Jim Carrey in Talks to Star in Live-Action Jetsons Movie
Warner Bros. is reportedly reviving the iconic Hanna-Barbera series The Jetsons as a live-action film, and Jim Carrey is in talks to take the lead role. According to an exclusive from TheWrap, Carrey may play George Jetson, the hapless family man at the heart of the futuristic sitcom. Meanwhile, Colin Trevorrow is in negotiations to direct and co-write the film, with Joe Epstein also linked as a co-writer.
As of now, no contracts have been finalized and Warner Bros. declined to comment on the upcoming film. But insiders say the studio is developing the project in earnest, with the intention of fusing the classic charm of the animated series with modern visual effects and storytelling elements.
Why Jim Carrey Makes Sense as George Jetson
Carrey’s career has long balanced broad physical comedy with an ability to tap into character vulnerability—qualities that could suit George Jetson. The character’s hallmark is that while he lives in a flashy world of flying cars, robot maids, and high-tech gadgets, he’s still a relatable everyman struggling with family life, work, and the quirks of futurism.
Moreover, Carrey has a proven track record when it comes to adapting animated or larger-than-life personas to screen. His portrayal of Dr. Robotnik in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise helped anchor a heavily CGI environment and demonstrated that he remains a commercial draw. That series crossed the $1 billion mark at the global box office.
His total box office tally across his career surpasses $6 billion globally, making him a bankable choice for a family-friendly tentpole.
The Creative Team Behind the Film
If Trevorrow signs on, this would mark another high-profile reboot under his belt. He relaunched the Jurassic World series in 2015, and his 2022 film Jurassic World: Dominion earned over $1 billion worldwide. His earlier work includes the Sundance favorite Safety Not Guaranteed, and he next has a conspiracy thriller in the works at Paramount.
Epstein, meanwhile, brings TV showrunning experience—he was showrunner, writer, and executive producer of HBO’s The Idol in 2023. His involvement suggests that Warner Bros. is aiming for a screenplay that blends cinematic spectacle with character depth.
Together, Trevorrow and Epstein may attempt to reinvigorate The Jetsons for a new generation by reshaping the family’s dynamics, but hopefully preserving the nostalgic sci-fi aesthetics.
Potential Challenges
The Jetsons originally aired in 1962–63 before a revival in the mid-1980s. It holds the distinction of being the first show broadcast by ABC in color. Its characters have appeared in various media over the decades, including the 1990 animated film Jetsons: The Movie.
Despite many attempts over the years to bring The Jetsons to live action, none have yet come to fruition. In 2017, ABC ordered a pilot for a live-action TV version with Robert Zemeckis involved, but that project did not reach series. There have also been earlier live-action film development efforts in past decades, though none fully materialized.
One key challenge for this new iteration will be balancing nostalgia with innovation. Fans will expect iconic elements—Astro the dog, robot maid Rosie, flying cars, Orbit City itself—while new audiences may demand tighter storytelling, deeper character arcs, and plausible futuristic world-building.
Another challenge: casting the rest of the Jetson family. Who will play Jane, Judy, Elroy, Rosie and Astro? Those choices will be under scrutiny.
If Warner Bros. can navigate budget, effects, and tone successfully, Carrey’s involvement could give this project momentum. For now, fans and industry watchers alike will be keeping a close eye on which way Orbit City takes off.