The last time we saw Tarzan on the big sceeen, Alexander Skarsgard and Margot Robbie were under the direction of Harry Potter helmer David Yates. Unfortunately, despite having all the necessary attributes to succeed, the 2016 movie failed to strike a chord with moviegoers, and Warner Bros. gave up on the potential franchise pretty quickly.
Now, though, The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Edgar Rice Burroughs' iconic pulp hero may be returning to theaters courtesy of Sony Pictures.
The studio behind the Spider-Man and Venom franchises has picked up the screen rights to the character and is looking to deliver a "total reinvention" of the character and IP. No writer, director, or producers are attached at this early stage, though it looks like Sony is going back to the drawing board with Tarzan in an effort to deliver something new.
How easy that will be remains to be seen. Tarzan's story is well-known, with the story of him meeting Jane and leaving the jungle one that's very tired at this stage. In fairness, the character has been around since 1912 and even starred in a Disney animated movie that was later adapted for Broadway.
Throw in the fact that recent years have seen Burroughs' books come under scrutiny for their ideas of colonialism, white saviour, and racial and gender stereotypes that are no longer acceptable today, and it's easy to see why Sony is looking to completely overhaul the classic character and property.
It will be no easy task, that's for sure, and Sony has something of a spotty track record, so only time will tell how this new take pans out. The potential is there for a great movie, but making one could be easier said than done.
What would you like to see from a Tarzan reboot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section and stay tuned for updates as we have them.