Movie prop makers work overtime to bring viewers the most stunning visual effects. In “War Horse,” the puppet horse combines human movement, mechanical switches, and levers to create realistic movement. Some animatronics are entirely automated. Others are made as exosuits, requiring humans to operate parts of it and control the animated suit from inside. The woolly mammoth animatronic in Time Bandits is an exosuit and requires humans to walk.
Videos by InspireMore
To understand the significance of the mammoth animatronic, you need to know a little about “Time Bandits.” The original movie came out in 1981. The story revolves around history buff Kevin, who discovers six dwarves coming out of his closet. They have a map that charts time holes, allowing them to steal ancient treasures across different time periods. Kevin joins them, and the adventure begins.
The mammoth was for use in the “Time Bandits” series in 2024. Producers did not renew the series after only one season. The mammoth animatronic was for a trip to the Ice Age. It was in episode 7 before the series’ cancellation. There is a rumor that a remake of the original film is in the works, but we haven’t verified that.
Unless the “Time Bandits” series gets a reprieve, the mammoth animatronic might go into retirement. It could probably become a brontosaurus, regular elephant, or similar animal for a future production. Maybe producers will look into a live-action version of “Ice Age.” A few small changes, and it could look like Manny.
Many of movie animatronics, including the mosquitos in “Jumanji” and the “Nessie” in “Water Horse,” originated within the creative team at Weta Workshop.
Please share if seeing this mammoth animatronic in your local mall would be cool.
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
