‘The Magic School Bus’ comes to the big screen
By tsell on June 26, 2020
Elizabeth Banks will star as the novel’s science teacher Ms. Frizzle
By Trent Sell
The Magic School Bus series comes to the big screen, as Elizabeth Banks announces that she is playing the role of the adventurous science teacher, Ms. Frizzle. Elizabeth Bank’s company, Brownstone Productions, will also co-produce the film.
“The Magic School Bus” live-action film
Most of us go right back to our childhoods when you think of Ms. Frizzle or The Magic School Bus series. The 26-year-old Scholastic book series was written by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Bruce Degen. The fun science-based books take readers into Ms. Frizzle’s class, as they explore and take adventurous field trips. Kids found the books both educational and entertaining, taking the world by storm. There are over 80 million prints worldwide.
According to Hollywood Reporter, the book’s quirky science teacher will be played by American actress, writer, and producer Elizabeth Banks. Banks has starred in notable film series like The Hunger Games and Pitch Perfect.
Along with Brownstone Productions, deMarc Platt Productions, Universal Pictures, and Scholastic Entertainment will develop the live-action hybrid film. Scholastic entertainment producer, Iole Lucchese, shared his excitement about the film.
“We are delighted to bring to life the iconic Ms. Frizzle and her zest for knowledge and adventure in a fresh new way that inspires the next generation of kids to explore science and supports the dedicated teachers who help make science real and accessible for young learners every day,” said Lucchese. “We’re also extremely excited to be working with such top-tier partners as Elizabeth Banks, Marc Platt Productions, Brownstone Productions, Universal Pictures, and all of the amazing talent assembled for this noteworthy feature film.”
The books were first adapted into a PBS animated series, airing for 18 consecutive years. In addition, a 2017 animated sequel called The Magic School Bus Rides Again was featured on Netflix. Both series won numerous awards.
At the moment, no release date for the film has been announced.
