Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement have created and appear in Time Bandits, an upcoming series based on Terry Gilliam’s fantasy film. Here’s a trailer:
Apple TV+ fantasy series Time Bandits, based on the 1981 Terry Gilliam film of the same name, has quite a pedigree behind it. It’s created by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waiti, who also appear in the series, as well as Iain Morris, best known as the co-creator of The Inbetweeners.
As you can see from the trailer below, Apple TV+ appear to have thrown a sizeable sum of money at the series, with the comedic yarn boasting some impressive lighting and special effects. Kal-El Tuck takes the lead as 11 year-old history obsessive Kevin, who discovers a time portal in his wardrobe and embarks on a string of adventures with the titular bandits, led by Lisa Kudrow’s Penelope.
Here’s a synopsis (via First Showing) if you’re into story descriptions in italics:
Guided by Lisa Kudrow (as Penelope), the eccentric crew of bandits embark on epic adventures while evil forces threaten their conquests and life as they know it. As the group is transported through time and space, the gang stumbles upon fascinating worlds of the distant past while also seeking out treasure, depending on Kevin to shed light on each situation. The “Time Bandits” witness the creation of Stonehenge, see the Trojan Horse in action, escape dinosaurs in the prehistoric age, wreak havoc during the medieval times, experience the Ice Age, ancient civilizations, the Harlem Renaissance, & much more along the way.
Waititi has directed at least the first two episodes, while the scripts have been written by he and the other two co-creators. Among the supporting cast you’ll find Charlyne Yi, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Rune Temte, Matt King, Rachel House and more besides.
It all looks thoroughly jolly, and a potentially fun expansion on one of Gilliam’s most affectionately remembered movies.
Time Bandits debuts on Apple TV+ on the 24th July.
