For nearly three decades, fans have watched a certain hyperactive marsupial spin, jump, and collect wumpa fruit across various PlayStation consoles and beyond. Yet, for all his globe-trotting adventures, Crash Bandicoot has remained curiously absent from the animated screen. That, it seems, is finally about to change. Reports suggest that a Crash Bandicoot animated series is now in development for Netflix, poised to bring the orange hero`s signature chaos to a whole new audience.
Next year will mark Crash`s 30th anniversary, a milestone that underscores just how overdue this venture truly is. While his contemporaries have spawned multiple film and television projects, Crash, despite his enduring popularity and vibrant world, has somehow evaded the adaptation spotlight. It`s a rather peculiar omission for a character so perfectly suited for animated antics, a testament perhaps to the often-labyrinthine path of video game intellectual property.
This rumored Netflix series emerges at a time when the streaming giant has made a significant commitment to translating beloved gaming franchises into episodic entertainment. From the gothic horror of Castlevania to the stealthy intrigue of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, and the upcoming Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, Netflix has demonstrated a clear strategy: if it`s a game, they`re interested. Crash, with his distinct visual style and slapstick humor, fits seamlessly into this burgeoning catalog.
The studio reportedly tasked with bringing Crash to life is WildBrain Studios, a name that should resonate with fans of other successful video game adaptations. WildBrain previously delivered Sonic Prime, showcasing their ability to handle iconic gaming characters with a blend of loyalty and fresh storytelling. Their portfolio also includes Carmen Sandiego, Johnny Test, and The Snoopy Show, indicating a versatility in animation styles and narrative approaches that could serve Crash well.
The journey of Crash Bandicoot`s intellectual property has been as winding as some of his levels. Originating from the creative minds at Naughty Dog on the original PlayStation, the rights have since navigated through Universal Interactive and currently reside with Activision. This corporate carousel adds another layer of intrigue to the current development. With Microsoft`s recent acquisition of Activision, the ultimate green light for such a project now rests with the Redmond tech behemoth. Indeed, former Sony and current Sega of America executive, Shuji Utsumi, recently revealed that a past pitch for a Crash Bandicoot movie was turned down by Hollywood. Even Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann has voiced support for a movie, acknowledging that such a decision now squarely lands on Microsoft`s desk.
The news of an animated series comes just a few years after the well-received Crash Bandicoot 4: It`s About Time in 2020. Interestingly, a concept artist from Toys for Bob, the studio behind Crash 4, later suggested that a planned Crash Bandicoot 5 had been canceled. This makes the pivot to a streaming series a particularly timely development, perhaps signaling a new direction for the franchise outside of immediate game sequels.
So, as we approach the 30th anniversary of this spinning whirlwind, the prospect of Crash finally getting his animated due is cause for genuine excitement. It`s a moment that highlights not only the enduring appeal of classic characters but also the evolving landscape where gaming IP finds new life beyond the console. For fans who`ve waited patiently, and for a new generation about to discover him, Crash Bandicoot`s jump to Netflix promises to be quite the ride.
Gareth Fenton 
Ellis Thorne