For nearly three decades, the energetic, spinning marsupial known as Crash Bandicoot has been a cornerstone of platform gaming. Since his debut on the original PlayStation, Crash has delighted millions with his chaotic antics, challenging levels, and memorable adversaries. Yet, despite his enduring popularity and a legacy that will soon celebrate its 30th anniversary, the beloved hero of the Wumpa Islands has remained surprisingly absent from the world of television and film adaptations. Until now, perhaps.
A new report suggests that Crash Bandicoot may finally be making the leap to the small screen, with an animated series reportedly in development for Netflix. This news, if confirmed, marks a significant moment for fans who have long wondered why their favorite bandicoot hasn`t had his own cartoon adventures.
The potential series is said to be coming from WildBrain Studios, a name familiar to those who follow animated adaptations of video game franchises. WildBrain has a solid track record, having produced hit shows like Sonic Prime and Carmen Sandiego, alongside other popular titles such as Johnny Test and The Snoopy Show. Their experience in translating dynamic game worlds into engaging animated narratives bodes well for Crash`s potential debut. Netflix, for its part, has clearly doubled down on video game content, boasting an impressive lineup that includes Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, various Castlevania iterations, Devil May Cry, and even a live-action Assassin`s Creed series in the works. Crash would fit right into this expanding digital arcade.
The path to a screen adaptation for Crash has been anything but straightforward. Born from the creative minds at Naughty Dog, the rights to the character embarked on their own platforming adventure, eventually landing with Universal Interactive before finding a long-term home at Activision. More recently, with Microsoft`s acquisition of Activision, Crash`s destiny now rests under the expansive Xbox umbrella. This corporate odyssey has had its share of bumps; a concept artist once revealed that Crash Bandicoot 5 was reportedly canceled during development, and a former Sony executive disclosed that Hollywood previously turned down a pitch for a Crash Bandicoot movie. One might humorously observe that the corporate legal departments likely navigated more complex intellectual property terrain than any of Crash`s in-game levels.
Naughty Dog boss Neil Druckmann, a figure intrinsically linked to Crash`s origins, has voiced his support for a Crash Bandicoot movie, though he was quick to note that any such decision is now squarely “Microsoft`s call.” This highlights the often-complex dynamics of intellectual property ownership in the modern entertainment landscape, where creative vision can sometimes be a secondary consideration to corporate strategy.
As the 30th anniversary of Crash Bandicoot approaches, the timing for a Netflix series seems particularly opportune. With the gaming industry`s growing influence on mainstream entertainment, and streaming platforms actively seeking beloved IPs, Crash`s unique blend of humor, action, and undeniable charm could finally find its perfect animated expression. Fans around the globe will undoubtedly be keeping a keen eye on developments, hoping that this time, the spin will indeed lead to a starring role.
Oliver Brampton 
Callum Darby