’90s Eco-Fantasy FernGully: The Last Rainforest Getting Live-Action Remake
Amazon MGM Studios is developing a live-action adaptation of the 1992 animated film FernGully: The Last Rainforest. Marielle Heller will serve as writer and director of the remake, bringing her extensive experience from multiple acclaimed film and television projects.
Heller has established herself as a versatile creative talent with directing credits including Nightbitch, a dark comedy starring Amy Adams about a suburban woman transforming into a dog, as well as The Diary of a Teenage Girl and the critically acclaimed biographical film about Mr. Rogers. Beyond her work behind the camera, she has also appeared as an actress in television productions including The Queen’s Gambit and the 2021 comedic series MacGruber.
The original FernGully depicted a whimsical story set in the Australian rainforest, centered on magical fairy characters and their environmental struggles against destructive forces. The film became a notable entry in 1990s children’s animation, remembered for its fantastical world-building and nature preservation themes, featuring the iconic villain Hexxus. The live-action remake represents Amazon MGM Studios’ continued interest in adapting classic animated properties for modern audiences.