The Most Iconic Comic Strip Is Getting A Movie?
Craig Schulz, the son of Peanuts creator Charles Shultz, hopes to bring the beloved comic strip characters back to the big screen. Speaking to ScreenRant, about the new Apple TV+ special, Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie, the writer said nothing is off the table. “We’re always exploring different ideas and different things in this co-view series that we’ve done which touched upon the environment, the love for teachers, Mother’s Day, and how it interacts with enough people.”
“All those subjects are just really fun, and as you know, the Peanuts universe is sort of endless. There are so many great characters to work with, there are so many great themes to work with that we explore everything, and I don’t know that a movie is off the table. I would like to see one come back, but keep your fingers crossed; we will see,” Shultz added.
Craig Shultz produced and co-wrote 2015’s The Peanuts Movie with his son Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano. Directed by Steve Martino, the film aimed to stay true to the classic look and feel of the original Peanuts comic strip while updating it for a contemporary audience. The story centered on the beloved comic strip characters, including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the gang.
“All those subjects are just really fun, and as you know, the Peanuts universe is sort of endless. There are so many great characters to work with, there are so many great themes to work with that we explore everything, and I don’t know that a movie is off the table. I would like to see one come back, but keep your fingers crossed; we will see.”
-Craig Schultz
The main plot follows Charlie Brown as he tries to win the affection of the Little Red-Haired Girl while showcasing the adventures of Snoopy as he daydreams of being a World War I flying ace. Critics responded positively to The Peanuts Movie, praising its faithfulness to the source material and the nostalgic appeal it held for longtime fans and new audiences.
The Peanuts Movie also performed well at the global box office, grossing approximately $246 million. For the first time in a Peanuts animated feature, all of the child characters were voiced by actual child actors. This decision was made to maintain authenticity and capture the youthful spirit of the original comic strip.
The filmmakers also incorporated several sequences in the movie that were adapted directly from Charles M. Schulz’s original Peanuts comic strips. Additionally, Bill Melendez, who had been the voice actor for Snoopy in previous specials, passed away in 2008. However, his signature laugh was sourced from archival recordings and used in the film.
Craig Schultz says more movies based on the iconic Peanuts strip may be on the way.
The Peanuts Movie is also filled with references to various comic strips, including Charlie Brown’s kite getting stuck in a tree. Moreover, the animators made an effort to maintain the minimalist style of the original strip, including the limited use of facial expressions to convey emotions. This approach kept the characters true to their original design.
Since 2021, Apple TV+ has created a series of animated specials called Snoopy Presents. These specials showcase the cherished characters from the Peanuts universe and include titles such as “For Auld Lang Syne,” “To Mom (and Dad) With Love,” “Lucy’s School,” and the soon-to-be-released “Welcome Home, Franklin.”
“We’re always exploring different ideas and different things in this co-view series that we’ve done which touched upon the environment, the love for teachers, Mother’s Day, and how it interacts with enough people.”
-Craig Schultz
These animated specials continue the legacy of the Peanuts franchise by bringing short, focusing on specific characters, and are typically released on special occasions. The most recent Peanuts special, titled Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie, centers on the endearing introverted titular character who finds herself reluctantly pushed into the limelight after becoming class president.
Marcie grapples with the demands placed upon her and avoids public attention as much as possible. She eventually realizes that she just needs to follow her own path. Another Peanuts series in the works is Camp Snoopy, which follows Snoopy and the Beagle Scouts during their summer adventures. So whether or not a new movie gets off the ground, fans still have lots of Peanuts adventures to enjoy.
