Cathy Wilbanks: A Week I’ll Never Forget, Thanks to Legend of Tarzan

Guest Post by Cathy Wilbanks, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.

I think I can safely speak for everyone at ERB Inc. when I say that we are absolutely thrilled with Legend of Tarzan. For us, the movie has been “out there” in development and in production and post production for more than half of the thirty years I’ve been working at ERB Inc. When I finally saw it — my thought was, this makes me proud–prouder than ever–to be a part of the Edgar Rice Burroughs legacy. My work as archivist means I spend my days immersed in Tarzan and the other creations of Edgar Rice Burroughs. To see the WB Tarzan come to life and take off the way it has, inspiring audiences and creating new fans, has truly inspired me. This is truly a big step in preserving and continuing to develop the legacy of Edgar Rice Burroughs.

One thing I really want to say — everyone at ERB Inc. and all the family members are in agreement — this film is a wonderfully accurate screen portrayal of the real character of Tarzan as Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote him. This was our Tarzan — the Tarzan we live with and think about every day. We are so thankful to Director David Yates, Producers Allen Riche and Jerry Weintraub, Co-Producer Scott Cherrin and Writers Adam Cozad and Craig Brewer — plus of course Alexander Skarsgard, Margot Robbie, and all the cast members and filmmakers  who made this film so beautifully and with such heart. It’s a film that truly will introduce a new generation (or two) to Tarzan and help our legendary and historic character to remain alive and strong! There is no doubt whatsoever that Edgar Rice Burroughs himself would be proud of this accomplishment, and proud of this movie.

I also just can’t say enough about the fans. They had Tarzan’s back this weekend. From everywhere we got stories of packed theaters, applause at the end, and a wonderful buzz that carried us to a thrilling outcome. We are so thankful for out fans — old ones, new ones, all of them.