What Happened to Gandhi Clone High? Why is Gandhi Not in Clone High?
by Sona
Updated May 24, 2023
Clone High
Clone High is a popular American-Canadian animated sitcom created by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Bill Lawrence. The show, which premiered in 2002, takes place at a high school where the students are clones of famous historical figures. The series parodies teen dramas and is known for its stylized design and limited animation.
Although it faced controversy for its depiction of Gandhi, Clone High has gained a cult following and received critical acclaim. In 2020, a revival of the series was announced, with the original creators returning, and it premiered on HBO Max in May 2023. Clone High is an animated sitcom set in a high school where the students are clones of historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc, and Gandhi.
The show was created by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Bill Lawrence, and first aired in 2002. It gained popularity for its humor and unique animation style. Despite a controversy surrounding its portrayal of Gandhi, Clone High has since become a cult hit and received positive reviews. In 2023, a revival of the series premiered on HBO Max, marking its return with the original creators back on board.
What Happened to Gandhi Clone High?
In the second season of the revived animated series Clone High, Gandhi's character did not appear. The show's creators, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, made the decision to exclude Gandhi from the revival due to the controversy surrounding his portrayal in the original series. In the initial run of Clone High, Gandhi's depiction as a character drew criticism and sparked debates about disrespecting and trivializing the historical figure.
After a hiatus of 20 years, Clone High returned for its second season, courtesy of Max. Although the main characters were brought back in a special season 2 premiere after being thawed out, Gandhi was notably absent. The series revealed that Gandhi remains frozen in the cryogenic chamber where he was left at the conclusion of the original series.
The creators have expressed openness to reintroducing Gandhi in a future season, but they want to ensure that it is done in a manner that respects both the character and the historical figure he represents.
Why is Gandhi Not in Clone High?
Gandhi's exclusion from the Clone High revival is primarily due to the controversy surrounding his character in the original series. During its initial run, the depiction of Gandhi received criticism and sparked debates about cultural sensitivity and historical representation. As a result, the creators of the show made the decision to leave Gandhi out of the revival in order to avoid reigniting the controversy and to respect the concerns raised by viewers.
In an interview with ET, the creators of Clone High explained that leaving Gandhi behind was a deliberate choice intended to allow the series to evolve and expand in its second season. They wanted to take the opportunity to explore new storylines and character dynamics while being mindful of the sensitivities surrounding Gandhi's portrayal.
By focusing on other characters and introducing fresh narratives, the creators aimed to ensure the show's growth and maintain a positive and inclusive environment. While Gandhi's absence may disappoint some fans, the decision reflects the creators' commitment to responsible storytelling and their desire to create a revival that resonates with audiences while acknowledging and addressing the concerns that were raised in the past.
Why Isn't Gandhi in the Clone High Revival?
Gandhi is absent from the Clone High revival because the show's creators, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, wanted to avoid reigniting the controversy that surrounded his character in the original series. Lord and Miller explained in an interview that Gandhi's character was the reason why Clone High was canceled initially, and they didn't want history to repeat itself with the revival.
In the new season of Clone High, it is revealed that while most of the characters were thawed out, Gandhi remains frozen in the freezer. However, there is still a possibility that Gandhi may make a return in future seasons if the show gets renewed. Lord and Miller mentioned that they kept Gandhi frozen because they were uncertain about how to handle his character, and they wanted to leave room for his potential storyline if a Season 4 is ordered.
Although Gandhi's absence is felt in the Clone High revival, the creators have left the door open for his return, indicating that there is a chance fans haven't seen the last of the show's resident party animal. The decision to keep Gandhi frozen was driven by a desire to maintain possibilities for his character rather than prematurely closing off his story.
What Happened to Clone High?
Clone High is making a highly anticipated comeback with a revamped series led by its original creators, Christopher Miller and Phil Lord. As fans eagerly await the premiere of the new series on HBO Max in Spring 2023, it's worth reflecting on what transpired with the original show.
Contrary to popular belief, Clone High's cancellation was not solely due to low ratings. The primary factor behind its discontinuation was the portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi, which generated significant controversy and backlash, particularly from viewers in India. The offense taken by some viewers was so profound that protests, including a hunger strike, took place outside MTV India's offices.
In 2020, it was officially announced that the original creators, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Bill Lawrence, were actively working on reviving the beloved series. The anticipation grew even stronger when HBO Max greenlit two seasons of the revival, setting the stage for its grand return. Finally, on May 23, 2023, the long-awaited revival premiered, marking a significant milestone for Clone High enthusiasts.
The revival not only promises to recapture the essence of the original show but also brings fresh perspectives and storytelling to engage both dedicated fans and newcomers alike. With its highly anticipated return, Clone High looks set to make a lasting impact once again, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of its talented creators.
Will Gandhi Be in the Clone High Reboot?
In the highly anticipated Clone High reboot, the character of Gandhi will not be making an appearance. As depicted in the first two available episodes, Gandhi, known for his party-loving nature and excessive libido, will continue to remain frozen in the freezer for the foreseeable future.
While fans may feel a sense of nostalgia and miss the presence of Abe Lincoln's cherished companion, the creators of Clone High made a clear and straightforward decision to exclude him from the revival.
Gandhi in Clone High
In Season 1 of Clone High, Gandhi is portrayed as the fun-loving and hyperactive teenage clone of Mahatma Gandhi. Unlike his historical counterpart, he is depicted as a slacker who seeks acceptance and popularity among his classmates. Despite his initial tendency to lie and betray his friends, he eventually changes his ways and remains a loyal and supportive companion to Abe and Joan of Arc.
Voiced by Michael McDonald, Gandhi provides comic relief in the show. However, in the 2023 reboot of Clone High, Gandhi is notably absent. He has been written off the show as the only clone who remains frozen in the freezer and has not been defrosted. This decision is due to the controversy surrounding his character, which led to the cancellation of the original series.
It remains uncertain if Gandhi will make any future appearances in the show. In school, Gandhi is considered an outcast and often labeled as annoying or a "spaz" by his classmates. Despite this, his desire for popularity and acceptance drives him, and he frequently acts as the class clown and life of the party. His character primarily serves as a source of comic relief and maintains a close friendship with Abe and Joan.
What Happened to Gandhi Clone High - FAQs
Clone High is an animated sitcom that follows the lives of teenage clones of famous historical figures attending a high school together
Clone High was created by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Bill Lawrence.
In the second season of the revived animated series Clone High, Gandhi's character did not appear.
Gandhi's exclusion from the Clone High reboot is due to the controversy surrounding his character in the original series.
It is currently unknown if Gandhi will make any future appearances in Clone High. The creators have not confirmed whether he will return in subsequent seasons.