Rankin/Bass
In 1982 the novel was made into an animated film of the same name directed and produced by Rankin/Bass for ITC Entertainment, with a screenplay written by Beagle himself and animated by Topcraft (predecessor of Studio Ghibli). The music was composed and written by Jimmy Webb and performed by America. The voice actors include Christopher Lee, Angela Lansbury, Alan Arkin, Jeff Bridges, René Auberjonois, and Mia Farrow. The first DVD release of the film by Lionsgate was of poor quality,[21] but a "25th Anniversary Edition" DVD with superior quality was released in February 2007.[21][22]
Continent Films
In addition, a live-action adaptation of the original book has been announced as in development for several years, but it is not clear what progress (if any) has been made towards production.
In February 2006, Continent Films unveiled a new official website for the project which made clear that the film was still in development.[23] It was not yet funded, did not have a shooting script, and had not been cast. In the new website, all actor names but Christopher Lee's had been removed; and even Lee's involvement was revealed to be nothing more than a promise to appear in the film if he was available and if terms could be worked out with his agent. Lee died in 2015 and the website was changed in April 2016 to promote the 2015 film, Angels in Notting Hill, which was Lee's final appearance on screen. The website was changed back in August to The Last Unicorn and, as of January 2022, bears only a background picture and the words "The Last Unicorn" and "This website is currently not in service".[23]
Stage adaptation
In 1988, a stage adaptation of the novel was presented by the Intiman Playhouse in Seattle. Peter S. Beagle wrote the script, which was a musical presented in collaboration with Pacific Northwest Ballet. The production was directed by Elizabeth Huddle.[24]
In fall 2009, a new stage adaptation was presented in Chicago by Promethean Theatre Ensemble.[25][26]
Comic book
IDW Publishing published a six-issue comic book adaptation of The Last Unicorn beginning April 2010. It was intended to be followed by an adaptation of A Fine and Private Place.[27]
