Classic “Wizard of Id” and “B.C.” Comics To Hit the Big Screen with Underneath the Umbrella Productions

**Classic Comic Strips to Be Adapted for Animated Films**

Goodman Pictures, in collaboration with director Tim Johnson, has announced ambitious plans to adapt beloved comic strips and a classic novel into animated films. The projects will include adaptations of Johnny Hart’s well-known comic strips *B.C.* and *Wizard of Id*, alongside Walter Wangerin Jr.’s acclaimed 1978 novel *The Book of the Dun Cow*. Together, they promise to blend nostalgia with modern animation techniques, aiming to captivate audiences across generations.

Tim Johnson, renowned for his previous work on animated films such as *Antz*, *Over the Hedge*, and *Home*, will take the helm for the animated adaptation of *Wizard of Id*. Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Johnson shared, “This is a dream project. As a young boy, I learned to draw by tracing the original Johnny Hart and Brant Parker comic strip. I grew up on the timeless humour of *Wizard of Id*.” His deep personal connection to the comic reflects the creators’ shared recognition of its enduring appeal.

With an extensive publication history spanning over six decades, *Wizard of Id* launched in 1964, showcasing the witty escapades of characters living in a repressive medieval kingdom. The comic strip, created by Hart and illustrator Brant Parker, has garnered significant acclaim, including five Best Humor Strip awards from the National Cartoonists Society and the prestigious Reuben Award. Johnson believes that the comic’s rich characters and sharp humour offer tremendous potential for a family-friendly film that resonates with audiences of various ages and backgrounds.

In addition to *Wizard of Id*, *B.C.*, another significant work by Johnny Hart, will also see an animated adaptation. Launched in 1958, this comic strip transports readers back to prehistoric times, featuring cavemen and their interactions with a host of prehistoric creatures, including dinosaurs. The combination of both strips presents an exciting opportunity to explore contrasting settings while maintaining the core humour that Hart is known for.

The adaptation of *The Book of the Dun Cow* introduces a more philosophical narrative. Loosely inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer’s *Canterbury Tales,* this novel presents a world devoid of humans, where animals confront existential threats. The story has two sequels, *The Book of Sorrows* and *The Third Book of the Dun Cow: Peace at the Last,* further enriching its narrative landscape.

Commenting on the cultural significance of these adaptations, Joe Goodman of Goodman Pictures remarked on the lasting impact of these works, stating, “When something has been read daily by millions of people for decades across the world, that’s not just popularity, that’s cultural permanence. These properties have already proven their staying power.” The aim is to create films that families can cherish and revisit for many years to come.

Johnson emphasised that these three adaptations naturally lend themselves to animated portrayals, stating that they embody both humour and heart. His commitment to reuniting with collaborator Tom Astle for the scriptwriting is a testament to the synergy they share in creating engaging animated content.

Patti Hart, daughter of Johnny Hart and custodian of his legacy, expressed her excitement over the upcoming adaptations. She described *Wizard of Id* and *B.C.* as “timeless” and expressed hope that their adaptations will introduce these iconic characters to a new generation while remaining true to the qualities that have allowed them to endure.

As Goodman Pictures and Underneath the Umbrella Productions prepare to move forward, there are also plans for a live-action slate to be unveiled in the near future. These adaptations are expected to not only reflect the original works but also adapt them for contemporary audiences, making them relevant and appealing in today’s cinematic landscape.

The upcoming animated adaptations of Johnny Hart’s comic strips and Wangerin’s novel signify an exciting chapter for classic literature and comic strips, showcasing their timeless quality and potential. As audiences await the release of these films, there is a palpable sense of anticipation for how these cherished stories will be brought to life on the big screen.