Entertainment

New 'Hey Arnold!' Revival Stills Are Here

by Ashani Jodha

It's been 21 years since the kids of P.S. 118 graced our small screens back in 1994 and revolutionized kids TV. Hey Arnold! was a Nickelodeon staple, following a fourth-grader diligently trying to be the prime problem-solver for his friends and family in a version of NYC's Brooklyn borough. Living in a boarding home (in the coolest room ever, might I add — who didn't want that Murphy-couch of his?!), Arnold, his best friend Gerald, and his bully/primary admirer Helga all dealt with real-world problems like relationship issues, economic struggles, and life as a kid in the modern day. Now, with a two-hour, two-part revival film on its way, there's no question that Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie will once again redefine television. If you weren't already excited for this revival, though (and how could you not be?) I'm sure this will do it: The character designs for the Hey Arnold! revival were unveiled at the 2016 Nickelodeon Comic-Con panel "Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!: 25 Years of Nickelodeon Original Animation," and it's clear not much has changed in the concrete jungle.

Creator Craig Bartlett whose life Hey Arnold! was loosely centered around, ensured the hallmark television series kept its characters' integrity and true individualized looks alive in the revival. Still sporting his plaid undershirt and signature green shirt, Arnold now just dons a new bomber jacket and red kicks — both giving him a somewhat hipster vibe — while Gerald's "33" red jersey is now a "33" hoodie with identical converse-like kicks. Helga's still wearing a similar outfit too, but her dress seems to be a bit more sleek, and she's ditched the ankle socks.

Excited? I know I am.

Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie will be "resolving unanswered questions and plot lines, including Arnold finally getting answers about the whereabouts of his missing parents." Original voice actors Francesca Marie Smith (Helga), Anndi McAfee (Phoebe), Dan Castellaneta (Grandpa), and Tress MacNeille (Grandma) will all be reprising their roles in the revival film out in 2017.

Like I said, not much has changed in the concrete jungle — and for that, I couldn't be happier.

Images: Nickelodeon