Captain Planet might still come to theaters. According to Glen Powell, a script he co-wrote for the film could provide the basis for a Leonardo DiCaprio-produced adaptation of the '80s cartoon.
Captain Planet and the Planeteers was a cartoon from the '80s. Five kids from around the world are given rings of power by Gaia, each able to control one element: Water, Earth, Fire, Air, and Love. Together the heroes can summon Captain Planet to battle with a (typically environmentally-based) villain. DiCaprio is invested in bringing a new Captain Planet reboot to the audience's attention.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Powell spoke about the DiCaprio-produced effort and stressed that it's not a dead project, despite no news about it being forthcoming. Powell said the Captain Planet movie was simply waiting on Warner Bros., noting, "all the superhero stuff kind of lands there.” Powell was optimistic about the future of the movie. “I think those conversations will be happening shortly,” Powell said. “I know DiCaprio is super passionate about it. I’m super passionate about it. I think it could be great…I want that one to work. I’d love to play that superhero.”
Powell's desire to play Captain Planet is a bit ironic, considering he's been adamant that he isn't playing Cyclops in the MCU, despite being a popular fan casting. Powell doubled down on this in the Entertainment Tonight interview. However, he acknowledged that he is humbled by the casting suggestion.
DiCaprio is a known environmentalist and has worked on many projects about saving the environment, so it's no surprise he'd be eager to get a Captain Planet reboot released. The Earth's changing environment is a more pressing issue now than ever. With climate change affecting the world in new and unexpected ways, the franchise has a chance of awakening a burgeoning sense of environmentalism among kids.
The movie might also attract an older following thanks to the nostalgic appeal of the property. Those who watched Captain Planet and the Planeteers are now likely parents themselves, so taking their own children to see the film would be a family affair. Until there's word on the project from Warner Bros., speculation on a future Captain Planet film is all that can be done.
Source: Entertainment Tonight