Imagine a world where a beloved cartoon classic could have been born, but was tragically canceled before it even began. This is the story of a missed opportunity, a what-if scenario that has left fans curious and disappointed.
The Potential Classic That Never Was
In the 1980s and '90s, a trend emerged where children's animated series were adapted from adult-oriented movies. It was a controversial move, but one that produced some memorable shows. From "Rambo: The Force of Freedom" to the horror-themed "Little Shop" and "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes," these shows left an impression, good or bad.
But here's where it gets interesting, and a little bit scary... What if the iconic "Alien" franchise, known for its bleak and terrifying horror, had joined this trend? It's a mind-boggling thought, but apparently, it almost happened.
The Canceled Cartoon: Operation: Aliens
Kenner Products, the toy company behind many successful lines, acquired the rights to produce an "Alien"-themed cartoon series in the early '90s. The series, titled "Operation: Aliens," was set to coincide with their "Alien" toyline, which featured figures inspired by James Cameron's "Aliens."
Despite some online evidence, including stills from the pilot episode, the series never saw the light of day. The poor reception to "Alien 3" reportedly led to the cancellation of the cartoon, but the toyline still went ahead, lasting from 1992 to 1995.
Kenner's Star Wars Connection
Kenner Products had previously enjoyed immense success with their "Star Wars" toy line, released from the late '70s to the mid-'80s. When that franchise's popularity waned, they sought a new sci-fi hit to replicate that success. And so, the idea for "Operation: Aliens" was born.
However, the plan didn't pan out as expected. The "Alien" toy line was short-lived, and the cartoon was never produced, suggesting that Kenner's leadership lacked confidence in the project's potential.
But is that really the whole story? Could "Operation: Aliens" have been a success in its own right, separate from the "Star Wars" comparison? History has shown that cartoons based on edgy franchises can be incredibly popular, even if they might be considered morally questionable by some.
Introducing young viewers to horror and scary concepts can be a powerful tool for preparing them for life's challenges. "Operation: Aliens" could have been a unique and impactful show, but we'll never know.
And this is the part most people miss... What if the cancellation of "Operation: Aliens" was a missed opportunity for a truly iconic cartoon? What do you think? Could this have been a classic, or was it better left on the drawing board? Let's discuss in the comments!
