A little over a year ago, it was revealed that Apple is developing a TV series based on the cult-classic Terry Gilliam film, “Time Bandits.” However, there wasn’t much info about the series at that time. Then in March of this year, Taika Waititi was reportedly attached as the writer-director-producer of the series, surprising many fans. And one of the most shocked at the news was none other than Gilliam. Why? Well, because no one actually told him.
Speaking to TotalFilm, Terry Gilliam voiced a bit of frustration about the development of the Apple TV+ series, “Time Bandits.” However, it’s not frustration born from creative differences, as you might imagine is normally the case when filmmakers watch their projects get adapted. Instead, it appears there’s a bit of a breakdown of communication between the production company and Gilliam.
READ MORE: Taika Waititi To Co-Write & Direct The Pilot Episode Of Apple’s ‘Time Bandits’ Series
The filmmaker reveals that his role in development is as a “non-writing executive producer.” And even though that sounds like he holds power, Gilliam revealed that he found out about Waititi’s involvement in “Time Bandits” “via the web” and added, “so much for correspondence and information.”
Interestingly, it appears that the series might actually have another roadblock — a signed contract. According to Gilliam, he has yet to officially sign on the dotted line to make “Time Bandits” a thing.
“My contract is not quite signed,” Gilliam said. “I’ve said, ‘When it’s signed, let’s get to work.’ It’s been around for a long time, and I actually stopped it being on television, because I just wanted the movie to be a thing, but with streaming—Netflix and Apple—you can’t escape it.”
Perhaps one of the reasons that the contract has yet to sign can be traced back to an earlier interview in a recent issue of Vanity Fair Italy. During an interview about a variety of topics, Gilliam mentioned how he’s working with Apple on “Time Bandits.” However, he said that the contract has been held up in negotiations due to a clause that prevents the outspoken filmmaker from saying anything that might offend someone.
His response was something akin to “go to hell.” He then relayed his wishes to a lawyer and we’re not sure if anything has changed. That being said, we do know from this TotalFilm interview that a contract hasn’t been agreed upon yet.
That begs the question of whether or not “Time Bandits” will in fact be on Apple TV+ anytime soon? We’ll just have to wait and see if Gilliam plays ball or lets his principles rule the day.
