I previously wrote about the upcoming ThunderCats series. Since then, some new information has been released, including images of the characters and toys. Personally, I’m excited for the new series and hope to post my thoughts about it when it premieres later this year. This, however, is not footage from the upcoming show. Today’s Monday Movie is, so far as anyone can tell, leaked footage from a planned computer animated ThunderCats movie that was eventually shelved when Warner Brothers decided to develop the animated series instead. The only other remnant of this film that anyone outside of Warner Brothers has seen is some concept artwork, so it’s tough to say how far into production the movie was before it was scrapped or what this footage is – assuming that it’s real. It could be an actual scene from the movie, a teaser to get moviegoers or potential licensors excited, proof of concept, or something else.

There’s not much to go on here, but I like what I’m seeing. The designs have been toned down a little too much for my tastes in the transition to three dimensions, but the basic premise and tone of the scene works really well. Keep in mind that Lion-O is a child in a man’s body, so it makes sense that his behavior would be immature bordering on annoying. I never like comparing a incomplete project to a finished one, as so much can happen in the production process. And right now, I don’t have much information about either the cancelled movie or the upcoming TV series. But this tantalizing bit of what might have been is certainly intriguing.

Given today’s date, I bet some of you are wondering why I didn’t choose a more romantic piece of animation for the Monday Movie. Does a lion guy battling a reptile man have anything to do with Valentine’s Day? For me it does. My husband and I have spent many happy hours together watching the original ThunderCats series. We’re both excited for the new show and my husband is the one who saw this video and brought it to my attention. So while it may not be immediately obvious, today’s post is definitely for my valentine.

Thanks also to ThunderCats fansite ThunderCats Lair, the site where my husband found out about this video.