The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Kids in Space

Kate McKinnon Takes the Wheel in The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Kids in Space

Netflix’s 2020 revival of The Magic School Bus blasted off with Kids in Space, a feature-length adventure that sent Ms. Frizzle and her class on their most ambitious field trip yet. After decades of educating kids through the original book series and ’90s PBS show, the franchise got a modern makeover—complete with a new voice cast, updated animation, and a star-studded guest lineup. But how did this cosmic caper come together? latestnetflix.com's read is that here’s what we know about the making of Kids in Space.

A New Ms. Frizzle for a New Generation

The biggest behind-the-scenes shake-up was the recasting of Ms. Frizzle, the iconic, eccentric teacher who made science feel like magic. Original voice actor Lily Tomlin passed the torch to SNL star Kate McKinnon, who brought her own chaotic energy to the role. McKinnon’s casting was announced in a 2017 teaser, where she joked about stepping into Tomlin’s "giant, frizzy shoes." Fans were skeptical at first—could anyone replace Tomlin’s signature rasp?—but McKinnon’s performance won over critics with its mix of warmth and manic enthusiasm.

The revival also introduced a new dynamic: Ms. Frizzle’s younger sister, Fiona Frizzle, voiced by McKinnon as well. This twist allowed the show to keep the original’s spirit while giving the character a fresh edge. Rumor has it McKinnon improvised some of Fiona’s quirkier lines, though Netflix never confirmed.

Astronauts, Cameos, and Zero-Gravity Gags

Kids in Space didn’t just aim for the stars—it brought real astronauts along for the ride. Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, famous for his ISS guitar covers and viral space videos, lent his voice to the film as a mission control expert. His cameo wasn’t just for show; Hadfield reportedly consulted on the script to ensure the science stayed (mostly) accurate, even if the bus could defy gravity.

The film also featured Kintaro Akiyama, a Japanese astronaut, as part of the international crew. While the snippets don’t specify his role, his inclusion hinted at the revival’s broader appeal—Netflix was clearly targeting a global audience with this reboot.

Behind the scenes, the animators faced a unique challenge: making zero-gravity movement look both fun and believable. Clips from the trailer and promotional materials,, show the class floating through the bus, playing with anti-gravity goo, and even dodging asteroids. The team leaned into the chaos, using exaggerated physics to keep the tone lighthearted.

From Classroom to Cosmos: Why Space?

The original Magic School Bus series tackled everything from the human body to the ocean depths, so why did the revival pick space for its first feature-length outing? The answer likely lies in timing. Kids in Space dropped in 2020, a year when NASA’s Artemis program and SpaceX launches dominated headlines. The film’s educational angle—teaching kids about planets, black holes, and space travel—aligned perfectly with renewed public interest in astronomy,.

The choice also paid homage to the franchise’s roots. The original series included a space-themed episode, "Lost in Space" (1994), which followed a similar premise of the class getting stranded among the planets. By expanding that story into a full movie, the revival team gave longtime fans a nostalgic nod while introducing the concept to a new generation.

The Verdict: A Bumpy but Fun Ride

Kids in Space wasn’t without its hiccups. Some fans criticized the animation style, which swapped the original’s hand-drawn charm for sleeker, CGI-heavy visuals. Others argued the humor leaned too hard into slapstick, losing some of the original’s clever wit. Still, the film’s heart was in the right place—delivering science education with the same sense of wonder that made the franchise a classic.

With McKinnon at the helm and real astronauts cheering from the sidelines, Kids in Space proved the Magic School Bus could still inspire kids to ask, "Seatbelts, everyone?" before launching into the unknown.