A remake of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is officially in development at Amazon MGM Studios, in collaboration with Eon Productions, the team behind the iconic James Bond franchise.
Currently in its early stages, the project involves Eon and Amazon executives actively meeting with potential writers and directors. The film is planned for theatrical release.
Revisiting a Classic
The original 1968 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a whimsical musical fantasy starring Dick Van Dyke.
Based on the children’s book by James Bond creator Ian Fleming, the film was directed by Ken Hughes and produced by Albert “Cubby” Broccoli. Its screenplay was co-written by Roald Dahl, Ken Hughes, and Richard Maibaum.
Set in pre-war England, the story follows Caractacus Potts (Van Dyke), a quirky widowed inventor, and his children as they restore a discarded racing car with magical abilities.
The film’s title song received an Oscar nomination and has since become a beloved classic.
From Screen to Stage
In addition to its cinematic legacy, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was adapted into a stage musical featuring six new songs by the Sherman Brothers, who also composed the film’s original music.
The stage version premiered in London in 2002 and later opened on Broadway in 2005. It toured extensively, with performances in the United States, Australia, Singapore, Germany, and is currently running in the United Kingdom.
A Bond Between Studios
The remake underscores the ongoing partnership between Amazon MGM and Eon Productions, best known for their stewardship of the James Bond film series.
The franchise’s latest installment, No Time to Die, marked Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007 in 2021. Efforts are underway to cast a new actor as the legendary MI6 operative.