The CW network stated in 2020 that it will adapt “The Powerpuff Girls” into a live-action TV series. Since then, the project has experienced delays and has now been formally canceled.
“The Powerpuff Girls” series would have depicted the story of Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup as adults, regretting how they spent their childhood fighting crime. However, in a world that needs them more than ever, would they be willing to join forces once again?
The live-action adaptation’s original cast includes Chloe Bennet from “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” as Blossom, Dove Cameron from “Descendants” as Bubbles, and Yana Perrault from the Broadway musical “Jagged Little Pill” as Buttercup. Professor Utonium, the creator of the Powerpuff Girls, was planned to be played by Donald Faison.
However, many internet fans were upset by leaked on-set images, since the appearance of the three major characters felt cheap and reminiscent of amateur cosplay. Comments like
“These costumes look so cheap, it’s ruining my childhood”,
“The actors are beautiful, but I can’t stand these costumes”.
Mark Pedowitz, then-president of The CW network, stated why the series was not ordered for a full season in 2021. He remarked that the live-action “Powerpuff Girls” pilot episode did not measure up to their expectations. Despite this, the business remained optimistic about the project’s prospects, stating, “We want to give it another shot.” So, in terms of the pilot, we’ll rewrite and reshoot it.”
He further added, “In terms of the pilot, it didn’t quite feel as rooted in reality as it might have. But again, you learn things when you test things out. And so, in this case, we felt like we wanted to go back to the drawing board and start over.”
As a result of the need to reshoot the pilot, contract discussions with the cast had to be renegotiated. However, due to schedule issues, Chloe Bennet had to withdraw from the project.
After a difficult production path, The CW network has officially announced the cancellation of “The Powerpuff Girls” live-action series. Other projects that have not progressed and have been canceled include the Arrowverse’s “Justice U” spinoff, the female-led “Zorro” series, and “Jake Chang” based on Archie Comics characters.
Brad Schwartz, the president of The CW network, has confirmed this news, stating that they have released these projects and added, “The studio will now be able to redevelop these projects and sell them elsewhere.”
