Prepare to be transported back to a prehistoric world brimming with dinosaurs, primate-like people, and reptilian humanoids, as Netflix is officially reviving the beloved 1970s sci-fi cult classic, Land of the Lost. But this isn’t just another reboot. In a thrilling nod to longtime fans, the original creators, Sid and Marty Krofft, are returning to help shape the adventure, promising a reimagined take that stays true to the heart and wonder of the original. Here’s everything we know so far about Netflix’s Land of the Lost reboot.
‘Land of the Lost’ Set for Netflix Revival with Original Creators
Netflix is diving back into the world of classic television with plans to reboot the 1974 sci-fi adventure series Land of the Lost. According to Deadline, the streaming giant has inked a deal with Legendary Television to develop the revival, with the original creators—Sid and Marty Krofft—attached as producers alongside Deanna Krofft Pope, Marty’s daughter and COO of the Krofft production company. While the project is still in its earliest stages, a search is currently underway to find the right writer to bring the reimagined vision to life.
The Original Journey into the ‘Land of the Lost’
The classic 1970s series Land of the Lost captivated audiences with its unique premise: a father, Rick, and his two children, Will and Holly, are unexpectedly pulled through a mysterious portal. They find themselves stranded in a fantastical, prehistoric realm teeming with dinosaurs, including a formidable Tyrannosaurus rex they affectionately dub “Grumpy.” Their adventures unfold as they encounter various indigenous inhabitants: the primate-like Pakuni, forming an unlikely friendship with one named Cha-Ka, and the more menacing reptilian humanoids known as Sleestak.
This imaginative show first premiered as a children’s series on NBC’s Saturday morning lineup, running for three seasons from 1974 to 1976. Its enduring appeal even led to summer reruns on CBS in 1985 and 1987. Spencer Milligan starred as the resourceful patriarch, Rick, alongside Wesley Eure as Will and Kathy Coleman as Holly. A groundbreaking element of the original series was its use of stop-motion animation to bring many of its memorable creatures to life, adding to its distinctive charm and pioneering special effects.
Previous Ventures into the ‘Land of the Lost’
Even with its initial brief run, Land of the Lost quickly cemented its place as a cult classic, ensuring its enduring relevance across decades. This lasting popularity sparked two significant reboots of the beloved title. The first was a 1991 television series remake, which aired for two seasons on ABC, attempting to recapture the original’s magic for a new era. Years later, the franchise made its way to the big screen with a 2009 feature film starring Will Ferrell, offering a comedic take on the prehistoric adventures. Notably, Sid and Marty Krofft, the visionary creators behind the original, were involved as producers in both of these subsequent iterations, underscoring their continued dedication to the Land of the Lost legacy.
Early Buzz for Netflix’s ‘Land of the Lost’ Reboot
News of Netflix’s plan to revive Land of the Lost has already sparked a lively debate among fans, particularly on Reddit. Reactions are a mixed bag, ranging from fervent excitement to cynical skepticism.
One enthusiastic user expressed their optimism, stating, “Honestly, if its production quality is as high as Lost in Space was and it’s as enjoyable, I’m absolutely down for this. Remake all those old shows [in my opinion]. Land of the Giants, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, all that stuff.” This sentiment highlights a desire for high-quality reboots of classic sci-fi.
However, not everyone shares this eagerness. A more jaded commenter pointed out, “The series passed its 50th anniversary last year. Is Hollywood that hopelessly phobic about original ideas these days?” This reflects a common concern about the prevalence of reboots over new concepts. Another user echoed this sentiment by simply asking, “Wasn’t this already rebooted?” – referencing the previous attempts to revive the franchise.
At the time of this initial buzz, the project remains in its very early stages. Deadline reported that despite their inquiries, the companies allegedly involved offered no comment.
Netflix’s Strategy for Classic Revivals and Legendary Television’s Expansive Slate
While Netflix may not boast the decades-deep archives of traditional broadcast networks, the streaming giant has increasingly focused on breathing new life into beloved classic series. This strategy is clearly evident with the Land of the Lost reboot, joining a growing list of nostalgic reimaginings. Currently, Netflix is actively filming a contemporary version of the beloved Little House on the Prairie. This follows the successful reboots of popular shows like Lost in Space and One Day at a Time, demonstrating Netflix’s commitment to captivating both original fans and new audiences with updated takes on familiar stories.
Meanwhile, Legendary Television, the production powerhouse partnering with Netflix on Land of the Lost, maintains an impressively robust and diverse slate across various streaming platforms. Their current roster includes major titles such as Dune: Prophecy for HBO and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on Apple TV+. Additionally, for Netflix, they are producing the animated Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. Beyond these confirmed projects, Legendary Television is actively developing a number of other high-profile productions, including live-action series based on the popular Tomb Raider and Pacific Rim franchises, as well as an adaptation of Girls and Their Horses, which is set to involve Nicole Kidman, all in development at Amazon.