Netflix’s Captain Planet live-action series in works with Leonardo DiCaprio: Could he play the lead?

Netflix is rebooting the 1990s animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers into a live-action series.

Published on: Jul 18, 2025, 19:59:37 IST

By HT US Desk

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The beloved 1990s animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers is making a live-action comeback: this time on Netflix. A Variety report quoted sources confirming that Leonardo DiCaprio and Greg Berlanti will serve as executive producers on the reboot, with Tara Hernandez (of Mrs Davis and Young Sheldon fame) attached as writer. The series will be produced by Warner Bros Television, where Berlanti Productions has an existing overall deal.

Leonardo Dicaprio will serve as the executive producer for the live-action Netflix series based on Captain Planet. (AFP)

While Netflix declined to officially comment, the Variety report quoted industry insiders who have verified that the adaptation is in early development. The reboot marks the latest nostalgia-driven project by Netflix, which has previously found success with reinterpretations like Stranger Things and Wednesday.

Also read: Netflix's Ballad of Small Player first look revealed: Release date, cast, plot and more

All about Captain Planet

Captain Planet and the Planeteers originally aired from 1990 to 1996 and was produced by DIC Entertainment and Hanna-Barbera. The show was originally conceived by environmentalist Barbara Pyle and media mogul Ted Turner.

Another GameRant report stated that the show aimed to educate children about pressing ecological issues through superhero storytelling. It featured five global ‘Planeteers’ who each wielded elemental powers and summoned Captain Planet to fight environmental threats. The show was notable for tackling complex topics like pollution, deforestation, HIV/AIDS, and bullying.

Leonardo DiCaprio set to be part of Captain Planet

The new Captain Planet series is getting a boost from Berlanti, who is famous for the Arrowverse and a bunch of other hit shows. DiCaprio, who is also on board, is into environmental stuff, which perfectly aligns with the show’s messaging.

The GameRant report added that DiCaprio has been attempting to get Captain Planet back on television for years. The report stated that Glen Powell was writing and was supposed to star in a movie version of the series, but it did not materialise.

Meanwhile, Variety report added that Tara Hernandez will be heading the writing team, so fans can likely expect new content but one which aligns with the show’s messaging. The makers have not said who is going to star in the show or when it will be released but Netflix is tapping into nostalgia by bringing out Captain Planet.

FAQs

Q: What is ‘Captain Planet and the Planeteers’?

A: It’s a 1990s animated series about five young people from around the world who use elemental powers to protect the Earth. When combined, they summon Captain Planet, an environmental superhero.

Q: Who is involved in the new Netflix adaptation?

A: Leonardo DiCaprio and Greg Berlanti are executive producers. Tara Hernandez is writing the series. It is being produced by Warner Bros. Television.

Q: Will this be a movie or a series?

A: The reboot is being developed as a live-action television series for Netflix.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT US Desk
The Hindustan Times US Desk brings you the latest news and developments from across the United States. The team covers everything from breaking news and politics to sports, business, entertainment and stories that are trending across the country. Our coverage includes the White House, Congress, US elections, immigration and visa updates, H-1B, green cards, Social Security, education, jobs, layoffs, the economy, technology and major policy changes. We also closely follow stories that matter to Indian and South Asian communities in the US. The desk covers major US sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, along with player news, injuries, schedules, results and major events. Entertainment coverage includes Hollywood, celebrities, television, streaming, music and pop culture. We also report on breaking developments, major incidents, weather, public safety, court cases and other stories making headlines across the country. When a major policy or news development affects people's everyday lives, the team works to explain what happened, what it means and what readers need to know. Alongside breaking news, the US Desk produces explainers and practical stories on topics such as immigration, Social Security, taxes, education, employment and government programmes. The team also works on science, tech, business and AI stories analyzing the impact they may have on people. The team follows developments throughout the day, keeping an eye on official announcements, public records, reliable news sources and what people are talking about across the US.Read More

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