Elizabeth Banks to Star as Ms. Frizzle in Live-action 'Magic School Bus
WHO:
The Hollywood Reporter - Scholastic, the publisher behind the book series, will produce the film along with Banks’ Brownstone Productions and Marc Platt Productions.
Deadline - Elizabeth Banks is set to produce the film in addition to starring as Ms. Frizzle.
Deadline - Elizabeth Banks is set to star as Ms. Frizzle.
Variety - Rob Letterman is signed on to write and direct the film.
WHAT:
The Hollywood Reporter - Elizabeth Banks is ready to take chances, make mistakes and get messy on the Magic School Bus.
Collider - The live-action adaptation of "The Magic School Bus" is described as a reboot of the beloved children's series.
Deadline - Legendary Entertainment and Scholastic Entertainment are developing a live-action feature adaptation of "The Magic School Bus."
Variety - The project has been in development for six years and is regaining momentum.
WHERE:
Variety - The rights to the project were acquired by Legendary Entertainment from Universal.
WHEN:
Variety - Universal initially optioned the project in June 2020.
WHY:
Deadline - The collaboration aims to bring the beloved children's book series to life in a live-action format.
HOW:
The Hollywood Reporter - Rob Letterman is already a Scholastic veteran after helming the publisher’s 2015 Goosebumps movie that starred Jack Black.
Variety - Rob Letterman is known for his work on "Shark Tales" in addition to "Detective Pikachu."
Deadline - Rob Letterman, known for "Detective Pikachu," will write the treatment and direct the film.
(UPDATED June 24, 2026 06:21 UTC)
Elizabeth Banks is set to bring the beloved Magic School Bus to life in a new film, ready to take chances, make mistakes, and get messy. Scholastic, the publisher behind the iconic book series, will produce the movie in collaboration with Banks’ Brownstone Productions and Marc Platt Productions. Rob Letterman, who previously directed the 2015 Goosebumps movie for Scholastic, will helm this exciting new project.
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(UPDATED June 23, 2026 21:31 UTC)
Elizabeth Banks will not only star as Ms. Frizzle but also produce the live-action reboot of "The Magic School Bus." This adaptation aims to bring the beloved children's series back to life for a new generation. Rob Letterman, recognized for his work on "Shark Tales" and "Detective Pikachu," is set to direct the film.
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(UPDATED June 23, 2026 19:39 UTC)
Legendary Entertainment and Scholastic Entertainment are moving forward with a live-action adaptation of "The Magic School Bus," with Elizabeth Banks set to star as Ms. Frizzle and Rob Letterman signed on to write and direct the film. This project, which has been in development for six years, is gaining new momentum after the rights were acquired from Universal. Letterman, known for his work on "Detective Pikachu," is expected to bring a fresh take to this beloved children's book series.