Exclusive: Kelly Marie Tran and Miles Robbins will star in Shal Ngo’s Control Freak, a psychological thriller from WorthenBrooks for Hulu Originals. The feature film has wrapped production and will premiere in early 2025.
Control Freak follows a motivational speaker plagued by an uncontrollable itch on her head, who becomes infected with a parasitic demon from her homeland. Tran stars as “Valerie,” alongside Robbins who plays her husband, “Robbie.”
Additional cast includes Toan Le (The Sympathizer) as Valerie’s father, “Sang” and Kieu Chinh (The Joy Luck Club) as her “Aunt Thuy.”
Toan Le and Kieu Chinh
Ngo was tapped to direct Control Freak based on the short film Control. He also wrote and directed for Season 2 of Hulu’s Bite Size Halloween. WorthenBrooks developed Control Freak for Hulu Originals with David Brooks,...
Control Freak follows a motivational speaker plagued by an uncontrollable itch on her head, who becomes infected with a parasitic demon from her homeland. Tran stars as “Valerie,” alongside Robbins who plays her husband, “Robbie.”
Additional cast includes Toan Le (The Sympathizer) as Valerie’s father, “Sang” and Kieu Chinh (The Joy Luck Club) as her “Aunt Thuy.”
Toan Le and Kieu Chinh
Ngo was tapped to direct Control Freak based on the short film Control. He also wrote and directed for Season 2 of Hulu’s Bite Size Halloween. WorthenBrooks developed Control Freak for Hulu Originals with David Brooks,...
- 4/19/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
What can Disney say to cinema owners except “you’re welcome“? After all, the studio is revisiting the island of Montunui, where “Moana” takes place, a lot sooner than movie theaters were expecting.
Earlier this year, the studio announced a surprise sequel to the 2016 animated feature for release on Nov. 27. The follow-up was initially commissioned as a television series for Disney+ but it was retooled into a feature film after executives were reportedly impressed by the footage.
Disney shared the first look at the scenes that wowed those Magic Kingdom creatives during its CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas on Thursday. In the music-heavy clip, Moana returns to her home island of Montunui and is greeted with a hero’s welcome. The clip offered a taste of one new song, which appears to be about the wayfinding natives eager to be “back to who we’re meant to be.” Although the...
Earlier this year, the studio announced a surprise sequel to the 2016 animated feature for release on Nov. 27. The follow-up was initially commissioned as a television series for Disney+ but it was retooled into a feature film after executives were reportedly impressed by the footage.
Disney shared the first look at the scenes that wowed those Magic Kingdom creatives during its CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas on Thursday. In the music-heavy clip, Moana returns to her home island of Montunui and is greeted with a hero’s welcome. The clip offered a taste of one new song, which appears to be about the wayfinding natives eager to be “back to who we’re meant to be.” Although the...
- 4/12/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The U.K. premieres of Rich Peppiatt’s “Kneecap” and Sean Wang’s “Dìdi” will open and close the 11th edition of Sundance Film Festival: London. Both films won awards at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah in January.
Rambunctious Irish-language film “Kneecap” is the real-life story of how an anarchic Belfast rap trio became the unlikely figureheads of a civil rights movement to save and reinvigorate their mother tongue. “Bursting with unruly energy that practically escapes the confines of the screen, ‘Kneecap’ is a riotous, drug-laced triumph in the name of freedom that bridges political substance and crowd-pleasing entertainment,” reads Variety‘s review of the film. “Kneecap” won the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award: Next in January.
“Kneecap” was produced by Mother Tongues Films and Fine Point Films. The U.K.-Ireland co-production is financed by BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, TG4 and Northern Ireland Screen,...
Rambunctious Irish-language film “Kneecap” is the real-life story of how an anarchic Belfast rap trio became the unlikely figureheads of a civil rights movement to save and reinvigorate their mother tongue. “Bursting with unruly energy that practically escapes the confines of the screen, ‘Kneecap’ is a riotous, drug-laced triumph in the name of freedom that bridges political substance and crowd-pleasing entertainment,” reads Variety‘s review of the film. “Kneecap” won the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award: Next in January.
“Kneecap” was produced by Mother Tongues Films and Fine Point Films. The U.K.-Ireland co-production is financed by BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, TG4 and Northern Ireland Screen,...
- 4/4/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sierra Katow (The Sex Lives of College Girls) is partnering with Comedy Dynamics on the release of her debut comedy special, Funt, which will become available on platforms worldwide on April 2nd, rolling out in album form on April 5th.
Best known for her recurring role as Evangeline on the Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls, which has been renewed for a third season, Katow uses her special to ponder her dumb career choice, online haters, and why anyone still has kids.
Filmed live from the inaugural Comedy Dynamics Festival, which was held at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood from April 5 – 9, 2023, the special was directed by Matt Kubas. Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, Anna Roberts and Katow served as executive producers.
“I am beyond excited to share my first comedy special, Funt!” said Katow. “I hope that it makes people laugh or even lightly chuckle. I am not picky.
Best known for her recurring role as Evangeline on the Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls, which has been renewed for a third season, Katow uses her special to ponder her dumb career choice, online haters, and why anyone still has kids.
Filmed live from the inaugural Comedy Dynamics Festival, which was held at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood from April 5 – 9, 2023, the special was directed by Matt Kubas. Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, Anna Roberts and Katow served as executive producers.
“I am beyond excited to share my first comedy special, Funt!” said Katow. “I hope that it makes people laugh or even lightly chuckle. I am not picky.
- 3/28/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, Ian McShane, Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng, Lori Tan Chinn, Dustin Hoffman | Written by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, Darren Lemke | Directed by Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Ma Stine
Cuddly Kung Fu master Po the Panda returns to the big screen for a fourth instalment of the animated action comedy franchise, eight years after Kung Fu Panda 3. Unfortunately, it’s fair to say that the law of diminishing returns has very much kicked in, because while the film is entirely amiable, it doesn’t quite deliver the same punch, and frequently feels like it’s going through the motions.
The film begins in the Valley of Peace, where Po (Jack Black) is content with his life as the legendary Dragon Warrior, occasionally defeating the odd villain with his sweet kung-fu skills and using his standing in the community to open a tofu-and-noodle shop.
Cuddly Kung Fu master Po the Panda returns to the big screen for a fourth instalment of the animated action comedy franchise, eight years after Kung Fu Panda 3. Unfortunately, it’s fair to say that the law of diminishing returns has very much kicked in, because while the film is entirely amiable, it doesn’t quite deliver the same punch, and frequently feels like it’s going through the motions.
The film begins in the Valley of Peace, where Po (Jack Black) is content with his life as the legendary Dragon Warrior, occasionally defeating the odd villain with his sweet kung-fu skills and using his standing in the community to open a tofu-and-noodle shop.
- 3/27/2024
- by Matthew Turner
- Nerdly
“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
Exclusive: Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and Janet Yang Productions announced the completed films of the four winners of the Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge for Asian and Pacific Islander Women and Non-Binary Filmmakers.
The four short films will premiere February 25th at AMC Theater in Santa Monica. Additionally, the four filmmakers were recognized earlier this week during the Asian Women Empowered luncheon as part of the Asia Society’s 2024 U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit.
The four filmmaker grantees and their funded short films are:
Only In This World by Dorothy Xiao | When an empty nester loses her ability to summon her daughter back from the afterlife, she is forced to find help from the person she resents the most: her ex-husband’s mistress.
You Left Me A Ghost by Kristy Choi | A strange spirit reunites Bennie Kim with her brother in a heaven for those who have died by suicide.
The four short films will premiere February 25th at AMC Theater in Santa Monica. Additionally, the four filmmakers were recognized earlier this week during the Asian Women Empowered luncheon as part of the Asia Society’s 2024 U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit.
The four filmmaker grantees and their funded short films are:
Only In This World by Dorothy Xiao | When an empty nester loses her ability to summon her daughter back from the afterlife, she is forced to find help from the person she resents the most: her ex-husband’s mistress.
You Left Me A Ghost by Kristy Choi | A strange spirit reunites Bennie Kim with her brother in a heaven for those who have died by suicide.
- 2/23/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The Exchange has acquired the worldwide sales rights of romantic comedy feature “Worth the Wait,” which stars Lana Condor and Andrew Koji.
The Exchange will introduce the title to buyers at the European Film Market in Berlin, which runs Feb. 15-21.
Set in Seattle and Kuala Lumpur, “Worth the Wait” is a story about the intertwining lives of Asian-American strangers over the course of a year as they find new loves, mend their relationships, and create new connections.
The film, which is in post-production, is directed by Tom Shu-Yu Lin, whose credits include “The Garden of Evening Mists” and “Winds of September.”
“A modern approach to ‘Love Actually’ with a star-studded Asian American cast, Tom made a heartwarming rom-com that is truly worth the wait,” said Nat McCormick, The Exchange’s worldwide sales and distribution president.
Other members of the cast include Ross Butler, Sung Kang, Elodie Yung, Karena Lam...
The Exchange will introduce the title to buyers at the European Film Market in Berlin, which runs Feb. 15-21.
Set in Seattle and Kuala Lumpur, “Worth the Wait” is a story about the intertwining lives of Asian-American strangers over the course of a year as they find new loves, mend their relationships, and create new connections.
The film, which is in post-production, is directed by Tom Shu-Yu Lin, whose credits include “The Garden of Evening Mists” and “Winds of September.”
“A modern approach to ‘Love Actually’ with a star-studded Asian American cast, Tom made a heartwarming rom-com that is truly worth the wait,” said Nat McCormick, The Exchange’s worldwide sales and distribution president.
Other members of the cast include Ross Butler, Sung Kang, Elodie Yung, Karena Lam...
- 2/5/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Focus Features has acquired worldwide rights to Sean Wang’s popular Sundance coming-of-age tale Didi, winner of the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and the U.S. Dramatic special jury award for best ensemble cast.
Didi is set in California’s Bay Area in 2008 and follows a group of first-generation teens seen through the eyes of a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy.
Izaac Wang stars alongside Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, and Chang Li Hua.
Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters, Valerie Bush, and Wang served as producers on the Antigravity Academy and Spark Features production, with Chris Quintos Cathcart, Tyler Boehm, Robina Riccitiello,...
Didi is set in California’s Bay Area in 2008 and follows a group of first-generation teens seen through the eyes of a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy.
Izaac Wang stars alongside Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, and Chang Li Hua.
Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters, Valerie Bush, and Wang served as producers on the Antigravity Academy and Spark Features production, with Chris Quintos Cathcart, Tyler Boehm, Robina Riccitiello,...
- 1/31/2024
- ScreenDaily
On Twitter, we see Lil Nas X the troll. In his music, we hear Lil Nas X the musician. And in his new documentary, the “J Christ” singer hopes to give viewers a glimpse of Lil Nas X the human.
“Some people think my music is dope. Some people see me as this satanic devil. But me?” he reflects while laying down.
The trailer shows clips of his upbringing as he was grappling with deep anxiety attacks, and videos from his performances as he talks about the struggles of coming out to his family.
“Some people think my music is dope. Some people see me as this satanic devil. But me?” he reflects while laying down.
The trailer shows clips of his upbringing as he was grappling with deep anxiety attacks, and videos from his performances as he talks about the struggles of coming out to his family.
- 1/18/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
If you wish upon a star, Disney’s latest animated film, Wish, will come to Digital, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD platforms sooner than you think. A heartfelt celebration of the magic of Disney and a joyful new entry to the studio’s animated film legacy, Walt Disney Animation Studios‘ Wish becomes available to view at home through digital retailers on January 23. Participating platforms include Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, with 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD versions landing on shelves on March 12.
Here’s the official synopsis for Wish:
In this animated musical-comedy, Asha (Ariana DeBose), a sharp-witted idealist in the kingdom of Rosas, makes a powerful wish that’s answered by Star, a ball of boundless energy. Soon, Asha and Star must face a formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas—to save her community and prove that when one brave human connects with the magic of the stars,...
Here’s the official synopsis for Wish:
In this animated musical-comedy, Asha (Ariana DeBose), a sharp-witted idealist in the kingdom of Rosas, makes a powerful wish that’s answered by Star, a ball of boundless energy. Soon, Asha and Star must face a formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas—to save her community and prove that when one brave human connects with the magic of the stars,...
- 1/12/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Let’s be honest, what’s your all-time favorite dragon movie? Is it Dragonslayer? Dragonheart? Q: The Winged Serpent? Maybe it’s an animated feature like How to Train Your Dragon or Raya and the Last Dragon? No matter what your answer is, the unpopular opinion remains, Rob Bowman’s 2002 popcorn flick Reign of Fire is one of the most underrated movies featuring the mythic fire-breathing beasts. Never mind the fact that the flick boasts a lowly 39 Metascore and 42% Rotten Tomatoes score, the grim dystopian world-building, excellent visual effects, and big-d*ck swinging performances from Matthew McConaughey and Christian Bale remain a ton of fun to behold. Of course, Reign of Fire had the misfortune of running into the far more potent cinematic behemoth, Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, which largely overshadowed the movie’s mild commercial success and eventually relegated the film into obscurity at worst,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
If you missed Lil Nas X’s Long Live Montero tour in 2022 or 2023, or if you just want to relive it, you’ll get a chance to see it on HBO later this month. The concert documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero — which previously premiered at last year’s Toronto Film Festival — will get a wide premiere at 8 p.m. Et on Jan. 27 on the network, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and it will also be available to stream on Max.
Filmmakers Carlos López Estrada, who received an Oscar...
Filmmakers Carlos López Estrada, who received an Oscar...
- 1/4/2024
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Lil Nas X’s concert documentary that captured his first global tour is coming to HBO.
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero will debut on the network on Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. Et; it will also stream on Max. The film had its world premiere at last year’s Toronto Film Festival.
The documentary follows the Grammy-winning rapper, born Montero Hill, over 60 days as he performs on his Long Live Montero tour, which supported Montero, his full-length 2021 debut album. In the diary film, Lil Nas X discusses his career and his place in the pop world as a Black and queer performer.
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero is directed by Zac Manuel and Carlos López Estrada, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker whose credits include Blindspotting, Summertime and Raya and the Last Dragon; he has also directed music videos for Billie Eilish, Katy Perry and Carly Rae Jepsen. Manuel’s cinematography and directing credits include Alone,...
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero will debut on the network on Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. Et; it will also stream on Max. The film had its world premiere at last year’s Toronto Film Festival.
The documentary follows the Grammy-winning rapper, born Montero Hill, over 60 days as he performs on his Long Live Montero tour, which supported Montero, his full-length 2021 debut album. In the diary film, Lil Nas X discusses his career and his place in the pop world as a Black and queer performer.
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero is directed by Zac Manuel and Carlos López Estrada, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker whose credits include Blindspotting, Summertime and Raya and the Last Dragon; he has also directed music videos for Billie Eilish, Katy Perry and Carly Rae Jepsen. Manuel’s cinematography and directing credits include Alone,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The upcoming American animated musical fantasy film ‘Wish’ is about a seventeen-year-old girl named Asha who senses a darkness in the kingdom of Rosas which nobody else can sense and makes a passionate wish to the stars.
Ariana DeBose will give voice to the character of Asha in the movie. It is set to be released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on November 22, 2023.
Following is a list of other animated fantasy films that you might want to give a try if you like Wish.
Also Read: Love Lies Bleeding Starring Kristen Stewart Official Trailer Released!
Top 10 Films Like Animated Disney Movie Wish!
Raya and The Last Dragon (2021)- ComingSoon.net
Carlos López Estrada and Don Hall directed the American computer-animated fantasy action adventure movie the plot of which revolves around a warrior named Raya who embarks upon a journey of tracking down a dragon called Sisu that once transferred...
Ariana DeBose will give voice to the character of Asha in the movie. It is set to be released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on November 22, 2023.
Following is a list of other animated fantasy films that you might want to give a try if you like Wish.
Also Read: Love Lies Bleeding Starring Kristen Stewart Official Trailer Released!
Top 10 Films Like Animated Disney Movie Wish!
Raya and The Last Dragon (2021)- ComingSoon.net
Carlos López Estrada and Don Hall directed the American computer-animated fantasy action adventure movie the plot of which revolves around a warrior named Raya who embarks upon a journey of tracking down a dragon called Sisu that once transferred...
- 12/21/2023
- by Suvechchha Saha
- https://dailyresearchplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/new-sam
Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Carlos López Estrada is launching the Antigravity Academy Screenwriters Camp, a program designed to develop and package five features from first-time emerging filmmakers.
The program will be run by Abiram Brizuela, Antigravity’s head of incubator, and backed by independent film financier and Unapologetic Projects co-ceo Chris Quintos Cathcart. Brizuela is the executive director of The Unusual Suspects Theater Company and previously served as director of artist community at the Sundance Institute.
“This is a program built out of necessity. We’ve met hundreds of incredible filmmakers waiting to be seen. Filmmakers who anchor their stories on their own identity and explore the nuances of life from unprecedented perspectives,” stated Brizuela and López Estrada. “We’re proud to provide a platform where these storytellers can exchange ideas, engage in artistic practice, explore the power of their creative voice, and ultimately find a path forward for their films.
The program will be run by Abiram Brizuela, Antigravity’s head of incubator, and backed by independent film financier and Unapologetic Projects co-ceo Chris Quintos Cathcart. Brizuela is the executive director of The Unusual Suspects Theater Company and previously served as director of artist community at the Sundance Institute.
“This is a program built out of necessity. We’ve met hundreds of incredible filmmakers waiting to be seen. Filmmakers who anchor their stories on their own identity and explore the nuances of life from unprecedented perspectives,” stated Brizuela and López Estrada. “We’re proud to provide a platform where these storytellers can exchange ideas, engage in artistic practice, explore the power of their creative voice, and ultimately find a path forward for their films.
- 12/12/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- 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
With this year being the 100 year anniversary of The Walt Disney Company and the release of their latest animated title, Wish, we wanted to know what animated Disney film has been your favorite over the years? We stuck to films specifically released by Disney, so no Pixar titles are included. What struck me while compiling the list is the progression of their films. From the innocence of their early work to what many consider their heyday in the early 90’s to the emergence of the CGI era. For many of us, Disney films defined our youth, but which is the one that has remained with you all these years? As always, if you don’t see your favorite listed, please click “Other” and let us know what it is in the comments section as well as any fond memories you have of these timeless classics.
What is your favorite Disney Animated Film?...
What is your favorite Disney Animated Film?...
- 11/26/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
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
Spoilers for "Wish" follow.
The villains from Walt Disney Animation's feature films have traditionally been so striking and scary that the company has thought to separate them into their own brand. The brand tends to focus on Maleficent (Eleanor Audley) from 1959's "Sleeping Beauty," Cruella de Vil (Betty Lou Gerson) from 1961's "One Hundred and One Dalmatians," Ursula the Sea Witch (Pat Caroll) from 1989's "The Little Mermaid," the Evil Queen (Lucille La Verne) from 1937's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," Captain Hook (Hans Conreid) from 1953's "Peter Pan," Hades (James Woods) from 1997's "Hercules," and Dr. Facilier (Keith David) from 2009's "The Princess and the Frog."
Occasionally, one might find Gaston (Richard White) from 1991's "Beauty and the Beast" in the mix or Chernabog from 1940's "Fantasia." These characters are all memorable for their scary designs, their misguided lust for power or destruction, their resentment, their hatred of the world,...
The villains from Walt Disney Animation's feature films have traditionally been so striking and scary that the company has thought to separate them into their own brand. The brand tends to focus on Maleficent (Eleanor Audley) from 1959's "Sleeping Beauty," Cruella de Vil (Betty Lou Gerson) from 1961's "One Hundred and One Dalmatians," Ursula the Sea Witch (Pat Caroll) from 1989's "The Little Mermaid," the Evil Queen (Lucille La Verne) from 1937's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," Captain Hook (Hans Conreid) from 1953's "Peter Pan," Hades (James Woods) from 1997's "Hercules," and Dr. Facilier (Keith David) from 2009's "The Princess and the Frog."
Occasionally, one might find Gaston (Richard White) from 1991's "Beauty and the Beast" in the mix or Chernabog from 1940's "Fantasia." These characters are all memorable for their scary designs, their misguided lust for power or destruction, their resentment, their hatred of the world,...
- 11/22/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Wish: Julia Michaels, Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck & more on the magic, music & celebration of Disney100
To celebrate the release of Disney’s Wish, their new animated feature that helps celebrate the studio’s 100th birthday, we had the pleasure of chatting with some of the creatives who helped make it all possible.
The film 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. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha and Chris Pine as Magnifico.
Related: Our red carpet interviews with Ariana DeBose & more at the Wish UK premiere
Chatting to...
The film 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. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha and Chris Pine as Magnifico.
Related: Our red carpet interviews with Ariana DeBose & more at the Wish UK premiere
Chatting to...
- 11/22/2023
- by Scott Davis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
We present our interviews from the red carpet premiere of Disney’s Wish in London. The film features the voices of Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s favourite goat, Valentino, the film is helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn (“Raya and the Last Dragon”).
The all-new musical-comedy welcomes audiences to Rosas, a fantastical land located off the Iberian Peninsula. “Our heroine, Asha, lives in Rosas, known as the kingdom of wishes,” said director Chris Buck, who helms the film with Fawn Veerasunthorn. “People come from everywhere to give their wishes to a magical king who promises to grant their deepest desires—someday. Only he can decide which wishes will come true and when.”
The film opens only in cinemas on November 24, 2023. Colin Hart, Scott Davis and Ethan Hart were on the red carpet, here are their interviews.
Wish...
The all-new musical-comedy welcomes audiences to Rosas, a fantastical land located off the Iberian Peninsula. “Our heroine, Asha, lives in Rosas, known as the kingdom of wishes,” said director Chris Buck, who helms the film with Fawn Veerasunthorn. “People come from everywhere to give their wishes to a magical king who promises to grant their deepest desires—someday. Only he can decide which wishes will come true and when.”
The film opens only in cinemas on November 24, 2023. Colin Hart, Scott Davis and Ethan Hart were on the red carpet, here are their interviews.
Wish...
- 11/20/2023
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
This article appears in the new issue of Den Of Geek magazine. Get your copy here.
When it came to creating the animated film that would be released on the 100th anniversary of Disney Studios, Disney Animation’s Chief Creative Officer and co-creator of Frozen, Jennifer Lee, was deeply aware of the massive task that she and everyone at the storied animation studio would be taking on. “I started talking with my fellow Frozen director, Chris Buck, about how Disney would be turning 100 this year,” Lee shared at a press event celebrating their newest animated feature. “We acknowledged what a privilege and responsibility it is at this significant time. And we thought what a wonderful way to celebrate a century of storytelling, to tell a joyful, original story with original characters and songs inspired by our legacy of films.” That film is Wish, the 62nd animated Disney film that follows a young woman,...
When it came to creating the animated film that would be released on the 100th anniversary of Disney Studios, Disney Animation’s Chief Creative Officer and co-creator of Frozen, Jennifer Lee, was deeply aware of the massive task that she and everyone at the storied animation studio would be taking on. “I started talking with my fellow Frozen director, Chris Buck, about how Disney would be turning 100 this year,” Lee shared at a press event celebrating their newest animated feature. “We acknowledged what a privilege and responsibility it is at this significant time. And we thought what a wonderful way to celebrate a century of storytelling, to tell a joyful, original story with original characters and songs inspired by our legacy of films.” That film is Wish, the 62nd animated Disney film that follows a young woman,...
- 11/20/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Walt Disney Animation Studios is one of the most storied studios in the history of Hollywood. From "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" to "Frozen" and everything in between, we're talking about the studio behind some of the biggest, greatest movies ever made, and not just limited to animation. But the pandemic hit the studio pretty hard, with last year's "Strange World" serving as one of its biggest bombs in recent memory. Now, this year's Thanksgiving frame will see the studio get back in the ring with a brand new original animated film in the form of "Wish." The question is, can this movie get Disney's storied animation shingle back on track at the box office?
Things are currently looking promising for "Wish." Per box office tracking provided by Deadline, it is currently expected to bring in around $50 million across the five-day Wednesday to Sunday stretch, as it will be...
Things are currently looking promising for "Wish." Per box office tracking provided by Deadline, it is currently expected to bring in around $50 million across the five-day Wednesday to Sunday stretch, as it will be...
- 11/18/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
The all-new musical-comedy welcomes 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. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudykas Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino, the film is helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn (“Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones (“Encanto”). Jennifer Lee executive produces—Lee and Allison Moore are writers on the project. With original songs by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice,...
- 11/17/2023
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
A brave young woman who comes into her own via mild danger and zippy musical numbers: check. Talking animals: check. An adorable sidekick of indeterminate origin: check. A menacing evildoer who traffics mostly in scary green magic: check. A world populated almost exclusively by sweet citizens who continuously break into song: check. Dead parent: check check check! For its latest original animated outing, Disney sticks to the usual trappings with a few twists here and there, most of them appealing to moviegoing families desperate for a new film to entertain kiddos to over the holidays.
Co-directed by veteran Chris Buck (“Frozen”) and first-time director Fawn Veerasunthorn, “Wish” feels superficially familiar but contains some canny contemporary trappings that hint at a new direction for Disney. Co-written by Buck, Jennifer Lee (Disney Animation’s chief creative officer and “Frozen” maestro), and Allison Moore, “Wish” bumps up some classic elements (self-determination! caring for others!
Co-directed by veteran Chris Buck (“Frozen”) and first-time director Fawn Veerasunthorn, “Wish” feels superficially familiar but contains some canny contemporary trappings that hint at a new direction for Disney. Co-written by Buck, Jennifer Lee (Disney Animation’s chief creative officer and “Frozen” maestro), and Allison Moore, “Wish” bumps up some classic elements (self-determination! caring for others!
- 11/17/2023
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
There’s a character in Disney’s self-mythologizing movie Wish whose life dream is to inspire the next generation. He lives in Rosas, the fictional kingdom ruled by the self-taught sorcerer Magnifico (voiced by Chris Pine). For reasons that remain murky, the wizard hoards his constituents’ wishes in his castle tower. When residents of Rosas turn 18, they relinquish their greatest dream in hopes that one day their benevolent dictator will fulfill it. Magnifico, like all authoritarian leaders, insists that it’s a small price to pay for their safety and eternal peace of mind.
The whole premise is very Disney, and Wish plays out as one would expect. Magnifico meets his match in Asha (Ariana DeBose), a 17-year-old girl who dares to question the order of things. Their encounter represents the generational crossroads that Disney finds itself at during its centennial. In him, a symbol of authority and empire. In her,...
The whole premise is very Disney, and Wish plays out as one would expect. Magnifico meets his match in Asha (Ariana DeBose), a 17-year-old girl who dares to question the order of things. Their encounter represents the generational crossroads that Disney finds itself at during its centennial. In him, a symbol of authority and empire. In her,...
- 11/17/2023
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Adele Lim, the screenwriter behind “Crazy Rich Asians” and Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon” animation, says that the opportunities for Asian filmmakers are growing as Hollywood is becoming more receptive to international talent.
“[In Hollywood] I felt that I was disadvantaged, coming from Malaysia. It is not the cultural nexus,” said Lim, whose infancy was in Malaysia, before her family moved to the U.S. “Later I realized the multicultural advantages of Asia.”
Lim, who also recently directed her first movie “Joy Ride,” was speaking at an on-stage event Wednesday in Taipei as part of the Taiwan Creative Culture Fest (Tccf), an annual convention and market for film and TV content and for story tech products.
“[When I arrived in Hollywood] “Flower Drum Song” and “Joy Luck Club” had preceded me. But there were few Asian writers. Hollywood was very masculine. Very white [..] There was this idea in America that Asians cannot be the hero of the story.
“[In Hollywood] I felt that I was disadvantaged, coming from Malaysia. It is not the cultural nexus,” said Lim, whose infancy was in Malaysia, before her family moved to the U.S. “Later I realized the multicultural advantages of Asia.”
Lim, who also recently directed her first movie “Joy Ride,” was speaking at an on-stage event Wednesday in Taipei as part of the Taiwan Creative Culture Fest (Tccf), an annual convention and market for film and TV content and for story tech products.
“[When I arrived in Hollywood] “Flower Drum Song” and “Joy Luck Club” had preceded me. But there were few Asian writers. Hollywood was very masculine. Very white [..] There was this idea in America that Asians cannot be the hero of the story.
- 11/8/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Adele Lim, screenwriter of Crazy Rich Asians and writer-director of Joy Ride, talked about the realities of bringing Asian stories to mainstream global audiences in a panel, ‘Asian Rising Power in Hollywood’, on the second day of Taiwan Creative Content Fest (Tccf).
Born in a small town in southern Malaysia, Lim explained that she studied in the U.S. and decided to work in Los Angeles after graduation as she wanted to be a writer and finally got a job as a writer’s assistant on a U.S. TV show.
“Growing up in Malaysia, I felt I was starting at a disadvantage, because I was nowhere near the cultural nexus of the world, which at that time was America and England, although that is all changing,” said Lim, who was also co-wrote Disney animation Raya And The Last Dragon.
“Then going over to the States, I realized that growing...
Born in a small town in southern Malaysia, Lim explained that she studied in the U.S. and decided to work in Los Angeles after graduation as she wanted to be a writer and finally got a job as a writer’s assistant on a U.S. TV show.
“Growing up in Malaysia, I felt I was starting at a disadvantage, because I was nowhere near the cultural nexus of the world, which at that time was America and England, although that is all changing,” said Lim, who was also co-wrote Disney animation Raya And The Last Dragon.
“Then going over to the States, I realized that growing...
- 11/8/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Yvette Nicole Brown (Community) and Jonnie “Dumbfoundead” Park (Raya and the Last Dragon) have joined the cast of K-Pops!, the film marking the directorial debut of eight-time Grammy winner Anderson .Paak, which we were first to report on. Also now aboard the project from Stampede Ventures, which has secured an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA, is new strategic partner Live Nation Productions, which has made an equity investment into the production alongside the former company. It’s been set to enter production in Los Angeles October 30, with additional filming to be done in Korea and AlUla, an ancient Saudi Arabia market city which was scouted through Film AlUla, the film agency of The Royal Commission.
Park joins the cast of the dramatic comedy after developing the project with .Paak, who leads the cast alongside his son, Soul Rasheed. The film is about a washed-up musician from Los Angeles who attempts...
Park joins the cast of the dramatic comedy after developing the project with .Paak, who leads the cast alongside his son, Soul Rasheed. The film is about a washed-up musician from Los Angeles who attempts...
- 10/20/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Water! Earth! Fire! Air! The elements will align for Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender! The streaming platform is bringing heat to Airbender fans before this year’s Netflix Geeked presentation kicks off with looks at upcoming film and television projects like 3 Body Problem, Blue Eye Samurai, Damsel, Devil May Cry, Exploding Kittens, Masters of the Universe: Revolution, Obliterated, Stranger Things, Sonic Prime, The Archies, and more! Netflix’s Geeked Week will occur between November 6th and November 12th!
To tease the event to come, Netflix unleashed a gallery of images from Avatar: The Last Airbender, featuring multiple Fire Nation characters, including Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as General Iroh, Ken Leung as Commander Zhao, and Elizabeth Yu as Princess Azula. Netflix also presented a new image of Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko.
The live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender cast rounds out with Amber Midthunder,...
To tease the event to come, Netflix unleashed a gallery of images from Avatar: The Last Airbender, featuring multiple Fire Nation characters, including Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as General Iroh, Ken Leung as Commander Zhao, and Elizabeth Yu as Princess Azula. Netflix also presented a new image of Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko.
The live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender cast rounds out with Amber Midthunder,...
- 10/17/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Ideally timed to Disney’s centennial, a short film entitled “Once Upon a Studio” assembles 100 years’ worth of animated characters from the company’s vaults for a group photo outside Walt Disney Animation Studios headquarters in Burbank, Calif. That’s the building, shaped like Mickey Mouse’s conical blue hat from “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” where the walls are lined with images from a century’s worth of iconic toons.
Conceived and directed by Trent Correy and Dan Abraham, the project involves a live-action walkthrough of the place where the magic happens — that is, where much of the work on Disney’s animated features is done. But there’s an extra sprinkling of magic here, as cartoon characters leap out of their frames and wander the halls where they were originally drawn or rendered.
That hybrid style, where animation embellishes live-action footage, was first implemented by Disney on 1946’s “Song of the South,...
Conceived and directed by Trent Correy and Dan Abraham, the project involves a live-action walkthrough of the place where the magic happens — that is, where much of the work on Disney’s animated features is done. But there’s an extra sprinkling of magic here, as cartoon characters leap out of their frames and wander the halls where they were originally drawn or rendered.
That hybrid style, where animation embellishes live-action footage, was first implemented by Disney on 1946’s “Song of the South,...
- 10/16/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Walt Disney Animation‘s Wish is making dreams come true for the House of Mouse after the animated feature’s recent trailer spread like wildfire online. With more than 66.5 million views across online platforms, Disney’s Wish trailer is the most-viewed preview for one of the studio’s animated films since 2019’s Frozen II. Discussions around the film praise the project’s original story, uplifting music, peculiar characters, the sinister villain, and a dazzling kingdom populated with charming locals.
Inspired by the fanciful act of wishing on stars, Wish introduces Asha (Ariana DeBose), a sharp-witted idealist who 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 set out to prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
Joining DeBose as primary cast...
Inspired by the fanciful act of wishing on stars, Wish introduces Asha (Ariana DeBose), a sharp-witted idealist who 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 set out to prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
Joining DeBose as primary cast...
- 10/2/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Exciting news for animation fans! Disney has just released a fresh trailer for their highly anticipated film ‘Wish’.
The trailer introduces 17-year-old Asha, the powerful King Magnifico, Asha’s pet goat Valentino, and Star, a celestial ball of boundless energy that Asha’s wish calls down from the sky. It also features a snippet of the song “This Wish,” performed by Ariana DeBose; it’s one of several new songs written by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice for the film.
The all-new musical-comedy welcomes audiences to Rosas, a fantastical land located off the Iberian Peninsula. “Our heroine, Asha, lives in Rosas, known as the kingdom of wishes,” said director Chris Buck, who helms the film with Fawn Veerasunthorn. “People come from everywhere to give their wishes to a magical king who promises to grant their deepest desires—someday. Only he can decide which wishes will come true and when.”
The...
The trailer introduces 17-year-old Asha, the powerful King Magnifico, Asha’s pet goat Valentino, and Star, a celestial ball of boundless energy that Asha’s wish calls down from the sky. It also features a snippet of the song “This Wish,” performed by Ariana DeBose; it’s one of several new songs written by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice for the film.
The all-new musical-comedy welcomes audiences to Rosas, a fantastical land located off the Iberian Peninsula. “Our heroine, Asha, lives in Rosas, known as the kingdom of wishes,” said director Chris Buck, who helms the film with Fawn Veerasunthorn. “People come from everywhere to give their wishes to a magical king who promises to grant their deepest desires—someday. Only he can decide which wishes will come true and when.”
The...
- 9/28/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
“Moana” and “Raya and the Last Dragon” producer Osnat Shurer has left the Magic Kingdom.
She has joined Baobab Studios, where she will serve as co-chief creative officer alongside company founder and Cco Eric Darnell, a DreamWorks veteran who worked as a director on “Antz” and every “Madagascar” film (including “Penguins of Madagascar”).
Shurer joined Disney more than a decade ago as a VP of development, having come from Pixar where she oversaw short films like the Oscar-nominated “Boundin’” and “Lifted.” She also worked on shorts that appeared on the studio’s home video releases like “Jack Jack Attack,” written and directed by Brad Bird, which appeared on the home video release of “The Incredibles.”
Baobab Studios describes itself as “the leading interactive animation studio” and has produced a number of award-winning VR experiences. At Baobab Shurer joins Maureen Fan, the chief creative officer (she is a veteran of game...
She has joined Baobab Studios, where she will serve as co-chief creative officer alongside company founder and Cco Eric Darnell, a DreamWorks veteran who worked as a director on “Antz” and every “Madagascar” film (including “Penguins of Madagascar”).
Shurer joined Disney more than a decade ago as a VP of development, having come from Pixar where she oversaw short films like the Oscar-nominated “Boundin’” and “Lifted.” She also worked on shorts that appeared on the studio’s home video releases like “Jack Jack Attack,” written and directed by Brad Bird, which appeared on the home video release of “The Incredibles.”
Baobab Studios describes itself as “the leading interactive animation studio” and has produced a number of award-winning VR experiences. At Baobab Shurer joins Maureen Fan, the chief creative officer (she is a veteran of game...
- 9/27/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new trailer for the musical comedy Wish reveals more details about the film’s fantasy world. The latest trailer was accompanied by an updated, complete list of the voice cast.
Ariana DeBose was previously announced as lending her voice to the film’s teenage heroine, Asha. Chris Pine channels classic Disney villains as King Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk provides the voice of Asha’s pet goat with a surprisingly deep voice, Valentino.
New Wish Voice Cast Members:
Angelique Cabral as Queen Amaya, the wife and sounding board of King Magnifico. Victor Garber as Asha’s grandfather, Sabino, who—at 100 years old—is patiently waiting for his wish to be granted. Natasha Rothwell as Asha’s loving and supportive mom, Sakina. Jennifer Kumiyama as Asha’s dearest friend, Dahlia, who’s an accomplished baker and unofficial leader of their group. Evan Peters as the strong guy with...
Ariana DeBose was previously announced as lending her voice to the film’s teenage heroine, Asha. Chris Pine channels classic Disney villains as King Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk provides the voice of Asha’s pet goat with a surprisingly deep voice, Valentino.
New Wish Voice Cast Members:
Angelique Cabral as Queen Amaya, the wife and sounding board of King Magnifico. Victor Garber as Asha’s grandfather, Sabino, who—at 100 years old—is patiently waiting for his wish to be granted. Natasha Rothwell as Asha’s loving and supportive mom, Sakina. Jennifer Kumiyama as Asha’s dearest friend, Dahlia, who’s an accomplished baker and unofficial leader of their group. Evan Peters as the strong guy with...
- 9/27/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Oscar-winning actor Ariana DeBose looks to the starry night and sings her heart’s desire in the trailer for Disney’s new animated feature “Wish.”
If you’ve ever wondered how the Wishing Star came to be, this animated musical feature, set to be released on Nov. 22, is an ode to that legacy that has been featured so prominently throughout Disney Animation’s history.
DeBose stars as Asha, a 17-year-old who lives in the magical kingdom of Rosas, a fantastical place ruled by Disney’s newest villain, Chris Pine’s King Magnifico, and built on people’s wishes and hopes. Joining the cast is Alan Tudyk, who voices Asha’s pet goat Valentino. When Asha makes a wish one night, she finds herself encountering “Star,” a cosmic energetic character from the star-filled sky after unintentionally summoning him.
Fawn Veerasunthorn, who worked as head of story on “Raya and the Last Dragon,...
If you’ve ever wondered how the Wishing Star came to be, this animated musical feature, set to be released on Nov. 22, is an ode to that legacy that has been featured so prominently throughout Disney Animation’s history.
DeBose stars as Asha, a 17-year-old who lives in the magical kingdom of Rosas, a fantastical place ruled by Disney’s newest villain, Chris Pine’s King Magnifico, and built on people’s wishes and hopes. Joining the cast is Alan Tudyk, who voices Asha’s pet goat Valentino. When Asha makes a wish one night, she finds herself encountering “Star,” a cosmic energetic character from the star-filled sky after unintentionally summoning him.
Fawn Veerasunthorn, who worked as head of story on “Raya and the Last Dragon,...
- 9/27/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
With “Wish,” Disney Animation celebrates its 100th anniversary with a film that bridges Walt’s era and the company’s modern sensibility. Directed by Chris Buck (“Frozen”) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (head of story for “Raya and the Last Dragon“), it’s an animated musical origin story about the magical wishing star with a painterly, 2D aesthetic in CG that’s every bit as impressive as “Across the Spider-Verse” in displaying the hand of the artist.
Disney Animation offered a 20-minute sneak peek at the upcoming film in mid-September at the El Capitan in Hollywood — and you can watch the latest trailer below. “Wish” is crucially about legacy and incorporating Disney’s beloved hand-drawn aesthetic with the studio’s latest digital tech. The designers and animators create a nostalgic watercolor look for the background paintings inspired by “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Pinocchio,” and “Sleeping Beauty.”
For Jennifer Lee, Disney...
Disney Animation offered a 20-minute sneak peek at the upcoming film in mid-September at the El Capitan in Hollywood — and you can watch the latest trailer below. “Wish” is crucially about legacy and incorporating Disney’s beloved hand-drawn aesthetic with the studio’s latest digital tech. The designers and animators create a nostalgic watercolor look for the background paintings inspired by “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Pinocchio,” and “Sleeping Beauty.”
For Jennifer Lee, Disney...
- 9/27/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Osnat Shurer, an Oscar-nominated producer of Disney Animation’s Moana and Raya and the Last Dragon, has joined Baobab Studios as co-chief creative officer, alongside company founder and Cco Eric Darnell (Madagascar).
Previously, Shurer served as Walt Disney Feature Animation’s vp development and as executive producer of the short films group at Pixar, where she produced or executive produced shorts such as 2006’s Lifted and 2003’s Boundin’.
As she joins interactive animation studio Baobab, Shurer joins creative leaders including Darnell, chief content officer Kane Lee and advisors and investors such as Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull and Disney legend Glen Keane.
“We are thrilled to welcome Osnat to Baobab,” said Maureen Fan, CEO and co-founder of the studio. “She has a gift for launching franchises with beloved characters that resonate across ages and cultures. Osnat’s extensive background brings invaluable expertise to our growing story franchises across film, television, games and books.
Previously, Shurer served as Walt Disney Feature Animation’s vp development and as executive producer of the short films group at Pixar, where she produced or executive produced shorts such as 2006’s Lifted and 2003’s Boundin’.
As she joins interactive animation studio Baobab, Shurer joins creative leaders including Darnell, chief content officer Kane Lee and advisors and investors such as Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull and Disney legend Glen Keane.
“We are thrilled to welcome Osnat to Baobab,” said Maureen Fan, CEO and co-founder of the studio. “She has a gift for launching franchises with beloved characters that resonate across ages and cultures. Osnat’s extensive background brings invaluable expertise to our growing story franchises across film, television, games and books.
- 9/27/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Indie animation studio Baobab Studios has brought in Oscar-nominated producer Osnat Shurer (Moana) to serve as Co-Chief Creative Officer alongside Cco Eric Darnell (Madagascar).
Boasting 30+ years of experience in animation, Shurer comes to the company from Walt Disney Feature Animation, where she served as VP of Development, having simultaneously held a role as the executive producer of the short films group at Pixar. Going forward, she’ll be part of a creative brain trust which includes Darnell and Kane Lee (Chief Content Officer), and such advisors and investors as Ed Catmull and Oscar-winning filmmaker Glen Keane, among others.
Among the first projects Shurer will work on at Baobab are the Momoguro multiplatform franchise, which includes a digital collectibles game, an upcoming Roblox game, and a TV series in development, and two falling under a TV development deal with Disney+.
Boasting 30+ years of experience in animation, Shurer comes to the company from Walt Disney Feature Animation, where she served as VP of Development, having simultaneously held a role as the executive producer of the short films group at Pixar. Going forward, she’ll be part of a creative brain trust which includes Darnell and Kane Lee (Chief Content Officer), and such advisors and investors as Ed Catmull and Oscar-winning filmmaker Glen Keane, among others.
Among the first projects Shurer will work on at Baobab are the Momoguro multiplatform franchise, which includes a digital collectibles game, an upcoming Roblox game, and a TV series in development, and two falling under a TV development deal with Disney+.
- 9/27/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“Lord of the Rings.” “How to Train Your Dragon.”The Godfather.” These are just a few classic cinematic trilogies. And now we can add “Paw Patrol” to the group. To the delight of children everywhere and the… mixed emotions of their parents, Paramount just announced a “Paw Patrol 3.”
“‘Paw Patrol’ has entertained generations of preschoolers while subtly teaching them the value of community, inclusiveness and teamwork,” Spin Master Entertainment president Jennifer Dodge said. “On the cusp of the premiere of our second, super-powered film, the universal love for our pups is stronger than ever. We’re thrilled to announce a third feature film, expanding the ‘Paw Patrol’ universe further with an epic new adventure. Featuring action-packed missions and exploring new terrains, this movie will be larger-than-life and once again show how small paws can make big prints.”
“Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” is set to open theatrically this Thursday (you...
“‘Paw Patrol’ has entertained generations of preschoolers while subtly teaching them the value of community, inclusiveness and teamwork,” Spin Master Entertainment president Jennifer Dodge said. “On the cusp of the premiere of our second, super-powered film, the universal love for our pups is stronger than ever. We’re thrilled to announce a third feature film, expanding the ‘Paw Patrol’ universe further with an epic new adventure. Featuring action-packed missions and exploring new terrains, this movie will be larger-than-life and once again show how small paws can make big prints.”
“Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” is set to open theatrically this Thursday (you...
- 9/26/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
Disney fans and physical media collectors, rejoice! This November will see the release of a gargantuan 100-film Blu-ray collection called the Disney Legacy Animated Film Collection. The catch? It’ll cost you $1,499.96.
The boxed set officially releases on Nov. 14, but preorders are currently available exclusively at Walmart’s website.
Disney Legacy Animated Film Collection $1,499.96 Buy Now
The collection is packaged as a three-volume set, featuring animated films from Disney, Walt Disney Animation and Pixar. But unlike other behemoth boxed sets, this one isn’t filled with lame direct-to video snoozers but beloved titles that includes classics and recent favorites. For example, the long-running list includes all the “Toy Story” movies, both of “The Incredibles,” “The Black Cauldron,” “Frankenweenie” and “Robin Hood.” It even includes films as recent as this...
Disney fans and physical media collectors, rejoice! This November will see the release of a gargantuan 100-film Blu-ray collection called the Disney Legacy Animated Film Collection. The catch? It’ll cost you $1,499.96.
The boxed set officially releases on Nov. 14, but preorders are currently available exclusively at Walmart’s website.
Disney Legacy Animated Film Collection $1,499.96 Buy Now
The collection is packaged as a three-volume set, featuring animated films from Disney, Walt Disney Animation and Pixar. But unlike other behemoth boxed sets, this one isn’t filled with lame direct-to video snoozers but beloved titles that includes classics and recent favorites. For example, the long-running list includes all the “Toy Story” movies, both of “The Incredibles,” “The Black Cauldron,” “Frankenweenie” and “Robin Hood.” It even includes films as recent as this...
- 9/21/2023
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety Film + TV
Actor Sung Kang is most widely known for playing fan-favorite Han in the Fast & Furious franchise, among other roles outside of horror, including a voice role in Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon. That he chose gateway horror Shaky Shivers for his feature directorial debut might seem unconventional. However, after speaking with the filmmaker, the charming tale of friendship among zombies and cryptids quickly reveals itself as the perfect vehicle for his debut.
Shaky Shivers stars Brooke Markham (In the Dark) and VyVy Nguyen (The Sympathizer) as Lucy and Karen, best friends grappling with a potential werewolf curse. With snobby customers, zombies, cryptids, and more, the friends have their hands full this summer.
With Shaky Shivers releasing in theaters for one-night-only on September 21 from Fathom Events, Bloody Disgusting spoke with Kang about his first outing in the director’s seat; specifically, why the actor-turned-director chose this horror-comedy script.
Shaky Shivers stars Brooke Markham (In the Dark) and VyVy Nguyen (The Sympathizer) as Lucy and Karen, best friends grappling with a potential werewolf curse. With snobby customers, zombies, cryptids, and more, the friends have their hands full this summer.
With Shaky Shivers releasing in theaters for one-night-only on September 21 from Fathom Events, Bloody Disgusting spoke with Kang about his first outing in the director’s seat; specifically, why the actor-turned-director chose this horror-comedy script.
- 9/21/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: Angelique Cabral is set to star in the Disney Animation feature Wish, Deadline has learned. She will voice Queen Amaya opposite Chris Pine, who stars as King Magnifico, ruler of the magical kingdom of Rosas, where wishes really do come true.
Wish follows Asha (Oscar winner Ariana DeBose), a sharp-witted idealist who 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 set out to prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Alan Tudyk also stars as a talking goat, Valentino Hall.
The film opens November 22.
Oscar-winning director Chris Buck (Frozen franchise) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (Raya and the Last Dragon) are directors, with Peter Del Vecho (Frozen franchise) producing and Juan Pablo Reyes (Encanto) co-producing. Allison Moore is also a co-writer.
Original songs are by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer-songwriter-musician Benjamin Rice, with a score by Dave Metzger.
Cabral most recently recurred on Season 3 of ABC’s Big Sky in the role of Carla. Other notable TV credits include Fox’s Enlisted, CBS’ Life in Pieces and Prime Video’s Undone. Film credits include 2011’s The Perfect Family alongside Kathleen Turner and Emily Deschanel; Friends with Benefits that same year opposite Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake; 2017’s Band Aid; and All About Nina in 2018. In 2021, she starred in How It Ends written, directed and produced by Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones.
She is repped by Iag, Karen Forman Management & Sbv Talent.
Wish follows Asha (Oscar winner Ariana DeBose), a sharp-witted idealist who 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 set out to prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Alan Tudyk also stars as a talking goat, Valentino Hall.
The film opens November 22.
Oscar-winning director Chris Buck (Frozen franchise) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (Raya and the Last Dragon) are directors, with Peter Del Vecho (Frozen franchise) producing and Juan Pablo Reyes (Encanto) co-producing. Allison Moore is also a co-writer.
Original songs are by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer-songwriter-musician Benjamin Rice, with a score by Dave Metzger.
Cabral most recently recurred on Season 3 of ABC’s Big Sky in the role of Carla. Other notable TV credits include Fox’s Enlisted, CBS’ Life in Pieces and Prime Video’s Undone. Film credits include 2011’s The Perfect Family alongside Kathleen Turner and Emily Deschanel; Friends with Benefits that same year opposite Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake; 2017’s Band Aid; and All About Nina in 2018. In 2021, she starred in How It Ends written, directed and produced by Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones.
She is repped by Iag, Karen Forman Management & Sbv Talent.
- 9/18/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
For their doc feature about music superstar Lil Nas X, filmmakers Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel didn’t want to do a typical concert doc.
With Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero, which had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the filmmakers hoped to provide a viewing experience that both gave an inside look at the staging of his first tour while tracking Lil Nas X’s personal journey, including his decision to come out about his sexuality to both his family and fans.
His music, including “Montero (Cal Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby”, has become a culture war lightning rod, with protests outside of several of his concert venues and television performances garnering attention from right-wing news pundits. (The film’s TIFF premiere was delayed after a bomb threat was called in to the Roy Thomson Hall.) Nonetheless, his shows sold out and received critical acclaim for the musician,...
With Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero, which had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the filmmakers hoped to provide a viewing experience that both gave an inside look at the staging of his first tour while tracking Lil Nas X’s personal journey, including his decision to come out about his sexuality to both his family and fans.
His music, including “Montero (Cal Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby”, has become a culture war lightning rod, with protests outside of several of his concert venues and television performances garnering attention from right-wing news pundits. (The film’s TIFF premiere was delayed after a bomb threat was called in to the Roy Thomson Hall.) Nonetheless, his shows sold out and received critical acclaim for the musician,...
- 9/12/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you’re a Disney fan who wants each and every animated movie they’ve ever made in one place, then you’re in luck. The Walt Disney Company announced the Disney Legacy Animated Film Collection, which features 100 animated movies from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Pixar on Blu-ray. Everything from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Elemental is included, encompassing nearly one hundred years of storytelling.
Related Disney and Pixar’s Elemental comes to Disney+ on September 13th
The Disney Legacy Animated Film Collection is a self-standing, three-volume set that will be available for pre-order on September 19th, but only on Walmart.com. There will be a limited amount of sets available, so each will include a numbered certificate of authenticity. The set will also feature digital codes for each title, along with a collectible lithograph from Disney Animation’s all-new musical comedy Wish, and a collectible...
Related Disney and Pixar’s Elemental comes to Disney+ on September 13th
The Disney Legacy Animated Film Collection is a self-standing, three-volume set that will be available for pre-order on September 19th, but only on Walmart.com. There will be a limited amount of sets available, so each will include a numbered certificate of authenticity. The set will also feature digital codes for each title, along with a collectible lithograph from Disney Animation’s all-new musical comedy Wish, and a collectible...
- 9/11/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
The Walt Disney Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a hefty new Blu-ray box set containing 100 of its best animated films.
Officially titled the Disney Legacy Animated Film Collection, the box set comes with three volumes that open up to feature the original theatrical artwork for each film. Additionally, the package offers digital codes to all 100 movies, a certificate of authenticity, a lithograph from the upcoming feature Wish, and a collectible set of crystal Mickey Mouse ears engraved with “Disney 100.”
Drawing films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, and the now-closed DisneyToon Studios, the collection offers a pretty comprehensive timeline of the company, founded in 1923. The box set features early classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan, 1990s renaissance films like Aladdin, The Lion King, and Toy Story, and more modern offerings — many of which got the direct-to-Disney+ treatment thanks to Covid — including Soul,...
Officially titled the Disney Legacy Animated Film Collection, the box set comes with three volumes that open up to feature the original theatrical artwork for each film. Additionally, the package offers digital codes to all 100 movies, a certificate of authenticity, a lithograph from the upcoming feature Wish, and a collectible set of crystal Mickey Mouse ears engraved with “Disney 100.”
Drawing films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, and the now-closed DisneyToon Studios, the collection offers a pretty comprehensive timeline of the company, founded in 1923. The box set features early classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan, 1990s renaissance films like Aladdin, The Lion King, and Toy Story, and more modern offerings — many of which got the direct-to-Disney+ treatment thanks to Covid — including Soul,...
- 9/11/2023
- by Carys Anderson
- Consequence - Film News
Disney just announced the release of the Disney Legacy Animated Film Collection, featuring 100 animated films from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar. It’s packaged together as a three-volume set that unfolds into your own storybook.
The set is festooned with original poster designs and comes with digital codes for every movie, alongside a lithograph from Disney’s upcoming feature “Wish,” a certificate of authenticity and crystal Mickey Mouse ears engraved with the “Disney 100” logo. The limited-edition collection will be available on Nov. 14, with pre-orders beginning on Walmart.com on Sept. 18. It has a retail price of $1,500.
What’s fascinating about the set is that it includes a wide array of classic Walt Disney Animation Studios features, along with beloved Pixar favorites and a smattering of films (many of them direct-to-video sequels to earlier masterworks) created by the since-shuttered DisneyToon Studios. That includes “Tinker Bell,” “Return to Neverland,” “The...
The set is festooned with original poster designs and comes with digital codes for every movie, alongside a lithograph from Disney’s upcoming feature “Wish,” a certificate of authenticity and crystal Mickey Mouse ears engraved with the “Disney 100” logo. The limited-edition collection will be available on Nov. 14, with pre-orders beginning on Walmart.com on Sept. 18. It has a retail price of $1,500.
What’s fascinating about the set is that it includes a wide array of classic Walt Disney Animation Studios features, along with beloved Pixar favorites and a smattering of films (many of them direct-to-video sequels to earlier masterworks) created by the since-shuttered DisneyToon Studios. That includes “Tinker Bell,” “Return to Neverland,” “The...
- 9/10/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
On the eve of heading up to Canada this week to attend the Toronto Film Festival, where his documentary “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” has its world debut Saturday night, pop superstar Lil Nas X was playing it nonchalant about stepping outside the music realm a bit to be the center of a splashy event in the movie world. “Not really,” he answers, when asked whether it means anything special to him to have a gala premiere at North America’s biggest film event. “I mean, I’m excited to go there and to see what people think, and also, I’ve never been to a film festival, so maybe I’ll meet people and and build some future relationships. That can be cool.”
His real sense of excitability is reserved for the impact he thinks the film might have out in the world, and how those who identify...
His real sense of excitability is reserved for the impact he thinks the film might have out in the world, and how those who identify...
- 9/9/2023
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Eddie Murphy is coming to town this holiday season, bringing his comedic chops to his first-ever holiday film.
The actor stars in Prime Video’s upcoming holiday comedy adventure “Candy Cane Lane” as “a man on a mission to win his neighbourhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest.
“After Chris (Murphy) inadvertently makes a deal with a mischievous elf named Pepper (Jillian Bell) to better his chances of winning, she casts a magic spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life, and wreaks havoc on the whole town,” reads the official synopsis. “At the risk of ruining the holidays for his family, Chris, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross), and their three children must race against the clock to break Pepper’s spell, battle deviously magical characters, and save Christmas for everyone.”
Read More: Reports Swirl Of Eddie Murphy Potentially Starring In ‘The Pink Panther’ Reboot
Eddie Murphy in a Christmas movie?...
The actor stars in Prime Video’s upcoming holiday comedy adventure “Candy Cane Lane” as “a man on a mission to win his neighbourhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest.
“After Chris (Murphy) inadvertently makes a deal with a mischievous elf named Pepper (Jillian Bell) to better his chances of winning, she casts a magic spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life, and wreaks havoc on the whole town,” reads the official synopsis. “At the risk of ruining the holidays for his family, Chris, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross), and their three children must race against the clock to break Pepper’s spell, battle deviously magical characters, and save Christmas for everyone.”
Read More: Reports Swirl Of Eddie Murphy Potentially Starring In ‘The Pink Panther’ Reboot
Eddie Murphy in a Christmas movie?...
- 9/5/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
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