Good grief! It's been over 14 years since the last original "Peanuts" comic strip was published, 49 years since "A Charlie Brown Christmas" came out and 34 years since the cast of characters hit the big screen for a feature length film (with "Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown").
But fans of Charles Schulz's comic creation won't have to wait much longer for a new "Peanuts" fix. There's an all-new movie on the way.
Read more: Snoopy won't be rapping or twerking in new 'Peanuts' 3-D movie
Here's why we're so thankful about that fun fact:
We've missed the ragtag gang!
Sure, there have been a number of "Peanuts" television specials since the death of Schulz in 2000, but there hasn't been a big event for Charlie Brown and his pals in a long time. The prospect of following them into a new adventure — this time in 3D! — is irresistible.
It's the right way to bring back a classic
Whenever there's buzz about a sequel to a hallowed series or a reboot, there's bound to be backlash from those who worry about their memories being tarnished by some modern take. But in this case, it looks like there's nothing to fear, what with Schulz's own family members acting as writers and producers.
"I'm way more protective than my father would have been," son Craig Schulz told USA Today. "Our No. 1 goal was always to be authentic to his work and legacy."
It's time for another timeless toy
With movies come merchandising, and when it comes to "Peanuts," that's a good thing — at least if the past is any indication.
After all, is there really any better toy than one that doesn't require batteries or electricity? And it creates a delicious treat? Behold the Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine!
The beloved gadget debuted in 1979, just months before the last "Peanuts" feature film, and it's still available today.
Let the learning begin — again
"Peanuts" has taught us plenty of lessons over the years.
- Just be yourself! Who cares what anybody else thinks? Linus sucks his thumb and carries a security blanket — a couple of habits that have earned him ridicule — but he never gives in to peer pressure.
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- When your world is small, dream big. Snoopy may live atop a red dog house, but his adventures are limitless thanks to his healthy (for him, not for the Red Baron) imagination.
- Of course, Charlie Brown has taught us that sometimes the most important lesson is not learning a lesson at all — after all, that's one way to always remain hopeful in the face of almost-certain failure.
Oh, and another thing the "Peanuts" gang has taught us — or rather, is teaching us: Patience!
Their upcoming romp won't hit the big screen until November of 2015.
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