ThunderCats (1985)

About ThunderCats (1985)

ThunderCats is an animated television series that was released in 1985 and gained a large fanbase. Produced by Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment, ThunderCats follows the journey of a group of half-human, half-feline characters known as the ThunderCats. The series is set on Third Earth, a planet the ThunderCats inhabit after their home planet Thundera is destroyed. The story mainly revolves around Lion-O, the young Lord of the ThunderCats, and his attempts to lead the team in their fight against the evil Mumm-Ra.

Making / Production

The ThunderCats series was developed by Tobin "Ted" Wolf and animated in Japan while being produced, ranked, and bassed in the United States. It released 130 episodes over four seasons from 1985 to 1989. The animation was provided by Pacific Animation Corporation, with voice acting recorded at the T.W.O. studio in New York City.

Actors

• Larry Kenney as Lion-O: As the lead character and hereditary "Lord of the ThunderCats", Kenney portrayed Lion-O with a balance of youthful inexperience and heroic leadership.
• Earle Hyman as Panthro: Hyman provided the voice for Panthro, the strongest and most technically skilled of the ThunderCats.
• Lynne Lipton as Cheetara: Lipton’s Cheetara was the sole female ThunderCat in the original series, prized for her speed and often the voice of reason in the group.
• Peter Newman as Tygra: Newman’s Tygra was the quiet, spiritually inclined tactician of the group and second in command to Lion-O.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series ended with a movie in 1987 titled "ThunderCats – HO!"
• The catchphrase "ThunderCats Ho!" became a cult classic saying and is recognized even by those unfamiliar with the series.
• ThunderCats was one of the highest-rated animated shows during its first season.

Quotes

• “ThunderCats Ho!” - Various Characters
• "Sword of Omens, give me sight beyond sight." - Lion-O
• "Thunder, Thunder, ThunderCats, HOOO!" - Lion-O

Music, Soundtrack

• The iconic ThunderCats theme was composed by Bernard Hoffer, who also provided the score for many of the series' episodes.
• The soundtrack was heavily influenced by classical music, creating a unique blend of orchestral score and 80s synths.