The collection of ThunderCats fan fiction grows wider and deeper with a new short film called ATOPRHN / PANTHRO, directed by Larnell Stovall of Titans fame.
Released on YouTube as plans are underway for a ThunderCats feature film, the short stars Corey Calliet as Panthro, evidently sporting an alias while he quests incognito in search of those he is "sworn to protect." Panthro works his way from the site of his crash landing on Earth, through the mean streets of an anonymous urban wasteland, all the way to Russia in search of a captured comrade.
"I hear the spirit of this planet, and I know its name: Earth. Hear me, Earth. I will find my friends," Panthro gravely intones. While not explicitly identifying whether he means Third Earth or not, the stark conditions in both the wilderness and "civilized" locales of the story sharply suggest that the cloaked Panthro indeed roams the post-apocalyptic era depicted in the ThunderCats animated series.
Considering that the series also begins with their arrival on Third Earth, after the ThunderCats' escape from the destruction of their home planet of Thundera, it is likely that Stovall's short is a hearkening back to that same origin story. The title of the short alone, "Panthro - Chapter One" suggests that more is to come of this fan film franchise.
As the chief mechanic and pilot of the ThunderCats, Panthro built all of their vehicles used on Third Earth with the help of Tygra, known as the scientist of the group. Also an architect, Tygra was behind the design of all ThunderCat buildings on Third Earth, including the Cat's Lair and Tower of Omens. As leader Lion-O's counselor and second-in-command, Tygra's place is one of great power and responsibility, making his rescue by Panthro in Stovall's film a significant feat. Whatever challenges await these two in their continuing mission to find their remaining friends are sure to hold viewers' attention as Chapters Two and beyond are hopefully in the works from Stovall and screenwriters Bryan Hill and Derrick Beck.
Stovall is known for his work on DC Universe's Titans, for which he has served as stunt co-ordinator across three seasons.
Source: YouTube