After a six-year hiatus since the release of ToeJam and Earl: Back in the Groove, fans of the beloved alien duo have been left pondering the future of the franchise. While this gap is not the longest in the series’ history—considering that the third installment, Mission to Earth, debuted in 2002—the anticipation for new adventures has certainly built up over time.
Future Developments in the Franchise
In a recent Reddit AMA, co-creator Greg Johnson provided a glimmer of hope for fans eager for news on a new ToeJam and Earl game. Responding to a query from user Arkeband, Johnson confirmed that plans for another installment are indeed in the works, albeit at a very preliminary stage. The specifics remain under wraps, leaving enthusiasts to speculate on what this next chapter might entail.
In addition to the gaming news, Johnson also touched upon the upcoming ToeJam and Earl movie, which was first announced in December 2022 and is currently being developed by Amazon Studios. When asked by Reddit user Mess_Man about the film’s format—whether it would be animated or feature live-action elements with CGI—Johnson admitted that he is uncertain. He noted, “I’ve read the script, and really it could be either all animated, or it could be a mix like the Sonic movie, as it’s primarily set on Earth.”
Johnson also mentioned that the project is currently in a holding pattern as the studio searches for a director. “Hopefully that train will start moving again soon,” he added, expressing his own curiosity about the direction the film will take.
While Johnson’s involvement with the movie remains indirect, his focus is currently directed towards a different creative endeavor. He is developing a narrative adventure titled Dancing with Ghosts, which diverges significantly from the whimsical tone of ToeJam and Earl. This project tells the poignant story of a teenage orphan in Thailand who befriends the spirit of an 11-year-old girl. It holds personal significance for Johnson, as it is inspired by and dedicated to his daughter, who passed away in 2022.
To support the completion of Dancing with Ghosts, HumaNature Studios is running a Kickstarter campaign, and a playable demo is available on Steam for those interested in experiencing this heartfelt narrative.
