is fan-made. It wouldn’t be the first time a fan has utilizing their talents to create an amazing tribute for their favorite franchise. Supporting this theory is the fact that Dr. Cortex’s voice sounds so far gone from what fans are accustomed to hearing from the deranged scientist. Of course, the clip is described as being a “test” or a “pitch,” which would explain why some aspects might appear off.
Having said that, Crash Bandicoot’s comical antics seem like a perfect fit for a television series, making a collaboration between Amazon and Activision well within the realm of possibility. Neither company has responded to these rumors despite the fact that they are garnering a lot of attention. If the project never existed, it would have made sense to deny the claims immediately. Additionally, there are also leaked documents containing “Sample Story Premises” making their rounds throughout the community.
This wouldn’t have been the first time Crash appeared in an animated short. There was a scrapped cutscene in the style of a Saturday-morning cartoon intended to be included in the first Crash Bandicoot game as well. Fans may also remember the series of animated shorts released in 2007 to promote the launch of Crash of the Titans.
The Crash Bandicoot series has experienced a renaissance since the successful launch of the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy in 2017. Activision has fully invested in the franchise’s revival, green lighting the development of Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled and Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time. The Crash comeback has been full steam ahead, with Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! well on its way and a new title rumored to be just on the horizon. Entering its 25th anniversary, the debut of Crash’s very own television show would have been par for the course.