"This is so demoralizing at this point" — Fans disappointed at Chitty Chitty Bang Bang reboot news

Modified Dec 13, 2024 17:40 GMT

Sally Ann Howes as Truly Scrumptious (Image via Amazon MGM Studios) — Sally Ann Howes as Truly Scrumptious (Image via YouTube/Amazon MGM Studios)

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a children's film directed by Ken Hughes, based on a screenplay he co-wrote with the author Roald Dahl. The story is based on Ian Fleming's 1964 novel Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car. The film features a cast including Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes, Lionel Jeffries, Gert Fröbe, Anna Quayle, and more.

According to a Deadline report dated December 12, 2024, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is getting a reboot. The producers of the James Bond movies, Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, are helming the project, teaming up with Amazon MGM Studios.

Fans of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang have not received the news of the reboot well. Many took to their social media handles to share their disappointment about the development. One user wrote on X:

"This is so demoralizing at this point. It feels like every day there’s 5 new reboots and remakes announced."

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Similar reactions followed as social media users noted how frequently the past hit films and shows were getting remade and rebooted.

"At this rate we'll get a Barney and Friends reboot," one user wrote on X.

"So they really just plan on rebooting everything," said one netizen.

"Hollywood is finished and out of ideas," remarked another.

Netizens also shared similar feelings of disappointment over the lack of new stories.

"I nearly tweeted literally yesterday “it’s a miracle they’ve not tried to remake chitty chittt bang bang yet” after it getting a mention on Off Menu. Whyyyy can’t new things get commissioned," wrote another user.

"No one has the creative acumen to create originals anymore, it's so sad," a person remarked.

What is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang about?

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The film revolves around a widowed inventor Caractacus Potts, played by Dick Van Dyke. Potts lives with his two children, Jemima and Jeremy, who request that he buy an old and wrecked car.

He tries to raise money by selling his inventions but fails multiple times, often being ridiculed by other people. Finally, he joins a song-and-dance act and earns enough money in tips to buy and repair the car, which he names Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

On their first trip to a beach, Potts and the children meet Truly Scrumptious, a wealthy heiress of a candy company. Although Potts and Truly had a few bitter encounters before, they develop a mutual liking for one another during the picnic.

A major part of the film is a story that Potts narrates to the children. In the tale, Chitty is a miraculous car capable of transforming into a boat and a plane, bringing adventure everywhere it goes. However, a malevolent Baron and a Child Catcher from the evil kingdom of Vulgaria try to steal away Chitty and the children from Potts. They are eventually saved by laughter and music.

The film was universally loved for its depiction of Fleming's characters, songs, and visual effects. However, there was a controversy regarding the portrayal of the character Child Catcher, who was considered antisemitic by some.