Fox acquires the Gumby universe with plans to shape new projects

The Gumby universe, featuring the classic green clay figure, is now in the hands of Fox. I suddenly feel old while writing this news. I used to watch Gumby back in the day. I even own some Gumby and Pokey action figures. The material used to create them is made of some durable stuff as I can still bend and pose the characters to my liking. What’s that saying? They don’t make them like they used to?

Fox plans on reimagining Gumby for a new generation. Oh, man. It’s going to be hilarious when the Gumby purists ransack Twitter and Facebook to bemoan this update? Childhoods are at stake! Anyway, Fox will create a new series across linear, digital, and blockchain platforms. Oh wow! Blockheads on the blockchain. Gumby NFTs! What would the creator of the Gumby Universe, Art Clokey, think of this development?

Fox plans to develop both a new animated series in addition to live-action content for the reboot of its Gumby universe. The studio is currently talking with A-List talent to contribute to the Gumby universe reboot. Maybe they’ll give Chris Pratt a call?

For those of you who are too young to remember, Gumby was the subject of two television series – for NBC in the 1950s and Lorimar-Telepictures in 1988 – as well as a feature film in 1995.

Fox arranged the deal for Gumby and all his friends with the estate of Joseph Clokey, the son of creator Art Clokey. The deal also included the full library of Gumby animated series, specials, movies, and content, thereby expanding Tubi’s current offerings of Gumby goodness.

“Competition for globally recognized intellectual property is fierce.  Uncovering this gem, with its built-in awareness and affinity, and bringing it to Fox, adds meaningful value and creative possibilities to the IP itself and to multiple divisions of our company,” said Fox Entertainment CEO Collier.  “Fox is proud to be home to these iconic characters. Welcome one and all.”

All joking aside, this is an interesting development. Gumby hasn’t been considered “cool” for decades. I wonder how Fox plans on updating the character, and whether or not they’ll use stop-motion animation to bring him back to life. Gumby, Pokey, Prickle, Goo, Minga, Denali, Professor Kapp, and the Blockheads got up to some crazy adventures when I watched Gumby in the 1980s, and the animation was a joy to behold. In the show, Gumby and his friends would jump into storybooks where they would get up to all manner of mischief. I wonder how the update will reinvent the character, and whether kids will embrace Gumby and his pals with open arms. We’ll just have to wait and see!

Are you excited about a potential Gumby universe?