Crayola Studios and Hallmark are bringing back Rainbow Brite, the vibrant children’s character who was a hit in the 1980s. This revival, timed with the franchise’s 40th anniversary, will include both a feature film and a new TV series. The character originally debuted in 1984, becoming a favorite for its cheerful message and colorful adventures, which led to numerous specials, series, films, and a wave of merchandise over the years.
Neal H. Moritz and Toby Ascher, producers with experience adapting popular properties for modern audiences, are attached to the new Rainbow Brite film. Moritz and Ascher have previously worked on big-screen adaptations like Sonic the Hedgehog. While specific details about the movie’s development haven’t been revealed, the project aims to capture the spirit of the original series.
In addition to the film, an updated Rainbow Brite TV series is also being developed, with the independent production company Cake leading the charge. The series will revisit themes that made the original show popular, such as friendship and teamwork, with a renewed focus on positivity and bringing light to dark situations. The new series will once again feature Rainbow Brite as the central figure, using her powers to bring color and joy to a universe plagued by darkness.
The Rainbow Brite franchise last saw a revival in 2014 with a TV series that featured Emily Osment as the voice of Rainbow Brite and Molly Ringwald voicing the character of the Dark Princess.
Crayola Properties, in collaboration with partners like Cake and Original Film, will manage licensing and merchandising for the new projects. Crayola Studios aims to expand the Rainbow Brite universe beyond television and film, bringing the iconic character to new generations through a variety of media platforms.
Crayola’s executive vice president Victoria Lozano noted the ambitious scope of this project, emphasizing that the goal is to produce content that fosters creativity and optimism, aligning with Crayola’s brand values. Meanwhile, Hallmark executive Sabrina Wiewel expressed excitement over reintroducing Rainbow Brite to both loyal fans and new audiences, pointing to the character’s enduring appeal since her debut.
This revival is part of a growing trend in entertainment to reintroduce classic children’s franchises with a contemporary twist, ensuring that the legacy of Rainbow Brite continues to thrive in today’s entertainment landscape.
