In a press release put out today, Warner Brothers Animation officially announced that they have entered into production on a brand new animated series based on the popular ’80s show, Thundercats, which will air on Cartoon Network.

Warner Animation is collaborating on the project with Japan’s Studio4°C, who have brought us other titles such as Gotham Knights, The Animatrix, and Halo Legends. Instead of the normal cartoon look for Thundercats, this new series will actually infuse traditional Japanese anime animations into the production, giving it an amazing visual styles to go along with the wonderful new stories.

Dig out those sweet plastic swords you had when you were a wee li’l tyke, and sound off with your best “HOOOOO!” as you click over for more and to read the full press release. Don’t B.S. us. We all did it.

The new series will tell the story of Prince Lion-O’s rise to power, as well as he and characters like Cheetara, Panthro, and others’ quest to find and secure the coveted Stones of Power before the evil villain Mumm-Ra finds a way to obtain them.

The only negative to all of this great news for fans of Thundercats, is that it probably means that the live-action movie we’ve heard whispers of from time to time is probably not happening. I suppose there’s always the hope that this new animated series’ success could lead to one, but perhaps it’s for the best.

A poster and image were also released for the announcement (image can be seen above, poster can be seen at the source link below). While an actual date is unknown, the poster promises the show will arrive some time in 2011.

PRESS RELEASE

THUNDERCATS, HO!

WARNER BROS. ANIMATION ANSWERS THE CALL WITH A NEW

TAKE ON THE CLASSIC ANIMATED SERIES “THUNDERCATS,”

TO AIR ON CARTOON NETWORK

(June 3, 2010 – Burbank, CA) – Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) has begun production on “ThunderCats,” an all-new animated series for Cartoon Network, based upon the iconic 1980s action classic. “ThunderCats” is the newest series from WBA, joining “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” which was recently renewed for a third season, and the following forthcoming programs: “The Looney Tunes Show,” “MAD,” “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” and “Young Justice.” The announcement was made today by Sam Register, Executive Vice President, Creative Affairs, Warner Bros. Animation.

“In addition to being Warner Bros. Animation’s first anime series, “˜ThunderCats’ marks our most ambitious foray yet into fantasy,” said Register. “The realism and dynamic visual style we’ve achieved are sure to thrill viewers, and the cool weapons, vehicles and technology should help the show appeal to a diverse audience.”

The 21st century reimagining of the series marks a creative collaboration between WBA and Studio4°C, one of the most vibrant animation studios in Japan, with credits including “The Animatrix,” “Gotham Knights” and “Halo Legends.” WBA is working closely with Studio4°C, utilizing the latter’s expertise to give the “ThunderCats” characters a new cutting-edge look while remaining true to the compelling storylines and mythology of the original series.

“We at Studio4°C are excited to be in this creative partnership with Warner Bros. Animation to bring “˜ThunderCats’ to life,” said Eiko Tanaka, President and CEO, Studio4°C. “This collaboration combines the strengths of our two companies – high production values and great storytelling – toward reintroducing this classic fan-favorite to a new audience.”

Roaring to life through WBA and Studio4°C’s use of the Japanese animated artistry of anime, “ThunderCats” characters Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, Panthro, Cheetara and others will spring off the screen with realistic cat-like characteristics inconceivable in previous incarnations.

The new “ThunderCats” will appeal to viewers who have loved the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the franchise. A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes, the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost – takes on epic dimensions in this sharp new telling. As the forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest for the fabled Stones of Power, Lion-O and his champions learn valuable lessons of loyalty, honor and mortality in every episode.

“ThunderCats” is executive produced by Sam Register (“Teen Titans,” “Ben 10,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold”). Michael Jelenic (“Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “Wonder Woman”) and Ethan Spaulding (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”) are the producers.

[Source: via Wizard World]