Taika Waititi’s Bold ‘Time Bandits’ Remake Ditches Dwarfs for Regular-Sized Thieves

Taika Waititi, known for his distinct cinematic style, is at it again with a daring remake of Terry Gilliam's cult classic, “Time Bandits.” This time, however, he's taken a controversial route by opting for regularly sized actors instead of dwarfs to portray the titular bandits. Slated for a July 24 premiere on Apple TV+, this 10-episode series promises to be both a fresh take and a bold departure from the 1983 original.

A New Look at a Classic Tale

The new “Time Bandits” centers on an unpredictable journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an 11-year-old history buff named Kevin, played by Kal-El Tuck. The cast includes Tasha Murphy, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Kiera Thompson, Rune Temte, and Lisa Kudrow as Penelope, a character created exclusively for this adaptation.

In the original film, the dynamic between Kevin and the dwarf-sized bandits was a crucial element of its charm. Their interactions often highlighted their size differences, adding a layer of humor and uniqueness to the narrative. Waititi's decision to replace these roles with regular-sized actors has sparked debate, with some fans lamenting the missed opportunity to provide rare acting roles for dwarfs. Critics have dubbed this move as “dwarf erasure” or “dwarfism,” arguing that it reflects a broader issue within the industry.

Behind-the-Scenes Drama

Adding to the intrigue is the reported tension during production. An insider from the crew revealed that Gilliam himself visited the set in New Zealand in December 2022, only to leave after three days due to his apparent disappointment with Waititi's direction. “He wasn't happy,” said the source. “His disdain for the entire project was quite obvious.”

Waititi's Vision

Despite the controversy, Waititi's signature touch is evident in the trailer. Known for his quirky humor and unique storytelling, he's set to bring a different flavor to “Time Bandits.” Whether this remake will resonate with fans of the original remains to be seen, but it certainly has people talking.

As the premiere date approaches, all eyes are on Apple TV+ to see if Waititi's bold reimagining will honor the legacy of Gilliam's classic or spark further debate. One thing is certain: this “Time Bandits” remake is set to be one of the most talked-about series of the summer.