Get ready to rev your engines because everyone’s favorite eccentric inventor and his magical flying car are gearing up for a comeback! Amazon MGM Studios is in the early stages of developing a remake of the beloved 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. As reported on MovieWeb, the new project is being produced in collaboration with Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson’s Eon Productions — names synonymous with the James Bond franchise.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has a fascinating origin story that links it to the world of spies and whimsical storytelling. The original children’s book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car, was written by none other than Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond. The film adaptation, released in 1968, boasted a screenplay co-written by Roald Dahl, the celebrated author behind Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda. With a creative team like that, it’s no wonder the story became an instant classic.
Starring Dick Van Dyke as the charming inventor Caractacus Potts, Sally Ann Howes as Truly Scrumptious, and Lionel Jeffries as Grandpa Potts, the original film captured the hearts of audiences with its quirky characters, whimsical adventures, and catchy songs by the Sherman Brothers. The iconic theme song even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song in 1968.
Van Dyke, now at 99 years old, is turning heads with his youthful attitude and zest for public appearances. Recently starring in a new video for Coldplay (below), the TV and movie icon from Hollywood’s Golden Years has shown that age is just a number.
Fans of the original have a number of options to watch it. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, Roku, and Pluto TV.
What We Know About the Remake
Amazon MGM Studios and Eon Productions are reportedly in the earliest stages of development, meeting with writers and directors to reimagine the story for modern audiences. According to Deadline, the new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is being crafted with a theatrical release in mind rather than a direct-to-streaming debut, signaling the studio’s commitment to the big-screen magic this story deserves.
While there are no confirmed details on casting or release dates, the creative team is sure to face the exciting challenge of bringing Ian Fleming’s vibrant world to life for a new generation of fans. The colorful, larger-than-life settings, imaginative plot, and heartfelt themes make Chitty Chitty Bang Bang a perfect candidate for the kind of cinematic experience that demands a theater.
Revisiting a Beloved Classic
Beyond its cinematic success, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has enjoyed a lasting legacy, including a Tony-nominated stage musical adaptation that debuted on London’s West End in 2002 and later on Broadway in 2005. The musical continues to tour, proving that the story’s charm and magic remain timeless.
Although the remake is still in its infancy, the thought of revisiting this whimsical tale on the big screen is enough to excite longtime fans and intrigue newcomers alike. With Amazon MGM and Eon Productions at the helm, we can only imagine the fantastical new heights this flying car will reach.