Jimmy Neutron (franchise)

Last updated
Jimmy Neutron
JIMMY NEUTRON LOGO.png
Created by John A. Davis
Original work Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001)
Owner Nickelodeon (Paramount)
Years2001-2013
Films and television
Film(s)
  • Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001)
  • Jimmy Neutron 2 (cancelled)
  • Untitled possible Jimmy Neutron reboot
Television series
Television special(s) The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour (2004–2006)
Television film(s)Operation: Rescue Jet Fusion
Games
Video game(s)
Miscellaneous
Theme park attraction(s) Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast (2003–2011)

Jimmy Neutron is a Nickelodeon computer-animated media franchise created by John A. Davis in the 1980s and commenced in 1998 with the pilot Runaway Rocketboy. The franchise focuses on the titular Jimmy Neutron (voiced by Debi Derryberry), a young boy with a genius-level intellect.

Contents

Films

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius

After the pilot was completed, Nickelodeon executives, who were impressed by the pilot and still enthusiastic about the show's potential, raised the prospect of creating a theatrical film to accompany the TV series, much to the surprise of Davis and his team at the studio. During the initial pitch to Nickelodeon, Oedekerk had highlighted the idea that using computer animation would allow the same models and assets to be reused between both a film and a TV show, an idea which Nick held a strong faith in. [1] Davis further suggested that the feature film be created first, since the characters being modeled could be created at a higher quality than they would have with a TV budget. Although Nick was worried that it would be more difficult to attract a movie-going audience without the TV show to build an install base for the series, these concerns were answered with a series of short TV interstitials which would begin airing in order to build up hype for the upcoming film. [1] [2] The film was a box office and critical success and was nominated for the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 74th Academy Awards along with Pixar's Monsters, Inc. but lost to DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek . [3]

Cancelled sequel

In February 2002, a sequel was reported in development for a summer 2004 release. Producer Albie Hecht reported to the Los Angeles Times that the sequel "would be made on the same budget as the first, but with a new batch of inventions and adventures in Jimmy's town of Retroville." [4] On June 20, 2002, The Hollywood Reporter reported that writer Kate Boutilier had signed a writing deal with Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount Pictures to write a sequel to the film, but the sequel never materialized. [5] The film was cancelled because the writers could not agree on a story and Alcorn later stated in an interview that "once the TV series came out, there wasn't a lot of incentive to make a movie when fans could simply watch Jimmy Neutron for free at home." [6]

Possible reboot

In 2016, director John A. Davis stated that he has a story for a Jimmy Neutron reboot feature that he would like to make, but he is waiting for the "right situation" to make it. [7]

When asked about a reboot in 2020, Rob Paulsen stated "Well, I've got to tell you, man. I go all over the world when we don't have the coronavirus, and people love Carl. They love Carl. I don't think it would be a bad thing at all to reboot Jimmy Neutron. I think that's one of those shows that a lot of people would love to see again. It was very good. Really smart. That wouldn't surprise me." [8]

Television series

The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius (the first series): Throughout the show, various mishaps and conflicts occur on these adventures, as Jimmy's various inventions go awry. The series was well-received. [9] DNA Productions retooled their pipeline when moving from the film to the TV series, to reuse assets for the episodes. Some of the programming team at the studio programmed a special code that allowed the animators to animate scenes in Maya, which can then be rendered in Lightwave. This helped the team keep up with the deadline and avoid going over budget. [10]

Planet Sheen (the second series) was a spin-off focusing on Sheen. Originally designed as a series called Red Acres, it was unrelated to Jimmy Neutron, but after multiple network rejections, including Cartoon Network and Disney Channel, the series was re-developed the series to what would become Planet Sheen. The series was not well received by fans, but critics had mixed reviews. [11]

Specials

The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour is a trilogy of television crossover specials set between the universes of the animated television series The Fairly OddParents and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius. The saga consists of The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour, The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour 2: When Nerds Collide, and The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour 3: The Jerkinators, which premiered on Nickelodeon between 2004 and 2006, and were subsequently released to home video. [12] [13] The specials combine multiple types of animation, using traditional 2D animation for the segments set in the Fairly OddParents universe and CGI for the Jimmy Neutron segments.

Video games

Shorts

Cast

CharacterVoiced by Jimmy Neutron:
Boy Genius
The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour Planet Sheen Count
1 2 3 1 2 3 1a 1b
Jimmy Neutron Debi Derryberry Main 59
Sheen Estevez Jeffrey Garcia Main 87
Carl Wheezer Rob Paulsen Main 59
Doppy Doppweiler 38
Cindy Vortex Carolyn Lawrence Main 59
Libby Folfax Crystal Scales Main 45
Goddard Frank Welker Main 57
Hugh Neutron Mark DeCarlo Main 57
Judy Neutron Megan Cavanagh Main 49
Ms. Winfred Fowl Andrea Martin Main Recurring 49
King Goobot V Patrick Stewart
S. Scott Bullock
Main Guest Guest 3
Finbarr Calamitous Tim Curry [lower-alpha 1] Also starring Main 8
Emperor Fred Tatasciore Main 44
Nesmith Bob Joles Main 38
Pinter Thomas Lennon Main 30
Princess Oom Candi Milo Main 30
Aseefa Soleil Moon Frye Main 26
Dorkus Jeff Bennett Main 22
  1. Professor Finbarr Calamitous is voiced by Ming-Na Wen and Jim Meskimen respectively in the guises of Princess Quin Shi Su and Quentin Smithee.

Rides and attractions

Merchandise

Jakks Pacific produced toys based on the property. [14]

Related Research Articles

<i>The Fairly OddParents</i> American animated television series

The Fairly OddParents is an American animated television series created by Butch Hartman for Nickelodeon. The series follows the adventures of Timmy Turner, a 10-year-old boy with two fairy godparents named Cosmo and Wanda who grant him wishes to solve his everyday problems.

<i>The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius</i> American animated series

The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius is an American animated television series created by John A. Davis for Nickelodeon. Based on the 2001 film Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, the series serves as a sequel to the film. It originally aired on Nickelodeon for three seasons from July 20, 2002, to November 25, 2006. The show follows an 11-year-old genius from the fictitious town of Retroville, Texas, the eponymous character, as he goes on adventures with his best friends Carl Wheezer and Sheen Estevez. Throughout the show, various mishaps and conflicts occur on these adventures, as Jimmy's various inventions go awry. The series features voices of Debi Derryberry (Jimmy), Rob Paulsen (Carl), and Jeffrey Garcia (Sheen) for the three main characters.

<i>Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius</i> 2001 American computer-animated film

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius is a 2001 American animated science fiction comedy film produced by Nickelodeon Movies, O Entertainment and DNA Productions, and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film was directed by John A. Davis and written by Davis and producer Steve Oedekerk. Its voice cast includes Debi Derryberry, Patrick Stewart, Martin Short, Rob Paulsen, and Jeffrey Garcia. The film follows the title character, a schoolboy with super-genius intelligence, who must save all of the parents of his hometown from a race of egg-like aliens known as the Yolkians.

<i>The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour</i> Nickelodeon television specials

The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour is a trilogy of crossover television specials between the American animated series The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius and The Fairly OddParents, consisting of The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour, The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour 2: When Nerds Collide, and The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour 3: The Jerkinators. The specials premiered on Nickelodeon between 2004 and 2006, and were subsequently released to home video. They combine multiple types of animation, using traditional animation for the segments set in the Fairly OddParents universe and computer animation for the Jimmy Neutron segments. The events of the crossover specials take place during the second and third seasons of The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius and during the fourth and fifth seasons of The Fairly OddParents.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Butch Hartman</span> American animator (born 1965)

Elmer Earl "Butch" Hartman IV is an American animator, writer, YouTuber, illustrator, and voice actor. He is best known for creating the animated television series The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, T.U.F.F. Puppy, and Bunsen Is a Beast for Nickelodeon. Hartman created the production company Billionfold Inc. in 2003, which he uses primarily to produce his shows. Hartman was an executive producer on The Fairly OddParents for the entirety of its 16-year run.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Oedekerk</span> American filmmaker, actor, and stand-up comedian (born 1961)

Steven Brent Oedekerk is an American filmmaker, actor, and stand-up comedian. He is best known for his collaborations with actor and comedian Jim Carrey and director Tom Shadyac, his series of "Thumbmation" shorts and his film Kung Pow! Enter the Fist (2002), along with his films Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, Santa vs. the Snowman 3D, Barnyard, and The Nutty Professor remake.

Nickelodeon Movies is an American film production company owned by Paramount Global. Originally founded in 1995, it serves as both the film production arm of the American children's network Nickelodeon and the family film distribution label of Paramount Pictures, operating under its Paramount Players division.

Jeffrey Garcia is an American actor and stand-up comedian, who is best known for voicing Sheen Estevez in Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, and its two Nickelodeon spin-off television show series The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius and Planet Sheen, as well as Pip the Mouse in Barnyard and its spin-off television show series Back at the Barnyard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DNA Productions</span> American animation studio

DNA Productions, Inc. was an American animation studio and production company based in Irving, Texas. It was founded in 1987, by John A. Davis and Keith Alcorn. The studio originally worked on miscellaneous projects for other companies, including commercials and corporate videos, before branching out to television and film animation.

<i>Back at the Barnyard</i> Computer-animated television series

Back at the Barnyard is an American CGI animated television series based on the 2006 film Barnyard serving as a direct sequel to it. This was the second Nickelodeon TV series to be based on a film, with the first being The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. It aired from September 29, 2007 to September 18, 2010 on Nickelodeon for two seasons. The show was a co-production between Omation Animation Studio and Nickelodeon Animation Studio. The last five episodes aired from September 12 to November 12, 2011, on Nicktoons. It features the voice of Chris Hardwick as Otis.

The Fairly OddParents originated from a mini-series of 7-minute shorts on the Oh Yeah! Cartoons showcase. The series premiere, appropriately named "The Fairly OddParents!" is the pilot of the series which showcase the debut appearances of Timmy Turner, Cosmo, Wanda, and Vicky.

<i>Planet Sheen</i> American animated television series

Planet Sheen is an American CGI-animated television series created by Keith Alcorn and Steve Oedekerk. It is the second sequel television series of the film Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, and a spin-off sequel to The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius. The series was picked up for 26 episodes by Nickelodeon for its first and only season. Jeffrey Garcia returns as the voice of Sheen, and Bob Joles and Rob Paulsen are the voices of Nesmith and Doppy. The series was originally animated by C.O.R.E. in Toronto, but animation production moved to Bardel Entertainment in Vancouver after C.O.R.E closed down. At that time, Chris Neuhahn took over as Supervising Producer. Planet Sheen premiered on Nickelodeon on October 2, 2010, in the United States. The series aired its final episode on February 15, 2013.

Nicktoons is a German pay television channel owned by Paramount Networks EMEAA, and broadcast by Nicktoons Global since 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jimmy Neutron</span> Animated titular character

James Isaac Neutron is the titular and main character from the film Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and its spin-off Nickelodeon animated television series The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius. Created by showrunner John A. Davis, he has been voiced by Debi Derryberry since the test pilot premiered in 1998.

<i>The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder</i> American live-action/animated comedy television series

The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder is an American comedy live-action/animated television series developed by Christopher J. Nowak that premiered on Paramount+ on March 31, 2022. It is a sequel to Nickelodeon's original animated series, The Fairly OddParents.

References

  1. 1 2 "The Rise of Jimmy Neutron". Awn.com. Retrieved December 30, 2018.
  2. Mallory, Michael (November 11, 2001). "A Boy and His Franchise". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved June 6, 2016.
  3. "75th Academy Awards Nominees". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on February 2, 2018. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  4. "From One Screen to Another". Los Angeles Times. 2002-02-15. Retrieved 2020-02-02.
  5. "'Jimmy Neutron' Sequel Gets 'Thornberrys' Scribe". Killer Movies. June 20, 2002. Retrieved November 12, 2016.
  6. "Keith Alcorn on JIMMY NEUTRON and PLANET SHEEN". karereviews.net. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  7. Gruppetstudios (October 14, 2016), Cartoons VS Cancer Ep. 11 - (The One with John Davis!) , retrieved November 24, 2017
  8. Barnhardt, Adam (April 3, 2020). "Jimmy Neutron Star Says a Reboot Wouldn't Be Surprising". comicbook.com.
  9. "The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron - TV Review". 27 January 2011.
  10. Gruppetstudios (October 14, 2016), Cartoons VS Cancer Ep. 11 - (The One with John Davis!) , retrieved November 24, 2017
  11. "Planet Sheen - TV Review". 29 September 2010.
  12. "'The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour' ('The Fairly Odd Parents' / 'The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron')". Amazon. 11 May 2004. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  13. "'The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour 2: When Nerds Collide' ('The Fairly Odd Parents' / 'The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron')". Amazon. 14 March 2006. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  14. "Jakks Pacific to Create Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius Activity Toy Line". Jakks Pacific . July 2, 2001. Archived from the original on June 3, 2002. Retrieved March 28, 2024.