The 1980s were a simpler time in many respects. Granted the Cold War was raging but greeting card characters could create media franchises. Hallmark created Rainbow Brite and American Greetings brought Strawberry Shortcake into the world as well as The Care Bears. Out of those three mentioned franchises, The Care Bears have endured the longest, finding their way back into pop culture every so often with the loving ferocity of a good Care Bear Stare. While its been a while since they had their place in the limelight, that may be changing thanks to an upcoming feature film.
From 1985 – 1987, a trilogy of Care Bears movies hit theaters with the first one grossing $34 million on a $2 million budget. The follow-ups were a case of diminishing returns, but that first movie holds a place in the hearts of many a child of the ’80s. It helps that it also sported an original Carole King song called “Care-a-lot,” which is virtually guaranteed to hit you right in the emotional feels. Oh, and it also had a bunch of multi-colored adorable bears with symbols on their stomachs and shoot magical beams of love to attack those they feel need the power of friendship in their lives. Or something like that.
In fairness, even though the film was part of a marketing machine to sell plush dolls, shirts, and everything else you could slap a Care Bear on, the film had a good heart to it and remains suitably charming to this day. Maybe it’s the good vibes, maybe it’s the nostalgia, but Warner Bros. is seeking to bring another Care Bears film to the screen with Josh Greenbaum to direct it. Greenbaum’s most recent work includes directing the documentary film, “Will & Harper,” as well as the 2023 film, “Strays.”
Currently there are no plot details or other pieces of information being revealed about the project. It’s announced as being “in development.” In the meantime, The Care Bears currently have a series that’s been running on Cartoon Network, “Care Bears: Unlock the Magic.” Last year they aired six half-hour specials, showing that perhaps the loveable little creatures have a stronger place in the cultural zeitgeist than many people may have figured. We’ll continue our Care Bear Countdown as we get more information on the upcoming film.
