Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie: What could have been
The 13th of April
Canceled projects intrigue me, even more so when there's substantial production material out there still waiting to be uncovered. This sentiment isn't solitary, there's a reason why lost media has become such a wide-spread rampant phenomenon. Fortunately in the case of Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie with the help of industry connections and unwavering fan support the project finally came into fruition! Our beloved football-headed franchise finally had the finale fans fought for. There's no need to dig up the past, no need to reminisce on what could have been, right?
Fig. 1. Unknown. Luan, Roger. Untitled.[Enviromental set-piece in the jungle] ca. 2000, Acrylic Painting
I think about the original version of tjm SO MUCH it's not even funny. A majority of my criticisms would abate if the film was theatrical as originally conceived. I'm a huge aficionado for nuanced character animation.
I'm one of the few ha! Fans who isn't opposed to the adventurous and action aspects of tjm. Yes, the source material is far more grounded. However, I like to feel the fantasy elements are just an exaggerated approach to the original magic realism genre of the original. Who doesn't love a bit of saccharine spectacle? The spectacle is a massive part of why I reminisce so much on the theatrical version, seeing a Hey Arnold film on the big screen is just too thrilling not to think about.
I'm sure the same precarious writing decisions from Hey Arnold!: The Movie would seep its way into tjm. The pacing? Wouldn't even come close to being as egregious of a problem in the tv film, having a production cost so high would allow for far more time.
THE FACT THAT CRAIG BARTLETT HAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE MANY STORYBAORDS DRAWN FOR THE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION DRIVES ME UP THE DANG WALLLLL. I don't remember where but I'm certain it was stated on one of his Reddit AMA's or interviews... I will add a source in when I find one. Irregardless, if a full 3 minute the film was definetly far enough into production to have made sequential boards. There's boxes full of production material, turn-around sheets, background concepts and so much more.
Fig. 2. Unknown. [Developmental art featuring Gerald and Arnold cycling amidst a gloaming San Lorenzo]. ca. 2000. Digital.
Imagining the film with atmospheric cinematography has me in awe and it doesn't even exist.
Fig. 3. @mashymilkiesinc. Tumblr Post. May 21st, 2020 [Photo of room displaying developmental art for Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie (2017)]. ca. October 2016. Photograph.
Fig. 4. Unknown. [View of smoke from Edwardo boat/on river's edge] ca. 2000, Charcoal.
Fig. 5. Unknown. [High angle view of river rapids] ca. 2000, Graphite.
The Jungle Movie even existing is a miracle in it of itself. I have so much respect for the millenials and all those who compaigned as passionately as they did.