SerpApi.Org
Perhaps the most recognizable cartoon trio of all time, Alvin and the Chipmunks have been reimagined time and time again for almost seven decades. A new reboot movie is now officially in the works as well, set to arrive just in time for the 70th anniversary of the animated rodents.
The Wall Street Journal has revealed that a feature film reboot is in development after Big Shot Pictures closed a deal to make the movie with Bagdasarian Productions. Big Shot has now acquired a 25% ownership stake in the brand to develop new projects featuring Alvin and his siblings. Up first on the board is a new movie that will be released in theaters in late 2028. A sneak peek at the reboot came with a post on Big Shot's Instagram account that featured an image of the next incarnation of Alvin, complete with his red hooded sweatshirt.
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore Will Be Reintroduced in 2028
Because of the controversial rise of AI in recent years, the image immediately sparked concerns with fans that this technology was used for the sneak peek photo. The comments section is filled with people questioning if the image was created that way, while others are practically begging Big Shot not to use AI when it comes to animating the Alvin and the Chipmunks reboot. Officially, there has been no indication at this time that the picture is AI-generated, or that the use of AI will be used in any capacity for the 2028 movie.
“Ross and Janice have built one of the most enduring brands in family entertainment history,” Big Shot Pictures CEO Brian Robbins said about the new deal in an official statement. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Bagdasarians to bring Alvin and the crew into the 21st century with the scale, creativity and energy they deserve.”
Ross Bagdasarian Jr. and Janice Karman, who've controlled the franchise since the 1970s, added: “We have guarded nearly seven decades of Chipmunk content, waiting for the right opportunity. Working with Brian and the incredible team he has assembled made this the perfect collaboration."
Short-Form Content and New Music Will Also Be Released
There will be more content to come beyond the animated film. The new deal will include the rights to develop digital short-form content for YouTube and similar video-sharing platforms. Additionally, the door will be open for new music opportunities, meaning new Alvin and the Chipmunks albums could also be made. How all of this content will ultimately be received remains to be seen, but beyond the AI concerns, many fans seem to otherwise be pretty stoked about the beloved trio returning to pop culture.
Ross Bagdasarian originally debuted Alvin and the Chipmunks in 1958, initially as faux singers for novelty records which became very popular. They would later get their own cartoons and animated films before eventually getting several live-action movies, starting with 2007's Alvin and the Chipmunks. Their last movie in theaters was the 2015 sequel Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip.
