In terms of the various superhero IPs out there that studios could mine for a big-screen film, “Captain Planet” might be one of the most ridiculous. This is a story about teens from around the world with rings on their fingers, who combine their powers to summon a blue hero named Captain Planet, who is driven to rid the world of pollution. It’s silly. It’s campy. It’s very ‘90s. But yet, it’s something Leonardo DiCaprio has been trying to make happen on the big screen for years. And one of his cohorts, Glenn Powell, still thinks there’s a chance “Captain Planet” can save the world in the future.
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Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Glenn Powell was asked about the situation surrounding his long-dormant “Captain Planet” film project. You may remember that back in 2016, Leonardo DiCaprio landed the rights to produce a film based on the cartoon, “Captain Planet.” He brought on Glen Powell to write the film and possibly star. But since then, it seemed as if the project died. Well, not so much, when you hear Powell talk about it.
“I think those conversations will be happening shortly,” Powell said. “I know DiCaprio is super passionate about it. I’m super passionate about it. I think it could be great… I want that one to work. I’d love to play that superhero.”
The actor noted that the status of “Captain Planet” really comes down to what happens with the Warner Bros. Discovery slate moving forward and “where all the superhero stuff kind of lands there.” So, it’s not a definite that this will actually happen, especially because WBD seems to be going through some issues right now.
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As mentioned, “Captain Planet” is based on the ‘90s cartoon of the same name about a group of teen Planeteers who are given rings of power from Gaia, aka Mother Earth. These rings have various powers tied to the elements such as earth, wind, fire, water, and, uh, heart. But when the teens combine their powers, they summon Captain Planet, who is this Superman-like powerhouse who rids the world of pollution.
Given the environmental stakes of the series and DiCaprio’s passion about the climate, it’s clear why the actor would be interested in seeing this hero brought to life. And Powell’s star power has only risen in the years since the original announcement. He’s appeared, most recently, in two great films, “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Devotion.”
We’ll just have to wait and see what happens to “Captain Planet” in the future. You can watch the opening for the cartoon below: