You probably remember the mullet. And the silver skin. Maybe that catchy theme song that’s now permanently lodged in your brain. For years, we’ve heard whispers of a comeback for the guy who takes pollution down to zero. Honestly, the road back to Earth has been a messy one, filled with scrapped movie scripts and rights issues that would make even Hoggish Greedly's head spin.
But things are finally moving. As of early 2026, the blueprint for The New Adventures of Captain Planet has shifted away from the big screen and into the world of streaming and comics. It's a weird time for reboots, but this one actually has some heavy hitters behind it.
Netflix and the Live-Action Gamble
So, here's the real deal: the long-rumored live-action movie is dead. For about a decade, Glen Powell (the Top Gun: Maverick guy) and Leonardo DiCaprio were trying to get a film off the ground at Paramount. The script was reportedly "subversive"—picture a washed-up Captain Planet who needs the kids more than they need him.
That version is officially on the shelf. Instead, Netflix snagged the rights in a competitive bidding war. They are currently developing a live-action series.
- The Showrunner: Tara Hernandez (Mrs. Davis, Young Sheldon) is writing the script.
- The Producers: Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way is still involved, alongside Greg Berlanti.
- The Status: It’s in active development, with an estimated release window of late 2026 or early 2027.
Berlanti is the guy who built the Arrowverse on the CW, so he knows how to handle capes and powers. But translating a guy with bright green hair and blue skin into "prestige TV" is a massive hurdle. Will he look like a Greek god or a radioactive accident? We don't know yet.
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The 2025 Comic Reboot: A Glimpse of the New Look
While we wait for Netflix to start casting, we actually already have a "new" Captain Planet in our hands. In 2025, Dynamite Entertainment launched a brand-new comic series written by David Pepose.
This isn't your 1990s Saturday morning cartoon. The new designs by Eman Casallos give Captain Planet a beard. Yes, a thick, green, elemental beard. He looks less like a guy in spandex and more like a "golem" made of the elements—his shoulders are literally plated in rock.
The Planeteers have changed too. They aren't just kids following Gaia's orders anymore. In this version, Gaia is kidnapped right at the start, and the rings are scattered across the globe. Kwame is a leader in Ghana, Linka is a "revolutionary rock star," and Gi is a scientist. It’s a bit more grounded, focusing on how these five strangers—who don't even speak the same language initially—actually learn to trust each other.
Why This Reboot is Different
Most 90s reboots try to be "dark and edgy" just for the sake of it. Think of the Power Rangers movie where everything was grey. This revival seems to be keeping the heart (pun intended). The comic is even printed on 70% recycled paper.
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Basically, they are leaning into the fact that the world is a lot messier now than it was in 1990. The villains aren't just dumping toxic sludge into a river for fun; they are corporate entities with PR departments.
The Glen Powell Situation
People keep asking if Glen Powell is still playing the Captain. Short answer: No.
Powell confirmed in late 2025 that the project is "no longer in his hands." He was passionate about it for years, but Hollywood "rights holders and opinions" basically squeezed him out when the project moved from a movie to a Netflix series. It sucks for fans who wanted to see him in the suit, but it opens the door for a fresh casting choice.
What’s Actually Happening in 2026?
If you're looking for something to watch right now, you’re out of luck. But 2026 is the year pre-production hits high gear.
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- Casting Calls: Expect announcements for the five Planeteers by mid-2026. The production is reportedly looking for authentic global representation, staying true to the original show's international roots.
- The Comic Arc: The first major story arc of the Dynamite comic concludes this year, which will likely serve as the narrative "tone" for the show.
- Environmental Ties: Rumor has it Netflix is planning a major tie-in with Earth Day 2026 to showcase the series' environmental tech.
It’s easy to be cynical about reboots. Most of them are just cash grabs. But with DiCaprio’s genuine obsession with climate change and Tara Hernandez’s ability to write weird, smart sci-fi, this might actually be the first time Captain Planet feels relevant since 1992.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, pick up the Captain Planet #1 comic from Dynamite. It’s the best indicator we have of how they plan to handle the elemental powers without making them look cheesy. Also, keep an eye on Netflix’s production slate in the second half of this year; once filming locations are leaked, we’ll know if they’re going for a jungle-heavy adventure or a high-tech urban thriller.
The power, as they say, is yours. Or at least the power to wait for the trailer is.