‘Time Bandits’ Creator Terry Gilliam Reportedly Extremely Unhappy With Taika Waititi’s Upcoming Apple TV Adaptation: “His Disdain For The Entire Project Was Quite Obvious”

Taika Waititi Answers the Web’s Most Searched Questions / In Conversation With: Terry Gilliam
Taika Waititi Answers the Web’s Most Searched Questions / In Conversation With: Terry Gilliam

According to a new whisper, renowned comedian and entertainer Terry Gilliam is not happy with Taikia Waititi’s upcoming Apple TV adaptation of his 1981 cinematic fantasy film Time Bandits.

Terry Gilliam shares some of his Criterion Collection favorites via Criterion Collection's Closet Picks

Terry Gilliam shares some of his Criterion Collection favorites via Criterion Collection’s Closet Picks

RELATED: Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam: “I’m Tired of White Men Being Blamed For Everything Wrong With The World”

Produced and directed by Gilliam and featuring a script co-written by himself and fellow Monty Python comedy troupe member Sir Michael Palin, Time Bandits follows the story of Kevin, a young history buff who ends up falling in with a group of six thieves who, with the assistance of a special map, sail throughout the time stream stealing various treasures from the past.

King Agamemnon (Sean Connery) thanks Kevin (Craig Warnock) for his help in besting the Minotaur in Time Bandit (1981), HandMade Films

King Agamemnon (Sean Connery) thanks Kevin (Craig Warnock) for his help in besting the Minotaur in Time Bandit (1981), HandMade Films

However, their light-hearted romp eventually takes a turn for the deadly when a the villainous and manipulating Evil sets his sights on the map, intent on using it for his own dark purposes.

With the fate of the world in their hands, Kevin and the Time Bandits vow to keep the map away from Evil at all costs, collecting treasures and stories all the while.

Robin Hood (John Cleese) has a word with the Time Bandits in Time Bandits (1981), HandMade Films

Robin Hood (John Cleese) has a word with the Time Bandits in Time Bandits (1981), HandMade Films

RELATED: In Seeming Dig At Taika Waititi, ‘Thor’ Star Chris Hemsworth Says He Refuses To Work With Any More “Mad Genius” Directors

In September 2022, Apple announced that it had not only officially greenlit a ten-episode television adaptation of Gilliam and Palin’s film, but that they had tapped the Thor: Love and Thunder mastermind to direct and executive produce the series.

While audiences no doubt rolled their eyes at the prospect of another Waititi-led cringe fest, the biggest critic of Apple’s hiring decision has actually turned out to be Gilliam himself.

Taika Waititi proudly boasts about featuring a shot of Chris Hemsworth bare body in Thor: Love and Thunder to Stephen Colbert on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Taika Waititi proudly boasts about featuring a shot of Chris Hemsworth bare body in Thor: Love and Thunder to Stephen Colbert on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

As per an alleged crew member who reportedly spoke to World of Reel‘s Jordan Rulmy, Gilliam abruptly ended and walked off of a December 2022 visit to the series’ New Zealand set after finding himself massively disappointed with Waititi’s handling of his original vision.

“He wasn’t happy,” said the insider. “He kept groaning and making remarks. Terry was supposed to be there for two weeks but he left after three days.”

Evil (David Warner) claims to be superior to God in Time Bandits (1981), HandMade Films

Evil (David Warner) claims to be superior to God in Time Bandits (1981), HandMade Films

“His disdain for the entire project was quite obvious,” they added. “You probably won’t be hearing any praise for this series from him anytime soon.”

As of writing, neither Gilliam, Waititi, nor any of their representatives have offered an official comment on World of Reel‘s rumor.

Meanwhile, Apple TV’s Time Bandits has yet to receive an official release date.

The Supreme Being (Tony Jay) demands the return of his map in Time Bandits (1981), HandMade Films

The Supreme Being (Tony Jay) demands the return of his map in Time Bandits (1981), HandMade Films

NEXT: Old Vic Theatre Cancels Production By Monty Python Star Terry Gilliam Over His Support Of Dave Chappelle

Share: 
Mentioned This Article:

More About: