- New announcement of the timeless rerelease
In the latest twist of events, two new adaptations of the classic children's tale, "Heidi," are underway. Broadcasters RTL and SRF have joined forces to create a "modern reboot," set against a historical backdrop. Hauke Bartel, Head of Fiction at RTL Germany, shares, "Heidi is one of the most famous and beloved figures in world literature, captivating generations of viewers." This contemporary series will not only retell Heidi's adventures in the Swiss Alps but also explore her transformation into a young woman.
Meanwhile, another group of producers—Zodiac Pictures, Claussen+Putz Filmproduktion, and Studiocanal Series—has also hopped on the bandwagon. They are planning a "Heidi" miniseries, having achieved success with a previous feature film ten years ago that attracted over two million cinema-goers in German-speaking countries.
The significant appeal of "Heidi" remains undiminished, as evident by its unwavering popularity. The most popular adaptation to date is a Japanese anime series from 1977/78, which propelled a sustained "Heidi" craze in Japan. Both productions aim for a release in 2027, celebrating the 200th birthday of the story's author, Johanna Spyri. While SRF's adaptation's release date is confirmed in 2025, the specifics about RTL's and another production team's adaptations are yet to be disclosed.
The "Heidi" series by RTL and SRF is part of the exciting new adaptations of the classic children's tale, as mentioned by Hauke Bartel. Additionally, RTL and SRF's modern reboot of "Heidi" is anticipated to release in 2025, alongside other upcoming adaptations.