Leonardo DiCaprio joins Netflix’s ‘Captain Planet’ reboot as producer

The iconic '90s animated series "Captain Planet and the Planeteers" is officially getting a live-action reboot at Netflix, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Greg Berlanti attached as executive producers. Though Netflix has not commented, sources confirmed the news to Variety.

The new series will be penned by Tara Hernandez, creator of "Mrs Davis" and writer for hit shows like "The Big Bang Theory" and "Young Sheldon". The project will be produced by Berlanti Productions (Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman) and Appian Way (Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson), with Warner Bros Television as the studio behind the production.

"Captain Planet and the Planeteers" originally aired from 1990 to 1996 on TBS and in syndication. Created by Barbara Pyle and media mogul Ted Turner, it focused on five young "Planeteers" from around the world who, with the guidance of Gaia—the spirit of the Earth—summon superhero Captain Planet to tackle environmental and social issues. 

The series addressed topics like pollution, deforestation, drug abuse, poaching, and even HIV/AIDS, and garnered praise for educating and empowering its young audience.

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A live-action adaptation has long been in the works. In 2018, Glen Powell was reportedly developing a darker, more subversive take on the character with DiCaprio's Appian Way. Prior to that, in 2011, "Transformers" producers Don Murphy and Susan Montford had also attempted to bring "Captain Planet" to the big screen.

With Netflix now officially behind the project, the eco-conscious hero is set to make a comeback—this time, in live action.