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How is Apple TV+'s 'Time Bandits' different from Terry Gilliam's 1981 cult classic movie

Apple TV+’s Time Bandits offers a fresh look and feel to the 1981 film while preserving the adventurous spirit of the beloved classic

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Apple TV+ is reviving the fantasy adventure 'Time Bandits', originally a 1981 film directed by Terry Gilliam.

The upcoming series, created by Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris, and Taika Waititi features 'Friends' fame Lisa Kudrow in the lead role.

While the Apple TV+ series shares the same name and basic plot as the original film, it introduces several new elements to expand the storyline and add a unique twist.

What is the plot of Apple TV+'s 'Time Bandits'?

The upcoming series is a comedy fantasy adventure revolving around an 11-year-old boy named Kevin (played by Kal-El Tuck) who embarks on a journey through time and space along with a group of thieves.

The official synopsis for 'Time Bandits' on Apple TV+, reads, "Eleven-year-old Kevin's passion for history is put to the test when he joins a ragtag group of time-traveling thieves on a high-stakes and hilarious adventure in this epic reimagining of the iconic film".

Apple TV+ series made a major casting change and sparked controversy

The 1981 film comprised a cast of dwarf people playing the bandits. For a fresh take, the creators of the series have chosen not to cast dwarfs in the major roles, opting instead for actors like Lisa Kudrow and Rune Temte.

The casting of the series has faced criticism from the dwarf community. Abbie Purvis, granddaughter of one of the original film’s actors, voiced her disappointment on TikTok.

"For a generation that is so big on talking about inclusivity and diversity and making sure that everyone’s heard, this whole casting choice just seems absurd,” The Associated Press quoted Purvis's remark.

Despite this controversy, creators Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement emphasize that their goal was to bring a fresh perspective to the story rather than merely replicating the film.

“We had to be different as not to just be thieving or tracing over what they had,” Clement said to The Associated Press.

What else does the Apple TV+ series change from the classic film?

The new series also updates the visual style. Unlike the film's cluttered, dreamlike quality, the Apple TV+ series will feature more polished visuals while preserving the fantastical and whimsical tone.

Fans can also look forward to changes in the time periods and scenarios of the adventurous journey.

While the name of the lead character, Kevin remains the same in both versions, Apple TV+ may have changed the names of other characters to add freshness.

How to stream 'Time Bandits'?

Brace up for a ride of nostalgia and adventure as 'Time Bandits' is arriving on your home screens this July.

The series will premiere with the first two episodes on July 24, 2024, on Apple TV+. The streaming platform will then release one episode per week until its conclusion with the tenth episode on August 21, 2024.

'Time Bandits' trailer