‘Denver The Last Dinosaur’ Is Getting Rebooted As A Feature Film

Family-friendly media company Grom Social Enterprises has revealed that its storytelling division, Curiosity Ink Media, will join forces with production and IP management company WEP to co-develop and co-produce a Denver the Last Dinosaur feature film.

There was no indication in today’s announcement as to whether the film would be using the original series’ banger of a theme song or not, but it would feel like a waste if it didn’t.

Film details:

• Based on the announcement, it looks like the adaptation will stick close to the formula of the original series, which features a group of California kids who discover a prehistoric egg out of which hatches a dinosaur. The kids befriend the creature and name him Denver, teaching him all about the modern world. The group must also protect Denver from an unscrupulous promoter who wants to exploit Denver’s unique presence for personal gain.
• Denver the Last Dinosaur first aired in 1988 with 50 episodes across two seasons. It was eventually distributed in 120 countries around the world.
• The companies’ plans don’t end with the animated feature. Earlier this month, Curiosity and WEP announced that they will be embarking on a licensing campaign for Denver, pursuing ancillary brand extensions to maximize the franchise’s consumer appeal through products in dozens of retail categories.
• Curiosity CEO Jared Wolfson said in a release: “Denver, the Last Dinosaur has all the trappings of a multi-generational hit. We are developing this film to deliver on all the comedy, action, adventure, and heart that will make every child want a dinosaur like Denver in their lives, all while making sure to honor the established retro dino-character the fans love and expect.”

Cartoon Brew’s View: Adapting decades-old IPs for modern audiences can be hit-or-miss in terms of commercial success, but perhaps the basic plot points of Denver will prove timeless. Certainly, the original’s themes of conservation, ecology, and corporate greed are as fashionable as ever.