Netflix is developing a live-action series based on the ’90s animated environmental hero Captain Planet. This project revives efforts to adapt the popular franchise, once pursued as a feature film starring Glen Powell, who is no longer involved in the current iteration.
Background of Previous Film Plans and Glen Powell’s Passion
Initial plans for a Captain Planet movie emerged in 2016 under Paramount Pictures and Leonardo DiCaprio‘s Appian Way, with Glen Powell hired to write the screenplay and considered to star in the lead role. In 2023, Powell expressed strong enthusiasm for portraying Captain Planet and confirmed ongoing development discussions with DiCaprio.
Captain Planet is definitely something I’m incredibly passionate about,
Powell told Yahoo!
Leonardo DiCaprio and I have been putting that together for several years. With the recent changes over at Warner Bros., we’re just trying to figure out how the pieces will fall.
It’s an environmental superhero, so it’s not necessarily part of DC — it exists outside of that world. At the same time, I think the world has never needed an environmental superhero more! So I think it tonally fits in with everything that James Gunn and Peter Safran are doing at DC and Leo and I are very optimistic that we can make something happen. I’d love to play Captain Planet — that’d be sick.
Shift from Feature Film to Netflix Series
Recent reports from Deadline revealed the original feature film concept has been shelved. Instead, the property is being redeveloped as a Netflix series produced by Greg Berlanti’s Berlanti Productions alongside Appian Way. Tara Hernandez, co-creator and executive producer of the series Mrs. Davis, has been brought on to write the show.
About Captain Planet and Potential Series Direction
The original Captain Planet cartoon, fondly remembered by many, featured five teens worldwide who controlled elemental powers and summoned Captain Planet to fight pollution. It aired from 1990 to 1992 and continues to hold a cult status among fans.
The previously planned film adaptation by Glen Powell and Jono Matt was set years after the original series, with Captain Planet portrayed as a washed-up figure reliant on the younger generation, though it is unclear if the new Netflix show will follow this storyline.
Uncertainty Surrounding Glen Powell’s Role
There has been no indication that Glen Powell remains involved with the new Netflix series, suggesting he is no longer attached to the project. Fans of both the actor and the franchise will be watching closely for further updates.
Significance and Future Prospects
This revival under Netflix and Greg Berlanti represents a fresh opportunity to introduce Captain Planet’s environmentally conscious messages to a new audience. Given current global concerns about sustainability, the timing aligns well with broader cultural conversations. The involvement of Tara Hernandez as writer adds creative momentum to the adaptation, signaling potential for a thoughtful blend of action and advocacy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Glen Powell a Nepo baby?
A. Discussion. Move over “nepo babies”—Glen Powell’s parents might just be the original “nepo parents.”
Q. Why is Glen Powell suddenly so popular?
A. Powell’s career in movies was improving. He acted in supporting roles in Hidden Figures as John Glenn and in The Expendables 3 as a hacker. Eventually, he got his first leading role in the unexpected Netflix hit, Set It Up, playing a charming finance guy who turns out to be kind-hearted.
Q. Is Glen Powell a Nepo?
A. Glen Powell’s parents were the first to achieve status as “Nepo Parents” thanks to their roles in famous films.
Q. Is Glen Powell a nice guy in real life?
A. Indeed, Powell is genuinely a kind person.
