In the run up to Annecy Animation Film Festival, French studio Gaumont has appointed Sébastien Rossi as creative director for its Kids & Family division, and unveiled a flurry of new shows.
Rossi, who was previously head of CG at the company, will take part in the development and production of internationally-driven series and movies from France and Europe under his new role. He will report to Terry Kalagian, head of Gaumont Animation.
The executive has two decades of experience in the fields of animation and special effects. His credits as CG and vfx supervisor include Snd’s “Asterix: le domaine des dieux,” “Arcane” from Fortiche / Riot, Netflix and “Zombillenium” from Maybe Movies. He also worked on big titles from llumination McGuff (“Despicable Me 2”), Mikros Animation and TeamTO.
Kalagian said Rossi “has already proved himself as a fantastic and generous creative leader” and added that Gaumont Animation will benefit from his “vision and expertise.
Rossi, who was previously head of CG at the company, will take part in the development and production of internationally-driven series and movies from France and Europe under his new role. He will report to Terry Kalagian, head of Gaumont Animation.
The executive has two decades of experience in the fields of animation and special effects. His credits as CG and vfx supervisor include Snd’s “Asterix: le domaine des dieux,” “Arcane” from Fortiche / Riot, Netflix and “Zombillenium” from Maybe Movies. He also worked on big titles from llumination McGuff (“Despicable Me 2”), Mikros Animation and TeamTO.
Kalagian said Rossi “has already proved himself as a fantastic and generous creative leader” and added that Gaumont Animation will benefit from his “vision and expertise.
- 6/7/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix Animation held its first slate preview event June 6 at the Tudum in L.A., as a lead-up to the Annecy Animation Festival (June 9-15), where it will premiere Shannon Tindle’s “Ultraman: Rising” (streaming June 14) and tout some of its upcoming works in 2024 and 2025.
Hosted by Christopher Sean (the voice star of “Ultraman: Rising”), attendees were treated to exclusive presentations, previews, and special announcements. The biggest announcement was the full title of Aardman’s next stop-motion feature, “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” which will have an Oscar-qualifying run this winter before streaming in 2025.
Directed by franchise creator Nick Park and creative director Merlin Crossingham, who offered a pre-recorded introduction, “Vengeance Most Fowl” marks the return of the villainous penguin, Feathers McGraw, from the Oscar-winning short “The Wrong Trousers.” The film is a cautionary tale of high-tech gone wrong involving an out-of-control “smart gnome” with a mind of its own.
Hosted by Christopher Sean (the voice star of “Ultraman: Rising”), attendees were treated to exclusive presentations, previews, and special announcements. The biggest announcement was the full title of Aardman’s next stop-motion feature, “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” which will have an Oscar-qualifying run this winter before streaming in 2025.
Directed by franchise creator Nick Park and creative director Merlin Crossingham, who offered a pre-recorded introduction, “Vengeance Most Fowl” marks the return of the villainous penguin, Feathers McGraw, from the Oscar-winning short “The Wrong Trousers.” The film is a cautionary tale of high-tech gone wrong involving an out-of-control “smart gnome” with a mind of its own.
- 6/6/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Skydance Animation is getting into business with Oscar-winning filmmaker Don Hall.
Hall, known for such Disney movies as Big Hero 6 and the original Moana, has closed a deal with the company. The pact will see him create, develop and produce an original animated feature for Skydance, although project details are not currently available.
The filmmaker launched his career with Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he worked on such features as Tarzan (1999), The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) and Chicken Little (2005). Later, he was credited as head of story on Meet the Robinsons (2007) and The Princess and the Frog (2009) before directing the animated musical movie Winnie the Pooh (2011).
Hall directed the 2014 Disney film Big Hero 6, in addition to serving as executive producer for its Disney+ spinoff series Baymax! He earned an Oscar alongside fellow director Chris Williams and producer Roy Conli when the title prevailed for best animated feature at the 2015 Academy Awards ceremony.
Hall, known for such Disney movies as Big Hero 6 and the original Moana, has closed a deal with the company. The pact will see him create, develop and produce an original animated feature for Skydance, although project details are not currently available.
The filmmaker launched his career with Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he worked on such features as Tarzan (1999), The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) and Chicken Little (2005). Later, he was credited as head of story on Meet the Robinsons (2007) and The Princess and the Frog (2009) before directing the animated musical movie Winnie the Pooh (2011).
Hall directed the 2014 Disney film Big Hero 6, in addition to serving as executive producer for its Disney+ spinoff series Baymax! He earned an Oscar alongside fellow director Chris Williams and producer Roy Conli when the title prevailed for best animated feature at the 2015 Academy Awards ceremony.
- 6/4/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Do androids dream of electric sheep? A better question: What if their R.E.M. cycles were filled with the same wish-fulfillment scenarios and sweaty-palm nightmares that the rest of us have, as thoughts of love and loneliness and hopes and fears danced through their metallic heads?
Based on Sarah Varon’s 2007 graphic novel, Pablo Berger’s Robot Dreams treats that idea as a given — one of this animated masterpiece’s main characters is, after all, a mechanical being designed to be a loyal companion, even if some initial assembly is required.
Based on Sarah Varon’s 2007 graphic novel, Pablo Berger’s Robot Dreams treats that idea as a given — one of this animated masterpiece’s main characters is, after all, a mechanical being designed to be a loyal companion, even if some initial assembly is required.
- 5/31/2024
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
So it’s been long established that the Summer season is the “go-to” release time for animated features (along with the year-end holidays). Kids are out of school and parents need an air-conditioned refuge for the whole family. This season has begun at the multiplex with a fully CGI’d version of the “funny papers” feline, and we’ll soon get an ’emotional” reunion with a Pixar sequel and another visit from Gru and his minions. Ah, but “in between” we’re getting treated to something special and somewhat unique as it’s not part of a franchise, rather it’s based on an acclaimed graphic novel. Plus it’s done in the “classic” animation style, often referred to as 2D, much like the “hand-drawn” shorts and features (and TV shows) of the past. Oh, and it’s an Oscar nominee…from last year. Yes, it was one of the...
- 5/31/2024
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
We’ve all been wondering what the Country Bear Jamboree will look and sound like when it reopens. Thanks to Imagineering, we’ve learned a few new details!
The next episode of Walt Disney’s We Call It Imagineering is here! Titled Soundscapes, the 21-minute long video covers how music makes all the difference inside the parks. From Galaxy’s Edge to Main Street, songs old and new create a lifetime of memories for guests.
During the behind-the-scenes episode, we get a preview of the new songlist for Country Bear Jamboree. We already knew that the Jungle Book’s Bare Necessities had joined the array of updates and additions. Thanks to this latest video, we’ve learned that Aladdin‘s “A Whole New World” and “Try Everything” from Zootopia are now on the books.
The songs are currently being recorded in Nashville, which is probably the only way to do this thing right.
The next episode of Walt Disney’s We Call It Imagineering is here! Titled Soundscapes, the 21-minute long video covers how music makes all the difference inside the parks. From Galaxy’s Edge to Main Street, songs old and new create a lifetime of memories for guests.
During the behind-the-scenes episode, we get a preview of the new songlist for Country Bear Jamboree. We already knew that the Jungle Book’s Bare Necessities had joined the array of updates and additions. Thanks to this latest video, we’ve learned that Aladdin‘s “A Whole New World” and “Try Everything” from Zootopia are now on the books.
The songs are currently being recorded in Nashville, which is probably the only way to do this thing right.
- 5/30/2024
- by Mike Phalin
- Pirates & Princesses
How far will they go this time around?
On Wednesday, Disney released the first teaser for “Moana 2,” the studio’s anticipated sequel to the blockbuster hit “Moana.” The animated film – which was originally designed as a television series for Disney+ before being turned into a feature project and dated for this year – once again stars Auli’i Cravalho as the title character and Dwayne Johnson as the outlandish demigod Maui.
Here’s the logline, provided by Disney: Moana and Maui reunite three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
The sequel is directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller with original songs from Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear,...
On Wednesday, Disney released the first teaser for “Moana 2,” the studio’s anticipated sequel to the blockbuster hit “Moana.” The animated film – which was originally designed as a television series for Disney+ before being turned into a feature project and dated for this year – once again stars Auli’i Cravalho as the title character and Dwayne Johnson as the outlandish demigod Maui.
Here’s the logline, provided by Disney: Moana and Maui reunite three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
The sequel is directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller with original songs from Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear,...
- 5/29/2024
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
The first trailer for Moana 2 has just dropped (via Toonado.com) ahead of the sequel's release in theaters this November.
This sneak peek doesn't give too much away about the story, though we see that Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) will be heading on a new adventure which reunites her with the demigod Maui (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson).
It was only in February when Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed plans for a Moana sequel. While the news generated excitement among Disney Animation fans, it felt like the movie came out of nowhere.
It was in 2020 when we first learned of plans for a Moana sequel TV series on Disney+. The idea was for it to serve as a loose follow-up in the same way as the streamer's Big Hero 6, Zootopia, and Up sequels. So, what changed?
Moana 2's shift from streaming to theaters was set in motion when Disney...
This sneak peek doesn't give too much away about the story, though we see that Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) will be heading on a new adventure which reunites her with the demigod Maui (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson).
It was only in February when Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed plans for a Moana sequel. While the news generated excitement among Disney Animation fans, it felt like the movie came out of nowhere.
It was in 2020 when we first learned of plans for a Moana sequel TV series on Disney+. The idea was for it to serve as a loose follow-up in the same way as the streamer's Big Hero 6, Zootopia, and Up sequels. So, what changed?
Moana 2's shift from streaming to theaters was set in motion when Disney...
- 5/29/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Aloha, Moana. (The hello kind.)
Disney released a teaser trailer (below) for “Moana 2” on May 29. Our princess of Motunui is still out there voyaging, still drumming with her dead ancestors, still battling coconuts — it honestly just looks like additional “Moana” footage. That’s not automatically a bad thing. Also, it’s not yet the trailer trailer, so we’ll cut it a break — especially considering the feature film’s own origin story.
“Moana 2” was originally planned as a Disney+ series. Well, upgrade. Now a proper sequel, “Moana 2” welcomes back Auli’i Cravalho (as Moana), Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, and Temuera Morrison as Chief Tai.
Also an “upgrade” is Maui’s “boat snack” — the pig, Pua, has joined Heihei the chicken on Moana’s boat. Johnson gets the big joke of the teaser trailer: “Bacon and eggs!?! Why didn’t you bring the pig last time?...
Disney released a teaser trailer (below) for “Moana 2” on May 29. Our princess of Motunui is still out there voyaging, still drumming with her dead ancestors, still battling coconuts — it honestly just looks like additional “Moana” footage. That’s not automatically a bad thing. Also, it’s not yet the trailer trailer, so we’ll cut it a break — especially considering the feature film’s own origin story.
“Moana 2” was originally planned as a Disney+ series. Well, upgrade. Now a proper sequel, “Moana 2” welcomes back Auli’i Cravalho (as Moana), Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, and Temuera Morrison as Chief Tai.
Also an “upgrade” is Maui’s “boat snack” — the pig, Pua, has joined Heihei the chicken on Moana’s boat. Johnson gets the big joke of the teaser trailer: “Bacon and eggs!?! Why didn’t you bring the pig last time?...
- 5/29/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
See the line where the sky meets the sea? In 2016, audiences heeded the call of "Moana," capping off a fantastic year for Disney Animation that also saw eventual Best Animated Feature Film Oscar winner "Zootopia" top over a billion dollars at the box office. Closing in on a decade later, however, the House That Mickey Built has fallen on harder times after suffering one of its costliest box office misfires ever with "Strange World" and releasing what was intended to be the crown jewel in its 100th-anniversary celebration, "Wish," to middling reviews and even worse financial returns. It's under these circumstances that Bob Iger, fresh off having un-retired from his position as Disney's CEO, has announced further adventures with both the furry members of the Zootopia Police Department (Zpd) and the studio's beloved Pacific Islander princess.
Shocking as it was when Disney proclaimed "Moana 2" would be arriving near the...
Shocking as it was when Disney proclaimed "Moana 2" would be arriving near the...
- 5/29/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Disneyland is about to get bigger after the Anaheim City Council unanimously voted to approve the project, allowing Disney to move forward with the $1.9 billion expansion.
While most of the proposed expansion area is currently parking or underutilized, some of the approved area is currently taken up by roads that will be shut down. This was a point of contention for some area residents.
Disney wants to add more theme park attractions alongside the hotels on part of Disneyland Drive and new shopping and entertainment areas in the Toy Story Parking lot. The new zoning will take effect in 30 days.
Under the agreement, Disney must spend at least $1.9 billion on the Disneyland expansion within the next ten years. Disney will also give $30 million towards affordable housing within the next five years, $15 million of which will be given in year one and the remaining $15 million to be paid in five years.
While most of the proposed expansion area is currently parking or underutilized, some of the approved area is currently taken up by roads that will be shut down. This was a point of contention for some area residents.
Disney wants to add more theme park attractions alongside the hotels on part of Disneyland Drive and new shopping and entertainment areas in the Toy Story Parking lot. The new zoning will take effect in 30 days.
Under the agreement, Disney must spend at least $1.9 billion on the Disneyland expansion within the next ten years. Disney will also give $30 million towards affordable housing within the next five years, $15 million of which will be given in year one and the remaining $15 million to be paid in five years.
- 5/8/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
The Anaheim City Council gave final approval today to DisneylandForward, the $1.9 billion, Disney’s multi-decade expansion plan for Walt’s original park. Today’s 7-0 procedural vote came after a unanimous vote approving the project in April. The zoning and other changes laid out by the plan to take effect in 30 days.
Those changes include zoning that will allow mixed use development where it does not exist now. The proposal allows the redeployment of some 57 acres of parking and unused land. Artists’ renderings of the plans provided by Disney, while conceptual, show one major development to the west of the current parks near the Disneyland Hotel and another to the southeast of California Adventure. Both plots are currently dedicated mostly to parking.
That would allow theme park attractions alongside hotels on the west side of Disneyland Drive. See rendering below.
It would also allow theme park attractions alongside new shopping,...
Those changes include zoning that will allow mixed use development where it does not exist now. The proposal allows the redeployment of some 57 acres of parking and unused land. Artists’ renderings of the plans provided by Disney, while conceptual, show one major development to the west of the current parks near the Disneyland Hotel and another to the southeast of California Adventure. Both plots are currently dedicated mostly to parking.
That would allow theme park attractions alongside hotels on the west side of Disneyland Drive. See rendering below.
It would also allow theme park attractions alongside new shopping,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
It was not the summer box office start that many (myself included) were hoping for. Universal's "The Fall Guy" debuted with just $27.7 million domestically despite earning very good reviews, making for the worst start to the summer movie season in decades. But hope emerged in the form of one of cinema's most cherished franchises as "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" returned to theaters in honor of its 25th anniversary. An old hope, if you will. This once-maligned prequel to George Lucas' beloved sci-fi series helped make up the difference and made its way into the history books. Again.
"The Phantom Menace" re-release brought in $8.7 million domestically over the weekend, which was good enough to land at number two on the charts behind "Fall Guy" and ahead of the previous week's champion "Challengers" ($7.5 million). Internationally, "Episode I" added an additional $6.4 million for a global re-opening of $15.1 million. That's quite a...
"The Phantom Menace" re-release brought in $8.7 million domestically over the weekend, which was good enough to land at number two on the charts behind "Fall Guy" and ahead of the previous week's champion "Challengers" ($7.5 million). Internationally, "Episode I" added an additional $6.4 million for a global re-opening of $15.1 million. That's quite a...
- 5/7/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Bob Iger wants you to marvel more at his Marvel films and series. To make them better, he’s making fewer.
On Tuesday, the Disney CEO said Marvel is going to decrease its volume to “probably about two TV series a year” and 2-3 movies annually.
“We’ve been working hard with the studio to reduce output and focus on quality,” Iger said on Disney’s fiscal second quarter (Q2) earnings call. “That’s particularly true with Marvel.”
“We’re slowly going to decrease volume and go to probably about two TV series a year instead of what had become four, and reduce our film output from maybe four a year to two— a maximum of three,” he continued.
Cool, so what you got? Iger said Marvel has “a couple of good films in [2025], and then we’re heading to more ‘Avengers,’ which we’re extremely excited about.”
He says...
On Tuesday, the Disney CEO said Marvel is going to decrease its volume to “probably about two TV series a year” and 2-3 movies annually.
“We’ve been working hard with the studio to reduce output and focus on quality,” Iger said on Disney’s fiscal second quarter (Q2) earnings call. “That’s particularly true with Marvel.”
“We’re slowly going to decrease volume and go to probably about two TV series a year instead of what had become four, and reduce our film output from maybe four a year to two— a maximum of three,” he continued.
Cool, so what you got? Iger said Marvel has “a couple of good films in [2025], and then we’re heading to more ‘Avengers,’ which we’re extremely excited about.”
He says...
- 5/7/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
After debuting early last weekend, Universal’s The Fall Guy expanded to 78 overseas markets during its sophomore session, adding $25.4M for a running total of $36.9M at the international box office. That’s in line with Bullet Train and above The Lost City at the same point in release. Globally, the David Leitch-directed action romance is at $65.4M.
This is a fun picture with positive scores and exits so there’s hope for some legs here and playability throughout upcoming holidays. Still, an expensive movie, it came in slightly below projections domestically.
Internationally, the UK was a No. 1 debut with a strong $4.4M from 1,400 screens. Odeon was the top-performing circuit, and Everyman registered a 9% share, 3.1 points higher than their average for the year. Performance across 51 IMAX screens made up 7.6% of the total. The weekend result is well above Bullet Train and The Lost City. Monday is a holiday.
Mexico opened to $2.5M at No.
This is a fun picture with positive scores and exits so there’s hope for some legs here and playability throughout upcoming holidays. Still, an expensive movie, it came in slightly below projections domestically.
Internationally, the UK was a No. 1 debut with a strong $4.4M from 1,400 screens. Odeon was the top-performing circuit, and Everyman registered a 9% share, 3.1 points higher than their average for the year. Performance across 51 IMAX screens made up 7.6% of the total. The weekend result is well above Bullet Train and The Lost City. Monday is a holiday.
Mexico opened to $2.5M at No.
- 5/6/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney has just revealed a special look at the statues of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde coming to the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Treasure. These statues will be part of the new sweet shop onboard called Jumbeaux’s Sweets.
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The two characters can be seen in the Disney concept art for the shop.
Jumbeaux’s Sweets will be based on the Jumbeax Cafe from the Zootopia film and will serve more than 35 flavors of handmade gelato, sorbets, and ice cream. Guests can also find candies and other sweet treats.
The store looks so cute! I love the bubblegum pink colors and Victorian-esqu design, wainscoting, and wallpaper. It’s super cute and cheerful!
Disney’s Upcoming Disney Treasure Ship:
The Disney Treasure will set sail in December 2024. It is the sixth ship in the Disney...
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A post shared by Disney Cruise Line (@disneycruiseline)
The two characters can be seen in the Disney concept art for the shop.
Jumbeaux’s Sweets will be based on the Jumbeax Cafe from the Zootopia film and will serve more than 35 flavors of handmade gelato, sorbets, and ice cream. Guests can also find candies and other sweet treats.
The store looks so cute! I love the bubblegum pink colors and Victorian-esqu design, wainscoting, and wallpaper. It’s super cute and cheerful!
Disney’s Upcoming Disney Treasure Ship:
The Disney Treasure will set sail in December 2024. It is the sixth ship in the Disney...
- 4/25/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
Almost ten years after its release, Zootopia’s story isn’t over yet — having become a $1B phenomenon with the highest ratings, the movie made it pretty clear that it needed to seize the moment.
Back in 2023, it became official that a sequel for one of Disney’s biggest hits was coming to the screens pretty soon — and now seems like it’s been some time since the production started.
Right now Zootopia 2 is set to be released on November 26, 2025, but, despite being more than a year away from hitting the cinemas, the animated comedy is already in the works.
Around a week ago Ginnifer Goodwin, who voices rabbit Judy Hopps, shared two behind-the-scenes photos that seemingly feature her preparation for daily work on the movie.
The first photo shows Goodwin wearing a rabbit ear headband and a tiny Judy Hopps-shaped purse while also holding a Zootopia-coded cup...
Back in 2023, it became official that a sequel for one of Disney’s biggest hits was coming to the screens pretty soon — and now seems like it’s been some time since the production started.
Right now Zootopia 2 is set to be released on November 26, 2025, but, despite being more than a year away from hitting the cinemas, the animated comedy is already in the works.
Around a week ago Ginnifer Goodwin, who voices rabbit Judy Hopps, shared two behind-the-scenes photos that seemingly feature her preparation for daily work on the movie.
The first photo shows Goodwin wearing a rabbit ear headband and a tiny Judy Hopps-shaped purse while also holding a Zootopia-coded cup...
- 4/22/2024
- by benjamin-patel@startefacts.com (Benjamin Patel)
- STartefacts.com
Netflix returns to the Annecy Animation Festival (June 9-15) with a robust slate of animated feature and TV projects, highlighted by the premiere of “Ultraman: Rising” on June 12 (two days ahead of the feature’s streaming debut).
Also on June 12, Netflix will offer sneak peeks of an untitled “Wallace and Gromit” stop-motion feature from Aardman (streaming this winter), and Zack Snyder’s upcoming adult animated series, “Twilight of the Gods” (streaming this fall). Nick Park returns to directing “Wallace and Gromit,” about an out-of-control “smart gnome” with a mind of its own, while Snyder digs into Norse mythology for a violent Viking revenge actioner (from Xilam Animation).
Netflix will additionally offer previews on June 12 of Skydance Animation’s musical adventure “Spellbound” (streaming this year), directed by Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”), and “The Twits” (2025), a comedy about the never-ending battle between cruelty and empathy, from first-time director Phil Johnston (writer of “Zootopia...
Also on June 12, Netflix will offer sneak peeks of an untitled “Wallace and Gromit” stop-motion feature from Aardman (streaming this winter), and Zack Snyder’s upcoming adult animated series, “Twilight of the Gods” (streaming this fall). Nick Park returns to directing “Wallace and Gromit,” about an out-of-control “smart gnome” with a mind of its own, while Snyder digs into Norse mythology for a violent Viking revenge actioner (from Xilam Animation).
Netflix will additionally offer previews on June 12 of Skydance Animation’s musical adventure “Spellbound” (streaming this year), directed by Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”), and “The Twits” (2025), a comedy about the never-ending battle between cruelty and empathy, from first-time director Phil Johnston (writer of “Zootopia...
- 4/22/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Domestic Box Office Update Of Dune 2 (Photo Credit – IMDb)
Timothee Chalamet-led Dune 2 is now showing signs of slowing down in its theatrical run and will be wrapping up its journey soon. Still, as per the latest development, the biggie bagged an impressive score, and it has come despite the film being available for digital viewing. With its performance, the magnum opus scored the 6th highest 7th Wednesday of all time for March releases at the North American box office. Keep reading to know more!
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the Dune sequel was released on March 1. It received highly positive reviews from critics and even enjoyed highly favorable word-of-mouth. The film was also promoted as a visual treat, thus helping it attract a large chunk of IMAX viewers. As a result, the Timothee Chalamet starrer emerged as a commercial winner and is enjoying big profits.
As per the latest collection update,...
Timothee Chalamet-led Dune 2 is now showing signs of slowing down in its theatrical run and will be wrapping up its journey soon. Still, as per the latest development, the biggie bagged an impressive score, and it has come despite the film being available for digital viewing. With its performance, the magnum opus scored the 6th highest 7th Wednesday of all time for March releases at the North American box office. Keep reading to know more!
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the Dune sequel was released on March 1. It received highly positive reviews from critics and even enjoyed highly favorable word-of-mouth. The film was also promoted as a visual treat, thus helping it attract a large chunk of IMAX viewers. As a result, the Timothee Chalamet starrer emerged as a commercial winner and is enjoying big profits.
As per the latest collection update,...
- 4/19/2024
- by Shalmesh More
- KoiMoi
It’s been almost seven years since Cars 3 was released in theaters, and back then, most fans were dead sure that a Cars 4 update was coming soon. In 2017, producers openly discussed the possibility of expanding the franchise, and Owen Wilson, the voice of Lightning McQueen, even hinted at a potential reinvention of the racing series. Fast forward to today, and Disney has been announcing sequels left, right, and center to beloved franchises like Zootopia, Toy Story, Frozen, Inside Out, and Moana, yet Cars remains absent from the lineup. Sure, we’ve got a handful of Cars animated shorts, video
The post Cars 4 Update: What’s Next For the Franchise? first appeared on TVovermind.
The post Cars 4 Update: What’s Next For the Franchise? first appeared on TVovermind.
- 4/14/2024
- by Safwan Azeem
- TVovermind.com
Woody and Buzz have a date to return to theaters. Disney will release Pixar’s Toy Story 5 on June 19, 2026, the studio announced Friday.
Disney CEO Bob Iger first announced Toy Story 5 in February 2023, with the sequel an attempt to return to form for the franchise after the disappointing performance of the 2022 spinoff, Lightyear, which voice starred Chris Evans. Toy Story has spanned four mainline films dating back to 1995, with the most recent installment topping $1 billion at the box office in 2019. The features have voice starred Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear.
Toy Story 5‘s date with theaters was among a slew of changes and additions made to the Disney release calendar. The studio also pushing Dwayne Johnson’s live-action remake of Moana by a year to July 10, 2026 (it was previously slated for from June 27, 2025). The move gives the remake breathing room from the animated Moana 2,...
Disney CEO Bob Iger first announced Toy Story 5 in February 2023, with the sequel an attempt to return to form for the franchise after the disappointing performance of the 2022 spinoff, Lightyear, which voice starred Chris Evans. Toy Story has spanned four mainline films dating back to 1995, with the most recent installment topping $1 billion at the box office in 2019. The features have voice starred Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear.
Toy Story 5‘s date with theaters was among a slew of changes and additions made to the Disney release calendar. The studio also pushing Dwayne Johnson’s live-action remake of Moana by a year to July 10, 2026 (it was previously slated for from June 27, 2025). The move gives the remake breathing room from the animated Moana 2,...
- 4/5/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One day after Bob Iger faced questions about Disney’s competitive position vs. Universal in the Orlando theme park game, there came more information today about a significant expansion of Walt Disney World.
Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World site portfolio executive, said the company’s Orlando resort is undergoing “probably the largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom,” according to a piece by CNN.
Dubbed “Beyond Big Thunder,” the project is so named because it will expand the park into a swampy, wooded area behind the current Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at one corner of the property. See photo below.
New: Walt Disney World is currently in the process of filing permits for development work behind Magic Kingdom that will prepare the area for a future expansion expected to be the largest expansion in the park’s history. pic.twitter.com/nGmn78ZkH7
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 4, 2024
Hundgen said the expansion would be on par,...
Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World site portfolio executive, said the company’s Orlando resort is undergoing “probably the largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom,” according to a piece by CNN.
Dubbed “Beyond Big Thunder,” the project is so named because it will expand the park into a swampy, wooded area behind the current Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at one corner of the property. See photo below.
New: Walt Disney World is currently in the process of filing permits for development work behind Magic Kingdom that will prepare the area for a future expansion expected to be the largest expansion in the park’s history. pic.twitter.com/nGmn78ZkH7
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 4, 2024
Hundgen said the expansion would be on par,...
- 4/4/2024
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
After Disney declared victory in its proxy battle with activist investor Nelson Peltz, CEO Bob Iger went on a theme-park offensive during the company’s annual shareholder meeting.
Delivering scripted video remarks from a perch overlooking Disneyland, Iger extolled the parks as a key strategic area of focus and offered a brief first look (see below) at the “possible” new Avatar-themed area at the Anaheim park. Pandora – The World of Avatar, has been up and running at Disney World in Florida for years and Iger said it is the company’s “intention” to make it a new feature of Disneyland. “We’re thrilled about many potential new stories that our guests could experience in Walt’s original theme park, including the opportunity to embark on all-new Avatar adventures with a visit to the world of Pandora,” he said.
Artist’s rendering of Pandora – The World of Avatar coming to Disneyland.
Delivering scripted video remarks from a perch overlooking Disneyland, Iger extolled the parks as a key strategic area of focus and offered a brief first look (see below) at the “possible” new Avatar-themed area at the Anaheim park. Pandora – The World of Avatar, has been up and running at Disney World in Florida for years and Iger said it is the company’s “intention” to make it a new feature of Disneyland. “We’re thrilled about many potential new stories that our guests could experience in Walt’s original theme park, including the opportunity to embark on all-new Avatar adventures with a visit to the world of Pandora,” he said.
Artist’s rendering of Pandora – The World of Avatar coming to Disneyland.
- 4/3/2024
- by Dade Hayes and Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
All due respect to Godzilla, but the first quarter of this year was a bust for Hollywood. There’s no getting around it. The news read like an April Fool’s joke without a punchline.
Disney gave up its fight with Florida, better to face its battle with investor Nelson Peltz.
Paramount Global’s debt is down to junk, and Paramount+ is weirdly removing some of its hotter kids titles from the streaming mix.
AMC is scratching for cash and peddling stock. The Alamo Drafthouse chain is for sale.
At the box office, Q1’s big hit was Part Two of a re-imagining of a science fiction novel that ran hot when I was in the eighth grade — in other words,...
Disney gave up its fight with Florida, better to face its battle with investor Nelson Peltz.
Paramount Global’s debt is down to junk, and Paramount+ is weirdly removing some of its hotter kids titles from the streaming mix.
AMC is scratching for cash and peddling stock. The Alamo Drafthouse chain is for sale.
At the box office, Q1’s big hit was Part Two of a re-imagining of a science fiction novel that ran hot when I was in the eighth grade — in other words,...
- 4/1/2024
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Sunday Update: Warner Bros/Legendary Entertainment’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has roared to a $194M global opening, of which $114M is from 63 international box office markets. The monster mash exceeded expectations, with over-performance in several offshore areas as well as domestic.
In like-for-like overseas markets at today’s exchange rates, the film is tracking 30% ahead of Godzilla, 25% higher than Dune: Part Two, 17% over Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, 16% above Meg 2: The Trench, 6% over Godzilla vs Kong and on par with Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.
Before we dig into the latest from the Monsterverse, let’s note some other weekend highlights. Kung Fu Panda 4 kicked up another $43.7M offshore to near the $200M milestone (it’s at $347M global); Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire crossed $100M worldwide, Germany has a big local hit in Chantal in Fairyland and Best Picture Oscar winner Oppenheimer opened strongly in Japan.
In like-for-like overseas markets at today’s exchange rates, the film is tracking 30% ahead of Godzilla, 25% higher than Dune: Part Two, 17% over Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, 16% above Meg 2: The Trench, 6% over Godzilla vs Kong and on par with Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.
Before we dig into the latest from the Monsterverse, let’s note some other weekend highlights. Kung Fu Panda 4 kicked up another $43.7M offshore to near the $200M milestone (it’s at $347M global); Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire crossed $100M worldwide, Germany has a big local hit in Chantal in Fairyland and Best Picture Oscar winner Oppenheimer opened strongly in Japan.
- 3/31/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
‘X-Men ’97’ debuted last week on Disney+ with its first two episodes, and the initial reactions are fantastic. The series premiered with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics dubbing it the “Best Marvel release in years.” Metacritic also gave the show a high score of 82, indicating “Universal acclaim” – a rare achievement for recent Marvel Studios projects.
The series capitalizes on its strongest aspect: being a direct continuation of ‘X-Men: The Animated Series.’ It strives to maintain the essence of the original characters and animation while presenting a more mature and “raw” storyline than what audiences typically expect.
‘X-Men ’97’ racked up four million views in its first five days on Disney+. Disney heralds this as the most-watched Season 1 premiere for a full-length animated series on the platform since Marvel’s ‘What If…?’ premiered in 2021, outperforming shows like ‘Iwájú’ and ‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.’ Animated shorts like ‘Star Wars: Visions,...
The series capitalizes on its strongest aspect: being a direct continuation of ‘X-Men: The Animated Series.’ It strives to maintain the essence of the original characters and animation while presenting a more mature and “raw” storyline than what audiences typically expect.
‘X-Men ’97’ racked up four million views in its first five days on Disney+. Disney heralds this as the most-watched Season 1 premiere for a full-length animated series on the platform since Marvel’s ‘What If…?’ premiered in 2021, outperforming shows like ‘Iwájú’ and ‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.’ Animated shorts like ‘Star Wars: Visions,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4 had a rock ‘em sock ‘em weekend at the international box office, adding $55.3M from 69 markets for a $135M overseas running cume, and $268.2M global.
The frame for the fourquel was led by China with $25.7M including last session’s previews. The franchise has historically performed well in that mercurial market, and, along with the continued success of Warner Bros/Legendary’s Dune: Part Two there ($43.9M running China total) it’s good news for a market that has increasingly turned inward. Should hope spring? Let’s wait on that one…
More below on KFP4 and Dune 2 overall. In the meantime, the new opener this weekend was Sony’s Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. The Gil Kenan-directed sequel is on a staggered rollout and grossed $16.4M from its first 25 international markets.
The frame for the fourquel was led by China with $25.7M including last session’s previews. The franchise has historically performed well in that mercurial market, and, along with the continued success of Warner Bros/Legendary’s Dune: Part Two there ($43.9M running China total) it’s good news for a market that has increasingly turned inward. Should hope spring? Let’s wait on that one…
More below on KFP4 and Dune 2 overall. In the meantime, the new opener this weekend was Sony’s Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. The Gil Kenan-directed sequel is on a staggered rollout and grossed $16.4M from its first 25 international markets.
- 3/25/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney announced on Monday that its Golden Globe-nominated animated feature Wish, starring Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine, will begin streaming on Disney+ on April 3rd.
An original musical comedy co-written by Disney Animation chief Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore, Wish takes us to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha (DeBose), a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe — the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico (Chris Pine) — to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
Lee’s co-director on the Academy Award-winning Frozen, Chris Buck, directed alongside Fawn Veerasunthorn, with the latter making her directorial debut. With Alan Tudyk playing Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino, the film also features the voices of Angelique Cabral,...
An original musical comedy co-written by Disney Animation chief Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore, Wish takes us to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha (DeBose), a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe — the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico (Chris Pine) — to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
Lee’s co-director on the Academy Award-winning Frozen, Chris Buck, directed alongside Fawn Veerasunthorn, with the latter making her directorial debut. With Alan Tudyk playing Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino, the film also features the voices of Angelique Cabral,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros/Legendary Entertainment’s Dune: Part Two held strongly in its sophomore session at the international box office, adding $81M to handily cross the $200M overseas milestone, and reaching $367.5M globally.
We’ll dig further into Dune 2’s second frame below, including its China start. In the meantime, let’s look at what’s new this weekend.
Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4 came out kicking as it begins a staggered overseas rollout. The fourquel opened to $22.2M in 41 markets which rep just 23% of the international landscape, and put the global debut at $80.5M. Spain was the only major in this first suite as the Jack Black-starrer will continue adding markets in the coming weeks to align with holiday play; it goes to China on March 22.
The offshore start, excluding previews, is bigger than Kung Fu Panda 2 and 3 in like-for-like markets at today’s rates.
We’ll dig further into Dune 2’s second frame below, including its China start. In the meantime, let’s look at what’s new this weekend.
Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4 came out kicking as it begins a staggered overseas rollout. The fourquel opened to $22.2M in 41 markets which rep just 23% of the international landscape, and put the global debut at $80.5M. Spain was the only major in this first suite as the Jack Black-starrer will continue adding markets in the coming weeks to align with holiday play; it goes to China on March 22.
The offshore start, excluding previews, is bigger than Kung Fu Panda 2 and 3 in like-for-like markets at today’s rates.
- 3/10/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
It isn’t every week that two of the biggest jobs in film are filled within a matter of days, but that was the case last week. On February 26, Disney’s live-action president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production Sean Bailey exited, making way for Searchlight’s David Greenbaum to take the top job. Two days later on Feb. 28, Rideback’s Dan Lin was tapped to take Scott Stuber’s open seat atop Netflix’s film division.
Greenbaum made his bones on prestige indie films and original, auteur-driven stories. He’s now taking the job at a company that has spent the last 15 years mining IP and playing the hits. Lin is a franchise builder now stepping into an environment known for chasing big prestige swings.
It appears Disney and Netflix are heading in opposite directions. One agent who spoke with IndieWire called it a role-reversal between Disney and Netflix; at one point,...
Greenbaum made his bones on prestige indie films and original, auteur-driven stories. He’s now taking the job at a company that has spent the last 15 years mining IP and playing the hits. Lin is a franchise builder now stepping into an environment known for chasing big prestige swings.
It appears Disney and Netflix are heading in opposite directions. One agent who spoke with IndieWire called it a role-reversal between Disney and Netflix; at one point,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Harvey Guillén is “optimistic” we’re headed toward a world with a queer Disney princess. The What We Do in the Shadows and Wish actor said this week he thinks “we are in the life span of that potentially happening.”
“I think they’re making strides in the right direction,” Guillén told ComicBook.com of Disney’s queer representation. “I think it’s hard to rebuild a wheel that’s already been in motion for a while, and it’s hard to think of a new direction, especially in where we’re at with the world, but they’re putting their best foot forward, I think. And sometimes those things take time and I’m optimistic. And like you said, if a queer princess comes along, that’d be fantastic.”
Guillén played Gabo in Disney’s recent Wish, a character inspired by Grumpy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Disney...
“I think they’re making strides in the right direction,” Guillén told ComicBook.com of Disney’s queer representation. “I think it’s hard to rebuild a wheel that’s already been in motion for a while, and it’s hard to think of a new direction, especially in where we’re at with the world, but they’re putting their best foot forward, I think. And sometimes those things take time and I’m optimistic. And like you said, if a queer princess comes along, that’d be fantastic.”
Guillén played Gabo in Disney’s recent Wish, a character inspired by Grumpy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Disney...
- 3/5/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Iwájú,” Disney Animation’s sci-fi long-form series about a futuristic Lagos (currently streaming on Disney+ and coming to The Disney Channel April 22), is a far cry from such culturally diverse features as “Moana,” “Raya and the Last Dragon,” and “Encanto.” This is a Nigerian series — Disney’s first-ever outside collaboration of this kind — told from the Black team at Kugali Media, the U.K.-based Pan-African media company, voiced by Nigerian actors, and with a score from Nigerian composer Ré Olunuga.
“Iwájú” (which loosely means “the future” in Yoruba) began as a Kugali comic book anthology. Kugali co-founders Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, Hamid Ibrahim, and Tolu Olowofoyeku let it be known in an interview they had their sights set on animation and were determined to “kick Disney’s arse in Africa.” This came to the attention of Disney Animation’s chief creative officer, Jennifer Lee, who was so impressed with the...
“Iwájú” (which loosely means “the future” in Yoruba) began as a Kugali comic book anthology. Kugali co-founders Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, Hamid Ibrahim, and Tolu Olowofoyeku let it be known in an interview they had their sights set on animation and were determined to “kick Disney’s arse in Africa.” This came to the attention of Disney Animation’s chief creative officer, Jennifer Lee, who was so impressed with the...
- 3/4/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Jenny Slate is a name that has been making waves in the entertainment industry. This multitalented star has captivated audiences with her unique blend of wit, charm, and versatility. From her early life and education to her successful career in film and television, Jenny Slate has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with.
Life and Education Jenny Slate
Jenny Slate was born on March 25, 1982, in Milton, Massachusetts. She grew up in a close-knit family, with her parents instilling in her a love for the arts from a young age. Her father, Ron Slate, was a poet and an editor, while her mother, Nancy Slate, worked as a ceramicist. Jenny’s upbringing in a creative environment played a significant role in shaping her artistic aspirations.
Jenny Slate’s academic journey led her to pursue a degree in literature at Columbia University. During her time at Columbia, she discovered...
Life and Education Jenny Slate
Jenny Slate was born on March 25, 1982, in Milton, Massachusetts. She grew up in a close-knit family, with her parents instilling in her a love for the arts from a young age. Her father, Ron Slate, was a poet and an editor, while her mother, Nancy Slate, worked as a ceramicist. Jenny’s upbringing in a creative environment played a significant role in shaping her artistic aspirations.
Jenny Slate’s academic journey led her to pursue a degree in literature at Columbia University. During her time at Columbia, she discovered...
- 2/23/2024
- by Penelope H. Fritz
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
During its first quarter earnings call earlier this month, Disney announced that the next animated film it will bring to theaters on Thanksgiving will be the sequel to its 2016 hit “Moana,” signaling a renewed push on sequels after years of original animated titles.
But “Moana 2” was originally announced in 2020, under short-lived CEO Bob Chapek, as a streaming series exclusive to Disney+. This change underscores a shifting strategy by Disney and other studios to move films previously planned for streaming to the big screen — in part to calm jittery investors nervous about the thin pipeline of tentpole movies after the Hollywood strikes.
The “Moana 2” re-direct follows Paramount’s “Mean Girls” and “Smile,” and Warner Bros./New Line’s “Evil Dead Rise,” all theatrical releases that were originally intended to be streaming-only.
“Studios are showing that when they see signs of high quality in a project they greenlit for streaming…...
But “Moana 2” was originally announced in 2020, under short-lived CEO Bob Chapek, as a streaming series exclusive to Disney+. This change underscores a shifting strategy by Disney and other studios to move films previously planned for streaming to the big screen — in part to calm jittery investors nervous about the thin pipeline of tentpole movies after the Hollywood strikes.
The “Moana 2” re-direct follows Paramount’s “Mean Girls” and “Smile,” and Warner Bros./New Line’s “Evil Dead Rise,” all theatrical releases that were originally intended to be streaming-only.
“Studios are showing that when they see signs of high quality in a project they greenlit for streaming…...
- 2/20/2024
- by Jeremy Fuster, Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Oscar frontrunner “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” won a leading seven races at the Annie Awards on Feb. 17, including Best Studio Animated Feature over two of its Oscar rivals — “The Boy and the Heron” and “Nimona” — plus “Suzume.” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.” The fifth Oscar contender, “Robot Dreams ” won Best Independent Feature over “Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia,” “Four Souls of Coyote,” “The Inventor” and “White Plastic Sky.”
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” went seven for seven with wins also for director, character design, editorial, FX, music and production design. “The Boy and the Heron” picked up a pair of prizes from its seven bids: character animation and storyboarding. Likewise “Nimona” prevailed in two of its nine races: voice acting (Chloe Grace Moretz) and writing.
Eight of the last 12 Annie Awards champs have previewed the Oscar winner: “Rango” (2012), “Frozen” (2014), “Inside Out” (2016), “Zootopia” (2017), “Coco” (2018), “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse...
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” went seven for seven with wins also for director, character design, editorial, FX, music and production design. “The Boy and the Heron” picked up a pair of prizes from its seven bids: character animation and storyboarding. Likewise “Nimona” prevailed in two of its nine races: voice acting (Chloe Grace Moretz) and writing.
Eight of the last 12 Annie Awards champs have previewed the Oscar winner: “Rango” (2012), “Frozen” (2014), “Inside Out” (2016), “Zootopia” (2017), “Coco” (2018), “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse...
- 2/18/2024
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Studio Ghibli, like Western counterparts Disney, Pixar and the UK’s Aardman, is one of the most important animation studios in movie history. Since its first feature film, “Castle in the Sky” in 1986, Studio Ghibli has delivered two dozen thought-provoking tales beautifully rendered in a unique brand of animation. To date, its output has racked up have a lucky seven Oscar bids for Best Animated Feature.
“Spirited Away” was the first Studio Ghibli movie to break into the Academy Awards conversation and did so with aplomb in 2003. It won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature (Miyazaki the recipient) over “Ice Age,” “Lilo & Stitch,” “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,” and “Treasure Planet.”
In 2006, Miyazaki was again nominated — this time for “Howl’s Moving Castle” alongside “Corpse Bride” and “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit,” with the latter movie, an Aardman creation, reigning victorious.
Miyazaki and Suzuki were the nominees...
“Spirited Away” was the first Studio Ghibli movie to break into the Academy Awards conversation and did so with aplomb in 2003. It won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature (Miyazaki the recipient) over “Ice Age,” “Lilo & Stitch,” “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,” and “Treasure Planet.”
In 2006, Miyazaki was again nominated — this time for “Howl’s Moving Castle” alongside “Corpse Bride” and “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit,” with the latter movie, an Aardman creation, reigning victorious.
Miyazaki and Suzuki were the nominees...
- 2/16/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
When Disney CEO Bob Iger announced Wednesday that an animated Moana sequel would swim into theaters in November of this year, it inspired both excitement amongst fans of the 2016 original and questions about the live-action remake set to star Dwayne Johnson.
The live-action Moana, announced a year ago by Iger and Johnson, is slated to hit theaters in June 27, 2025. Now, it is almost certain to depart that date to give both films space, according to insiders. Disney hasn’t broached the matter, and declined comment. Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions, which is producing the live-action version, also declined comment.
The two Moana films show how bullish Iger is on the property— and for good reason.
Disney was initially developing the Moana sequel as an animated TV show, but Iger and Disney Entertainment co-chair Alan Bergman upgraded it to a theatrical release based on the strength of what they saw,...
The live-action Moana, announced a year ago by Iger and Johnson, is slated to hit theaters in June 27, 2025. Now, it is almost certain to depart that date to give both films space, according to insiders. Disney hasn’t broached the matter, and declined comment. Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions, which is producing the live-action version, also declined comment.
The two Moana films show how bullish Iger is on the property— and for good reason.
Disney was initially developing the Moana sequel as an animated TV show, but Iger and Disney Entertainment co-chair Alan Bergman upgraded it to a theatrical release based on the strength of what they saw,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Aaron Couch and Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
2023 marked 100 years of the Walt Disney Animation Studios, celebrating a full century of groundbreaking and beloved generational classics that revolutionized the landscape of animated cinema, forever. To honor the institution's legacy, Disney put out "Wish," the company's first original fairy tale that was unfortunately met with less-than-stellar reviews, and the charming short film "Once Upon a Studio," which although well received, failed to earn a nomination at the Academy Awards for Best Animated Short. In fact, "Wish" was also shut out of the Best Animated Feature race, indicating that the House of Mouse is no longer the untouchable empire it once was and that resting on their legendary laurels isn't going to cut it anymore. It certainly must be a pretty tough pill for those working at Disney to swallow, especially those who are fighting tooth-and-nail to bring the company through its evolutionary next step.
It was announced in early 2023 that sequels to "Zootopia,...
It was announced in early 2023 that sequels to "Zootopia,...
- 2/7/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Jenny Slate is set to star opposite Michelle Williams in Dying for Sex, FX’s limited series from writers Liz Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock, director Leslye Headland and 20th Television, where Meriwether, Rosenstock and Headland are under overall deals.
Based on the hit Wondery podcast, Dying for Sex is the story of Molly (Williams), a woman diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer who leaves her husband of 15 years and begins to explore her sexuality. She gets the courage and support to go on this adventure from her best friend Nikki (Slate), who stays by her side all the way to the very end.
Slate’s Nikki is joyful and life-affirming. She agrees to be Molly’s caretaker on her journey of sexual exploration in the face of death.
Meriwether and Rosenstock serve as showrunners and executive produce with Headland, Meriwether’s longtime collaborator Katherine Pope, Nikki Boyer, host and co-creator...
Based on the hit Wondery podcast, Dying for Sex is the story of Molly (Williams), a woman diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer who leaves her husband of 15 years and begins to explore her sexuality. She gets the courage and support to go on this adventure from her best friend Nikki (Slate), who stays by her side all the way to the very end.
Slate’s Nikki is joyful and life-affirming. She agrees to be Molly’s caretaker on her journey of sexual exploration in the face of death.
Meriwether and Rosenstock serve as showrunners and executive produce with Headland, Meriwether’s longtime collaborator Katherine Pope, Nikki Boyer, host and co-creator...
- 1/17/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Not surprisingly, our five leading contenders for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars also dominate the Annie Awards nominations announced on January 11. The predicted Oscar winner, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” reaped a lucky seven nominations. However, it is another likely Oscar contender, “Nimona,” that topped the nominations chart with nine bids.
All three of these films contend for Best Studio Animated Feature as does six-time nominee “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.” We expect another six-time nominee, “Elemental” to reap an Oscar bid for Best Animated Feature even though it was snubbed in the top race by the Annies. That category is filled out here by “Suzume,” which earned seven nominations in all.
The Best Independent Feature nominees are: “Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia,” “Four Souls of Coyote,” “Robot Dreams,” “The Inventor” and “White Plastic Sky.”
These precursor prizes are presented by the Hollywood chapter of the International Animated Film Association.
All three of these films contend for Best Studio Animated Feature as does six-time nominee “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.” We expect another six-time nominee, “Elemental” to reap an Oscar bid for Best Animated Feature even though it was snubbed in the top race by the Annies. That category is filled out here by “Suzume,” which earned seven nominations in all.
The Best Independent Feature nominees are: “Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia,” “Four Souls of Coyote,” “Robot Dreams,” “The Inventor” and “White Plastic Sky.”
These precursor prizes are presented by the Hollywood chapter of the International Animated Film Association.
- 1/11/2024
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Reports are surging out of Shanghai Disneyland after a child guest reportedly got injured on the new Zootopia-theme ride less than a week after being officially opened to the general public.
On Dec. 25, a social media post went viral showing a child pinned under one of the Zootopia: Hot Pursuit vehicles, which operate without a track. The child was reportedly reaching for an object they had dropped while disembarking from the ride.
Following the incident, Shanghai Disney Resort issued the following statement: “Zootopia: Hot Pursuit is temporarily out of service until further notice. The other offerings of Zootopia, including entertainment, F&b, and merchandise, will continue to operate as normal.”
The park said they would offer refunds or exchanges to guests who purchased tickets for Dec. 25 and wished to reschedule.
After shutting down the ride, Shanghai Disney Resort reopened the ride and their official website has the following statement: “Zootopia:...
On Dec. 25, a social media post went viral showing a child pinned under one of the Zootopia: Hot Pursuit vehicles, which operate without a track. The child was reportedly reaching for an object they had dropped while disembarking from the ride.
Following the incident, Shanghai Disney Resort issued the following statement: “Zootopia: Hot Pursuit is temporarily out of service until further notice. The other offerings of Zootopia, including entertainment, F&b, and merchandise, will continue to operate as normal.”
The park said they would offer refunds or exchanges to guests who purchased tickets for Dec. 25 and wished to reschedule.
After shutting down the ride, Shanghai Disney Resort reopened the ride and their official website has the following statement: “Zootopia:...
- 12/27/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with all winners: HBO/Max’s Sesame Street, Disney+’s The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special and Jack Black and Tony Hale were among the winners Sunday at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.
The ceremony capped a full weekend for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which hosted the Children’s & Family Creative Arts Emmys on Saturday.
See the full list of winners both nights below.
Sesame Street won for Outstanding Preschool Series as well as for puppetry and direction, giving it five awards across the weekend, tying it with Saturday’s big winner, Netflix’s Lost Ollie. Guardians and Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur from Disney Channel also scored best-in-field wins tonight to bring their tallies to four apiece.
Among the winners tonight in the voice categories, Black wo for reprising Po in Netflix’s Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight,...
The ceremony capped a full weekend for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which hosted the Children’s & Family Creative Arts Emmys on Saturday.
See the full list of winners both nights below.
Sesame Street won for Outstanding Preschool Series as well as for puppetry and direction, giving it five awards across the weekend, tying it with Saturday’s big winner, Netflix’s Lost Ollie. Guardians and Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur from Disney Channel also scored best-in-field wins tonight to bring their tallies to four apiece.
Among the winners tonight in the voice categories, Black wo for reprising Po in Netflix’s Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight,...
- 12/18/2023
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2023 Children’s & Family Emmy Awards were handed out on Sunday night in a ceremony hosted by Christopher Jackson (Hamilton, And Just Like That…) at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles.
Sesame Street and The Muppets Mayhem took home top honors for Outstanding Preschool Series and Outstanding Children’s or Family Viewing Series, respectively. Meanwhile, Apple TV+’s The Crossover walked away with a win for Outstanding Young Teen Series.
More from TVLineEmmys 2023 Poll: What Should Win for Outstanding Drama Series?Anthony Anderson to Host 2023 EmmysGolden Globes: Succession, The Bear, Only Murders Lead 2024 TV Nominees
As far as cartoons go,...
Sesame Street and The Muppets Mayhem took home top honors for Outstanding Preschool Series and Outstanding Children’s or Family Viewing Series, respectively. Meanwhile, Apple TV+’s The Crossover walked away with a win for Outstanding Young Teen Series.
More from TVLineEmmys 2023 Poll: What Should Win for Outstanding Drama Series?Anthony Anderson to Host 2023 EmmysGolden Globes: Succession, The Bear, Only Murders Lead 2024 TV Nominees
As far as cartoons go,...
- 12/18/2023
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
Five years ago, while chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jennifer Lee was finishing work on “Frozen II,” she mentioned to her co-director, Chris Buck, that the studio’s 100th anniversary was coming up — and asked whether he’d want to be involved in any projects pegged to the anniversary?
They didn’t have any idea what that animated feature would be but they knew that “we wanted original characters, story and music,” says Buck.
They began gathering stills from every animated feature the studio had done and pinned them to a bulletin board.
They looked at the breadth of colors and styles. From “Pinocchio’s” Jiminy Cricket to “The Princess and the Frog’s” Tiana to Judy Hopps in “Zootopia,” one thing was apparent — that these and many other characters had all made wishes on stars.
“It feels very obvious. Of course, these characters are wishing on the stars.
They didn’t have any idea what that animated feature would be but they knew that “we wanted original characters, story and music,” says Buck.
They began gathering stills from every animated feature the studio had done and pinned them to a bulletin board.
They looked at the breadth of colors and styles. From “Pinocchio’s” Jiminy Cricket to “The Princess and the Frog’s” Tiana to Judy Hopps in “Zootopia,” one thing was apparent — that these and many other characters had all made wishes on stars.
“It feels very obvious. Of course, these characters are wishing on the stars.
- 12/7/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
In a little over a decade, Disney has released a dozen films with female protagonists that are nothing like their good old princesses from back in the day. I suppose as a Zillennial who is still a child at heart, I’ve had the chance to enjoy both Disney’s iconic classics as well as whatever you want to call the stuff that came out post-2010. While earlier there was always a charming prince to save the day, today’s Disney female leads are all about saving the day themselves. I do love a girlboss character who knows exactly how to navigate the world around her and put evil villains in their place, but I’d say it’s wishful thinking if you’re looking for something like that in today’s Disney. For those who enjoyed Wish, and specifically Asha’s dorky naivety, then this list might just be what you’re looking for.
- 12/7/2023
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
Every few years, the Academy tweaks the rules for its animated feature category, with the net result that the nominees tend to skew ever more mainstream. That makes it tough for most of this year’s hopefuls: A record-setting number of animated features submitted. Those who pick the noms are required to watch roughly a third before ranking their top five, which can include additional titles they might have seen on their own. Blockbusters naturally benefit, though “Flee” and “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On” earned nominations in 2022 and 2023, respectively, suggesting that artful indies still stand a chance.
The Boy and the Heron
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voices: Luca Padovan, Robert Pattinson
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Distributor: GKids
Rumors of Miyazaki’s retirement were greatly exaggerated, as the unstoppable creative force (who won an Oscar for “Spirited Away” in 2003) returns with a story inspired by his childhood memories during wartime. More fanciful than “The Wind Rises,...
The Boy and the Heron
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voices: Luca Padovan, Robert Pattinson
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Distributor: GKids
Rumors of Miyazaki’s retirement were greatly exaggerated, as the unstoppable creative force (who won an Oscar for “Spirited Away” in 2003) returns with a story inspired by his childhood memories during wartime. More fanciful than “The Wind Rises,...
- 12/5/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Walt Disney Animation Studios released its latest original film during the Thanksgiving holiday in the form of "Wish." In the lead-up to the release, it was presumed that Disney's latest was going to top the box office ahead of "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" and Ridley Scott's "Napoleon." That's not how things panned out. Instead, the animated musical had to settle for third place, coming in far below industry expectations. No two ways about it: in the early going, this is a rough start for a massive $200 million animated film. Be that as it may, it wouldn't be fair to count the movie out just yet.
"Wish" earned $19.5 million over the weekend and an estimated $31.7 million across the full, five-day holiday frame, per The Numbers. Disney opted to release the film mid-week on Wednesday to get in on the holiday bounty and, typically, that works out well.
"Wish" earned $19.5 million over the weekend and an estimated $31.7 million across the full, five-day holiday frame, per The Numbers. Disney opted to release the film mid-week on Wednesday to get in on the holiday bounty and, typically, that works out well.
- 11/27/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Disney opens animation ‘Wish’; indie titles include ‘The Eternal Daughter’, ‘Girl’.
Ridley Scott’s historical epic Napoleon becomes the widest release ever in the UK and Ireland for Sony, starting in 716 cinemas this weekend.
The film, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the early 19th century French leader, tops the 690-location opening of Whitney Houston biopic Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody from December 2022.
Written by David Scarpa – who previously collaborated with Scott on All The Money In The World – Napoleon tells the story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power, and his relationship with Empress Josephine, played in the film...
Ridley Scott’s historical epic Napoleon becomes the widest release ever in the UK and Ireland for Sony, starting in 716 cinemas this weekend.
The film, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the early 19th century French leader, tops the 690-location opening of Whitney Houston biopic Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody from December 2022.
Written by David Scarpa – who previously collaborated with Scott on All The Money In The World – Napoleon tells the story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power, and his relationship with Empress Josephine, played in the film...
- 11/24/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The new Disney animated movie Wish is now in theaters and there are so many great actors in the cast, some who you probably didn’t even realize have lent their voices to the project.
Oscar-winning actress Ariana DeBose leads the cast as Asha, our hero, and she’s supported by a lot of actors who you definitely will recognize.
Wish is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
Make sure to read all about that touching end credits scene,...
Oscar-winning actress Ariana DeBose leads the cast as Asha, our hero, and she’s supported by a lot of actors who you definitely will recognize.
Wish is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
Make sure to read all about that touching end credits scene,...
- 11/23/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Bob Iger is tapping into what works at Disney with plans for new movies in the Frozen, Zootopia, and Toy Story franchises. In February, Iger teased returning to the studio’s known quantities to revitalize Disney’s animation arm, which has had its ups and downs in recent years. While we know about two Frozen sequels, news about another Toy Story movie has been missing from headlines until now. Heading into the Thanksgiving holiday, Tim Allen appeared on The Tonight Show. During his interview, he said Disney contacted him and Tom Hanks about reprising their iconic roles from the Toy Story franchise for what could be Toy Story 5.
According to Allen, “one of the creators of the original series” is in charge of the new script. “Bob Iger, head of Disney, said it was on and actually said it was going to happen,” Allen said. “They have reached out...
According to Allen, “one of the creators of the original series” is in charge of the new script. “Bob Iger, head of Disney, said it was on and actually said it was going to happen,” Allen said. “They have reached out...
- 11/22/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
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