Elizabeth Banks has tackled the adaptation of Universal’s live-action film “The Magic School Bus” to play the intrepid teacher Ms. Frizzle.
“The Magic School Bus”, based on author Joanna Cole’s Scholastic book series, was a popular animated television show in the 1990s. The educational series follows Mrs. Frizzle and her class as they take field trips on their Yellow school bus that transforms into a plane, submarine, spaceship, or surfboard.
In addition to starring, Banks will also produce the film with Max Handelman for Brownstone Productions, as well as Scholastic Entertainment President and Chief Strategy Officer Iole Lucchese and Senior Vice President and General Manager Caitlin Friedman, and Marc Platt and Adam Siegel for Marc Platt Productions. . Alison Small will be the executive producer for Brownstone Productions.
“We are thrilled to bring the iconic Mrs. Frizzle to life and her enthusiasm for knowledge and adventure in a new and innovative way that inspires the next generation of children to explore science and supports dedicated teachers who help Science is real and accessible to young students. every day, “Lucchese said in a statement.
Ryan Christians of Marc Platt Productions will oversee the production with Sara Scott and Lexi Barta of Universal Pictures.
Lily Tomlin voiced Frizzle on the animated television series PBS, which aired for 18 consecutive years in the US and has aired in more than 100 countries. An animated sequel to the original series, “The Magic School Bus Rides Again,” with Kate McKinnon as Ms. Frizzle’s sister, Fiona, debuted on Netflix in 2017.
Banks has strong ties to Universal after directing “Pitch Perfect 2” and is set to direct and star in a remake of “Invisible Woman” for the studio. He recently directed a reboot of “Charlie’s Angels” for Sony.
