Screenwriter Lindsey Anderson Beer, who has recently stepped into the role of a director with her upcoming movie, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, shares insights about the necessity of introducing a kid-friendly version of the iconic Disney classic, Bambi. With multiple projects in hand, including directing a reboot of the Washington Irving novel-based movie, Sleepy Hollow, and being part of the production team for Luca Guadagnino’s Lord of the Flies, Anderson Beer has unfortunately had to relinquish her roles in the highly-anticipated Star Trek 4 and the live-action Bambi.
In a discussion with Collider’s Perri Nemiroff, Anderson Beer expressed her belief in the significance of revamping Bambi for today’s young audience, many of whom have not experienced the original masterpiece. Despite being a timeless treasure, Bambi has lost touch with the younger crowd, a scenario Anderson Beer finds disheartening. Unlike the ever-popular Disney movies from the 90s, such as Little Mermaid and Aladdin, Bambi has not received the same level of attention and viewership.
Making Bambi For a New Audience
Anderson Beer cites the movie’s slower pace and the sensitive portrayal of parental death as possible reasons for its diminished popularity among contemporary viewers, who may not connect with these elements. She feels that parents today might be hesitant to expose their children to the themes of loss depicted in the movie. However, Anderson Beer is convinced that with a few modern tweaks, the story of Bambi can be revitalized and made more relatable to the young audience, without compromising the essence and beauty of the original.
Although Anderson Beer had to withdraw from the Bambi project due to her commitments to Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, she gave a glimpse into the new vision for Bambi, hinting at a broader scope and a refreshed approach designed to resonate more with today’s kids, thereby paying a fitting tribute to the timeless original. The revamp is still in progress, despite her exit. Source
