Dr Seuss’s ‘Horton Hears a Who!’ Returns to Streaming on Netflix

Dr Seuss’s beloved tale, Horton Hears a Who!, has made a vibrant return on Netflix, thanks to the efforts of Dublin-based Brown Bag Films. The animated series, simply titled Horton!, launched on November 2, 2023, with seven episodes now available for streaming. This partnership between Netflix and Dr Seuss Enterprises aims to bring several of the iconic author’s works to a new audience.

The series follows the adventures of a young Horton and his best friend as they embark on imaginative journeys. Brown Bag Films, which was founded in 1994, has expanded its presence with studios in Toronto and Bali, contributing to the animation of this latest project from its Dublin and Bali locations.

In a statement, Heather Tilert, Netflix’s director of kids and preschool original series, praised Brown Bag Films for their outstanding work in bringing the stories to life. “They have done an incredible job,” she noted.

The original adaptation of Horton Hears a Who! was released in 2008 as a feature film featuring the voices of Jim Carrey and Steve Carell. This latest series aims to capture the heart and humor that are hallmarks of Dr Seuss’s storytelling, according to Shane Collins, the series director. He expressed his gratitude, stating that Brown Bag Films is “deeply honoured to have worked on such an iconic Dr Seuss property,” highlighting the collaborative effort between their team, Netflix, and Dr Seuss Enterprises.

Theresa Mayer, who serves as senior producer for the series, described the project as “nothing short of iconic.” She emphasized the hard work that has gone into the series over the past two years, commending the creative leadership of Collins and art director Stephen O’Connor for guiding the project to completion. “We hope kids – young and old – enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it,” she added.

Looking ahead, Brown Bag Films has more Dr Seuss content in the pipeline. Another adaptation, The Sneetches, is set to debut on November 3, 2023. This 45-minute animated special explores the story of the Star-Belly Sneetches and Moon-Belly Sneetches, who once lived in harmony until their differences drove a wedge between them. Directed by Bronagh O’Hanlon, this upcoming release is expected to serve as a delightful introduction to family movie nights for children aged 5 to 10, according to Tilert.

Brown Bag Films remains committed to reinterpreting these classic stories for today’s audience, emphasizing their honour in bringing these iconic characters to life. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, collaborations like this one highlight the enduring appeal of Dr Seuss’s works across generations.