'Time Bandits' Series Coming to Apple TV+! Get All the Details Including Premiere Date!
Back in 2022, Apple TV+ announced Time Bandits, a 10-episode series, which would be co-written, directed and executive produced by Jo Jo Rabbit's Taika Waititi with a cast led by Friends' Lisa Kudrow.
Here's everything we know so far about Time Bandits.
What is Time Bandits about?
Time Bandits is a comedic journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an 11-year-old history nerd.
Is Time Bandits based on other material?
The series is inspired by the 1981 film of the same name that starred Sean Connery, Michael Palin, Katherine Helmond and Shelley Duvall. It also starred David Rappaport and Kenny Baker. Baker is best known for playing R2-D2 in the Star Wars films.
The original film was produced and directed by Monty Python's Terry Gilliam, who also co-wrote the film with Palin. It would be the first movie in Gilliam's "Trilogy of Imagination" that included Brazil and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.
This adaptation is a re-imagining and will introduce several new characters that are unique from the movie.
Who will write Time Bandits?
Taika Waititi will write the series with his frequent collaborator, Jemaine Clement? along with Iain Morris. Akilah Green, Melanie Bracewell, Tyrell Williams and Sam Bain round out the writers room for Time Bandits.
Who will direct Time Bandits?
Taika Waititi, who also serves as executive producer, will direct the first two episodes. Jackie van Beek, Jeff Tomsic, Yana Gorskaya, and Tim van Dammen also direct episodes.
How many episodes are there of Time Bandits?
There will be 10 episodes in the first season of Time Bandits. They are:
Episode 1: Kevin Haddock
Episode 2: Mayan
Episode 3: Medieval
Episode 4: Prohibition
Episode 5: Georgian
Episode 6: Mansa Musa
Episode 7: Ice Age
Episode 8: Home Again
Episode 9: Pell-Mell
Episode 10: Fortress of Darkness
Meet the cast of Time Bandits
Lisa Kudrow (Penelope)
Best known for her role as Phoebe Buffay at Friends, Kudrow also starred in Romy & Michele's High School Reunion opposite Oscar-winner Mira Sorvino. Other credits include Dr. Doolittle 2, Easy A and Analyze This.
Fun fact: Kudrow was encouraged to join The Groundlings by her brother's childhood friend, Jon Lovitz. She also went to the same high school at the same time as Robin Wright.
Kal-El Tuck (Kevin)
Largely unknown, the Canadian Tuck's previous credits include Andy and the Band, Crackajack and Unseeing Evil.
Charlyne Yi (Judy)
Yi made their film debut in the Judd Apatow movie, Knocked Up. They are probably best recognized for their role as Dr. Chi Park on House. They co-wrote, executive-produced, and starred in the film Paper Heart opposite Michael Cera.
Tadhg Murphy (Alto)
The Irish actor's previous credits include Miss Scarlet & the Duke, Will and Absentia.
Roger Jean Nsengiyumya (Widgit)
Nsengiyumya's previous credits include Armchair Detectives, You Don't Know Me and Tomb Raider.
Rune Temte (Bittelig)
The Norwegian Temte has appeared in films like Eddie the Eagle, A Boy Called Christmas, and Captain Marvel and series such as The Last Kingdom, The Swarm and Fortitude.
Kiera Thompson (Saffron)
Kiera Thompson plays Kevin's younger sister, Saffron. Thompson's previous credits include The Salisbury Poisonings, 3 Sleeps and His Name Was Gerry.
Rachel House (Fianna)
House is a New Zealand actor whose credits include Thor: Ragnarok, Cowboy BeBop and Our Flag Means Death. She was also the voice of Gramma Tala in Moana.
Mark Gatiss
Gatiss is probably best known for playing Mycroft, the brother of Sherlock Holmes, in the BBC series Sherlock starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role. He has also starred and written several episodes of Doctor Who. Other credits include Game of Thrones, Good Omens, Nolly and 3 Body Problem.
Jemaine Clement
Clement met Taika Waititi at Victoria University in New Zealand where they formed the comedy troupe, The Humorbeasts and toured New Zealand extensively. Clement also met Bret McKenzie at university and they formed the musical-comedy duo Flight of the Conchords. He has voiced a number of characters in a variety of animated series including American Dad!, The Lego Batman Movie, Robot Chicken and DC League of Super-Pets. Other credits include Wellington Paranormal, What We Do in the Shadows and Avatar: The Way of Water.
Will there be a Season 2 of Time Bandits?
No word yet if Time Bandits will have a second season. Be sure to check back here for updates!
Has Time Bandits begun filming?
Yes. Time Bandits purportedly began filming back in October 2022 and into early 2023.
Where did Time Bandits film?
Time Bandits filmed in New Zealand and Toronto.
When will Time Bandits premiere?
Time Bandits will premiere on Wednesday, July 24 with two episodes. Two episodes will drop weekly on Wednesdays thereafter.
Where can I watch Time Bandits?
The original series will stream exclusively on Apple TV+.
Where can I watch the original 1981 Time Bandits movie?
Time Bandits is available on DVD and Blu-Ray. You can also rent/stream the film on Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, Vudu, and other streaming services.
Is there a sneak peek from the new Time Bandits series?
Yes, in fact we have two! Check out these sneak peeks from the first two episodes of Time Bandits.
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