What started out as a sketch on Saturday Night Live, The Blues Brothers became one of the best comedies to feature rhythm and blues musical acts. Starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as “Joliet” Jake and Elwood Blues, respectively, the 1980 film had the two characters in a tale of redemption where they embark on “a mission from God” to save from foreclosure the Catholic orphanage in which they were raised.

Unfortunately, John Belushi died in 1982, but somehow a sequel was developed and released in 1998. Despite having the creative and performing core group return, the sequel never quite lived up to expectations and turned out to be a commercial and critical failure.

However, Aykroyd is going to develop an animated series based on the two films. But it is not as bad as it sounds thanks in part to the creative team that is involved. More on the story below.

The Wrap says Bento Box Entertainment is developing and producing the animated series based on the characters seen in the original skit and films. While the studio may not sound familiar, it is the team that should reassure us that the series might be something worth watching. According to the report, John Belushi’s widow Judith Belushi-Pisano and SNL writer Anne Beatts will serve as co-creators and executive producers.

Music will obviously be a very important aspect to the series, as it played a huge part in skits and films. Each episode will feature a score and soundtrack curated with the soul, blues, and R&B classics and hits performed by the original Blues Brothers. It will also feature new performances recorded specifically for the show. And much like the first film, it will feature cameos “from aspiring talent, treasured blues legends and superstars from today’s music world.”

“It is such a privilege for us to be able to produce the work of the very same people who played such an instrumental role in creating one of the most iconic, multi-faceted comedy and music brands of all time,” Bento Box Entertainment’s Scott Greenberg said in a statement. “Now we all have the rare opportunity to translate the timeless comic genius of Dan and John from live-action to animation while offering an entirely new generation of Blues Brothers fans the chance to appreciate them.”

This project has been under development for quite some time, with discussions to bring the musically iconic duo to the TV being held starting back in 2012.

Aykroyd added: “It’s so great to accelerate Jake and Elwood at digital speed into the 21st Century via the outstanding creative group at Bento Box. The show will be the Blues Brothers living in America and utilizing all new technology to make and promote their own records, seek out and record new artists and avoid law enforcement “” and all while fighting for truth, justice, and a better breakfast sandwich.”

[Source: The Wrap | THR]