Is There a New Police Academy Movie?
The Police Academy franchise, which debuted in 1984, was a comedic staple of 80s and 90s American cinema. The series of seven films followed the misadventures of a group of bumbling, diverse, and lovable recruits at the Police Academy in Los Angeles. The films were known for their raunchy humor, over-the-top characters, and relatable premise. However, with the last installment, Police Academy: Mission to Moscow, being released in 1994, the franchise has remained dormant for over two decades. So, is there a new Police Academy movie?
Answer: A Revival of Sorts
While there isn’t a new film in production, in 2020, Netflix announced the development of an animated TV series. The animated series, simply titled Police Academy, is said to be a computer-generated, half-hour program that will pay homage to the original while introducing new characters and humor. Although there are no official release dates, the show is expected to premiere in 2022 or 2023. Here are some details about the upcoming animated series:
• Plot: The animated series follows a new cast of aspiring police officers, including the son of Frank Drebin, as they attend the infamous Police Academy. The storylines will tackle modern policing issues, social justice, and humor, while retaining the spirit of the original films.
• Main Characters:
- Frank Jr. (son of Frank Drebin): A young and eager police recruit who strives to live up to his father’s legend.
- Rae: A smart and ambitious recruit with a passion for justice and a hidden talent for combat.
- Vincent: A charming but awkward recruit with a tendency to get into trouble.
What Does the Original Cast Think About the Reboot?
In recent interviews, the original Police Academy cast has shared their thoughts on the proposed animated series:
• Steve Guttenberg (Buzz: "It’s a fantastic idea, and I’m excited to be involved, maybe…In any case, I think the franchise should be re-launched somehow."
• Brian Tochi (Sami: "It’s nice to see the franchise reinvigorated… I’m curious to see where they take it."
• David Graf (Lt. Proctor: "I’ve always wanted to do something with these characters again, and to hear it might come from a different direction, as an animated series, it’s not too bad".
What Fans Can Expect
The upcoming animated series is expected to retain the essence of the original franchise while introducing modern elements. Fans can anticipate:
• Humor: Quirky characters, over-the-top antics, and comedic situations, just like the original films.
• Social commentary: Issues like police reform, justice, and inclusivity will be addressed, making the series more relatable to contemporary audiences.
• Nostalgia: Easter eggs and references to the original films will pay homage to the franchise’s legacy.
Conclusion
While there isn’t an entirely new live-action film in production, the proposed animated series for Netflix aims to revive the Police Academy franchise, reinvigorating its humor and charm for new generations of fans. As the animation world continues to evolve, this revival provides an excellent opportunity to reinvent and reimagine the beloved series. With an expected 2022-2023 release date, fans won’t have long to wait to see how the animation team brings back the laugh-out-loud humor, memorable characters, and absurdity that defined the Police Academy franchise.
**Keep an eye on Netflix’s announcement page and stay up-to-date on the development of the Police Academy animated series!
