The Magic School Bus Rides Again (2017) - Top 5 Facts!
Here are the Top 5 Facts about the Magic School Bus Rides Again Netflix show! It's getting TONS of flack because while many are excited about the revival because it nails that millennial nostalgia sweet spot, others have been more critical of various aspects of the new series. Chief among people's concerns seem to be the animation style. One Twitter user, Aaron Margolin, is a web animation developer and gave a breakdown of why the artistic choices made are somewhat questionable. It stars Ms. Frizzle's sister! Fiona Felicity Frizzle is the original Ms. Frizzle's sister, and she will be taking the wheel. Fiona will be voiced by actress Kate McKinnon, who found fame impersonating Hillary Clinton on SNL during the 2016 election. One other major change in the reboot is that the bus will have some new high tech capabilities. Did you know that Lin Manuel Miranda sings the theme song?
#5: It Stars Ms. Frizzle's Sister
This new show will follow some familiar characters in a continuation of the story started in the 90s. Fans of the original show were surprised to hear that in the updated version, the Magic School Bus would not actually be driven by Ms. Frizzle. Well, that’s not exactly right- it will be driven by a Ms. Frizzle, just not the one we know and love. Fiona Felicity Frizzle is the original Ms. Frizzle’s sister, and she will be taking the wheel. Fiona will be voiced by actress Kate McKinnon, who found fame impersonating Hillary Clinton on SNL during the 2016 election. One other major change in the reboot is that the bus will have some new high tech capabilities.
#4: The Internet Wanted Tracee Ellis Ross as the New Frizz
Netflix announced that they would be producing a “Magic School Bus” revival all the way back in 2014 so fans had three whole years to speculate about what a modernized version would look like. One idea that gathered steam on Twitter was a call for actress Tracee Ellis Ross, known for her role on “Black-ish”, to take on the role of Ms. Frizzle. There was some incredible fan art made and months after the concept was pitched, Ross herself responded sharing her excitement. In early 2017 however, Kate McKinnon’s casting was announced, but fans didn’t lose hope!
#3: Audience Reaction Has Been Mostly Positive
Ever since the trailer for “The Magic School Bus Rides Again” was released by Netflix in September of 2017, Twitter has been filled with critiques and commentary. While many are excited for the revival because it nails that millennial nostalgia sweet spot, others have been more critical of various aspects of the new series. Chief among people’s concerns seems to be the animation style. One Twitter user, Aaron Margolin, is a web animation developer and gave a breakdown of why the artistic choices made are somewhat questionable.
#2: That’s Lin-Manuel Miranda Singing the Theme Song
When the creators of the show were looking for someone to perform the theme song for the reboot, they probably couldn’t have aimed much higher than Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Broadway star who became a household name after creating and starring in “Hamilton” is now one of the most sought after performers in the world. The Tony and Grammy winner was charged with remaking this recognizable tune, “Ride on the Magic School Bus” which was originally written by Peter Lurye and performed by none other than Little Richard.
#1: Some Original Voices Are Back
Even weeks before the show’s release, there is very little information available about the cast of the students at Walkerville Elementary. We know that Lily Tomlin will be reprising her role as The Frizz, and that Kate McKinnon will be voicing her replacement but other than that, details are murky. One actor has spoken out however. Stu Stone played Ralphie in the original series and has revealed that he will be working on the updated version in some capacity. It doesn’t sound like he’ll be voicing the same character again, but he has hinted that many familiar voices will be back together again.
