Mystery Science Theater 3000 creator Joel Hodgson wants to revamp his show for a new generation for the first time since its 1999 cancellation, and he’s turned to Kickstarter to make it happen. Hodgson launched “Bring Back MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000†on Kickstarter today with a goal of $2 million. The $2 million will cover production costs to make three new MST3K episodes, which Hodgson will then take and shop around to networks and online platforms. If the campaign raises $5.5 million, it’ll be enough money to produce twelve episodes, and Hodgson says if they somehow land $1 billion they’ll “adopt a real live teenage boy and Truman Show him into believing he is the Pumaman,†for what that’s worth. Here’s what Hodgson told EW on where he plans to take the show once the Kickstarter reaches its goal:
Those who he hopes to get involved include past cast members and writers, as well as a brand new cast that includes a fresh host as well as a new mad scientist and new voices for famous wise-cracking robots Tom Servo and Crow. “Basically, I’m trying to blend the old with the new,†says Hodgson. “Mystery Science Theater has already refreshed itself once with a completely new cast, so I think it deserves to do that again. The original cast is going to be invited back to write, produce, and do cameos as their mad science characters, and then there’s a new cast with new talent.â€
Hodgson’s goal is not to bring the show back for a final round, but for a whole new life on television: “We want to make a show that is sustainable so we can do another 100 episodes,†he told EW. “We don’t just want to take a shot at doing six.†For more info on the campaign, head over to the Kickstarter page.