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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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
Disney CEO Bob Iger announced in February that a new “Toy Story” movie was in development, along with new installments in the “Frozen” and “Zootopia” franchises. No further details were provided at the time, but it appears the new “Toy Story” movie will not be another tangentially-related spinoff like “Lightyear,” but a return to the core story centered on Woody and Buzz.
Tim Allen appeared on “The Tonight Show” ahead of Thanksgiving and confirmed both he and Tom Hanks have been contacted by Disney for what sounds like “Toy Story 5.” The actor said “one of the creators of the original series” is behind the film’s script, although he wouldn’t reveal who at this time.
“Bob Iger, head of Disney, said it was on and actually said it was going to happen,” Allen said. “They have reached out to Tom and I to reprise the roles. They’re not saying anything about it…...
Tim Allen appeared on “The Tonight Show” ahead of Thanksgiving and confirmed both he and Tom Hanks have been contacted by Disney for what sounds like “Toy Story 5.” The actor said “one of the creators of the original series” is behind the film’s script, although he wouldn’t reveal who at this time.
“Bob Iger, head of Disney, said it was on and actually said it was going to happen,” Allen said. “They have reached out to Tom and I to reprise the roles. They’re not saying anything about it…...
- 11/22/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
To celebrate its well-earned 100th anniversary, the Walt Disney Animation Studios (hereinafter "Disney Studios") turned over its latest animation effort, Wish, to one of their veteran, in-house A-teams, Frozen co-director Chris Buck and co-writer Jennifer Lee. Together with first-timer Fawn Veerasunthorn sharing co-directing duties with Buck, screenwriter Allison Moore doing the same with Lee on scripting duties (plus an assortment of credited and uncredited writers), and the best animation Disney’s money can buy, Wish delivers handsome, eye-catching visuals, hummable songs two or three steps above mediocre (all ably performed by the voice cast), and the now obligatory self-empowerment narrative to mostly positive, if occasionally middling, muddled, results. Liberally interweaving classic references, including Disney’s...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 11/22/2023
- Screen Anarchy
Warner Bros. Discovery will open Legendary’s “Dune: Part Two” not on March 15, 2024, but on March 1, 2024. That takes the place of Universal’s “The Fall Guy,” as the Ryan Gosling/Emily Blunt action comedy recently moved to May 3, thus making it the unofficial summer kick-off film for 2024. Now the Timothée Chalamet/Zendaya sci-fi fantasy, which was initially set to debut Nov. 3 of this year, is the unofficial Spring season kick-off flick instead.
Amid a slew of major movies getting delayed due to variables related to the SAG-AFTRA strike, at least one major tentpole is moving up just a little bit. This is a recent trend of major movies getting pushed back either later into 2024 or into the 2025 release slate. Disney delayed a slew of major films, sending “Deadpool 3” and “Mufasa: The Lion King” later next year while pushing Pixar’s “Elio” and “Snow White” into 2025.
The change-up gives Wbd...
Amid a slew of major movies getting delayed due to variables related to the SAG-AFTRA strike, at least one major tentpole is moving up just a little bit. This is a recent trend of major movies getting pushed back either later into 2024 or into the 2025 release slate. Disney delayed a slew of major films, sending “Deadpool 3” and “Mufasa: The Lion King” later next year while pushing Pixar’s “Elio” and “Snow White” into 2025.
The change-up gives Wbd...
- 11/17/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
This holiday season’s Wish is the 62nd feature film from the fabled Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the only one to be released during the animation house’s 100th anniversary. You can feel the weight of legacy in nearly every pixel of the film’s exquisitely designed frames.
Ever since Disney made the fateful choice to shut down Wdas’ hand-drawn divisions some 15 years ago, the studio has struggled with a sense of loss; the loss of history, the loss of legacy; and the loss of a little bit of that Disney magic. In the same timeframe, the company also scaled new creative heights, releasing several of their best so-called princess (or fairy tale) movies in the canon—Tangled, Frozen, Moana—and some true groundbreaking risks like Zootopia and the first Wreck-It Ralph. However, it’s never been quite the same.
This may be why nostalgia for dreams of old permeates Wish.
Ever since Disney made the fateful choice to shut down Wdas’ hand-drawn divisions some 15 years ago, the studio has struggled with a sense of loss; the loss of history, the loss of legacy; and the loss of a little bit of that Disney magic. In the same timeframe, the company also scaled new creative heights, releasing several of their best so-called princess (or fairy tale) movies in the canon—Tangled, Frozen, Moana—and some true groundbreaking risks like Zootopia and the first Wreck-It Ralph. However, it’s never been quite the same.
This may be why nostalgia for dreams of old permeates Wish.
- 11/17/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Disney racked up 93 nominations for the second annual Children’s and Family Emmys over their different networks, including Disney+ and Disney Junior.
Netflix followed with 61 nominations and Nickelodeon with 30, with AppleTV+ proving itself to be a rising player with 27 total nods.
“We are very proud of the growth experienced in year two of the Children’s and Family Emmys, especially in the development and cultivation of the new categories dedicated to puppetry,” said Rachel Schwartz, director of Daytime and Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, in a statement.
Among the notable actors who received nominations for acting categories included “The Santa Clauses” stars Tim Allen and Kal Penn, “National Treasure: Edge of History” player Catherine Zeta-Jones, Gina Rodriguez for Netflix’s “Lost Ollie,” and various voice performances were recognized for Hollywood vets such as Laurence Fishburne, Jack Black, Tom Kenny and Rob Paulsen.
Details for the ceremony are slated to drop sometime next week.
Netflix followed with 61 nominations and Nickelodeon with 30, with AppleTV+ proving itself to be a rising player with 27 total nods.
“We are very proud of the growth experienced in year two of the Children’s and Family Emmys, especially in the development and cultivation of the new categories dedicated to puppetry,” said Rachel Schwartz, director of Daytime and Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, in a statement.
Among the notable actors who received nominations for acting categories included “The Santa Clauses” stars Tim Allen and Kal Penn, “National Treasure: Edge of History” player Catherine Zeta-Jones, Gina Rodriguez for Netflix’s “Lost Ollie,” and various voice performances were recognized for Hollywood vets such as Laurence Fishburne, Jack Black, Tom Kenny and Rob Paulsen.
Details for the ceremony are slated to drop sometime next week.
- 11/2/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
The nominees for the second annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards are out, and a lot of familiar faces are among the honorees.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced this year’s nominees on Thursday, with nominated shows featuring The Muppets, Sesame Street and Marvel and Star Wars characters, among others. Disney+’s The Muppets Mayhem scored a nod for best children’s or family viewing series, with Sesame Street nominated for best preschool series, I Am Groot for best short form program and Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures for best preschool animated series.
More from TVLineSanta Clauses...
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced this year’s nominees on Thursday, with nominated shows featuring The Muppets, Sesame Street and Marvel and Star Wars characters, among others. Disney+’s The Muppets Mayhem scored a nod for best children’s or family viewing series, with Sesame Street nominated for best preschool series, I Am Groot for best short form program and Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures for best preschool animated series.
More from TVLineSanta Clauses...
- 11/2/2023
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
David Ellison’s fledgling Skydance Animation — run by head of animation John Lasseter and president Holly Edwards — has moved its movie slate from Apple Studios to Netflix. The multi-year streaming deal commences with next year’s musical fantasy “Spellbound,” directed by Vicky Jenson (“Shrek” and “Shark Tale”), featuring the voice talent of Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, and Javier Bardem, and boasting a score from Alan Menkin and original songs with lyricist Glen Slater. It’s about a princess who tries to reverse a spell that transformed her parents into monsters.
Set for release in 2025 is “Pookoo,” a buddy comedy about two enemies — a woodland creature and a majestic bird — that magically trade places. It’s helmed by former Disney director Nathan Greno (“Tangled”), with original music composed by Siddhartha Khosla.
Also in the works are two prestigious features that are a result of Lasseter’s strong relationships with directors Brad Bird...
Set for release in 2025 is “Pookoo,” a buddy comedy about two enemies — a woodland creature and a majestic bird — that magically trade places. It’s helmed by former Disney director Nathan Greno (“Tangled”), with original music composed by Siddhartha Khosla.
Also in the works are two prestigious features that are a result of Lasseter’s strong relationships with directors Brad Bird...
- 10/18/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
’Spellbound’, Pookoo’ first titles in upcoming slate.
Skydance Animation has signed a multi-year exclusive agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animated films to be released directly on Netflix.
The deal kicks off with Spellbound (pictured) in 2024 followed by Pookoo a year later and expands on the prior relationship between the streamer and Skydance Media.
Wednesday’s announcement comes as Skydance Animation’s multi-year deal with Apple ends as the latter shifts its focus to other types of film. Spellbound had been set to debut on Apple TV+ but will now launch on Netflix.
Skydance Media and Apple continue to...
Skydance Animation has signed a multi-year exclusive agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animated films to be released directly on Netflix.
The deal kicks off with Spellbound (pictured) in 2024 followed by Pookoo a year later and expands on the prior relationship between the streamer and Skydance Media.
Wednesday’s announcement comes as Skydance Animation’s multi-year deal with Apple ends as the latter shifts its focus to other types of film. Spellbound had been set to debut on Apple TV+ but will now launch on Netflix.
Skydance Media and Apple continue to...
- 10/18/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Skydance Animation has signed a multiyear pact with Netflix to develop and produce animated movies for the streamer. First up for release under the deal is Spellbound, a title that was previously set up at Apple, where Skydance Animation signed a pact in 2021. Now, the animation arm of the David Ellison-run studio has found a new streaming home at a time when Netflix is restructuring its animation efforts.
Apple and the John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation have parted ways, with the latter bringing its full existing animation slate to Netflix. In addition to Spellbound, which voice stars Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem and features music from Alan Menkin, Netflix will release the once Apple-bound Pookoo from Tangled director Nathan Greno. Spellbound is due out in 2024, with Pookoo hitting the service a year later.
The Skydance and Netflix slate also includes Ray Gunn, directed by Pixar alum Brad Bird,...
Apple and the John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation have parted ways, with the latter bringing its full existing animation slate to Netflix. In addition to Spellbound, which voice stars Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem and features music from Alan Menkin, Netflix will release the once Apple-bound Pookoo from Tangled director Nathan Greno. Spellbound is due out in 2024, with Pookoo hitting the service a year later.
The Skydance and Netflix slate also includes Ray Gunn, directed by Pixar alum Brad Bird,...
- 10/18/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney distribution executive Matt Kalavsky has been promoted to Senior Vice President and General Sales Manager, Domestic Theatrical Distribution, for Disney Entertainment.
He succeeds Ken Caldwell, who is retiring at the end of the year.
Kalavsky will oversee domestic distribution, which includes U.S. and Canada, for all of the studio’s film labels including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures. Kalavsky’s oversee also will include Cinema Partnerships team, non-theatrical sales and the iconic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.
“I’m absolutely delighted for Matt to take the domestic reins moving forward,” said Tony Chambers, Executive Vice President and Head of Theatrical Distribution. “For more than 20 years, Matt has been both a terrific leader and an invaluable partner to Ken, the entire Disney team and to the domestic exhibition community. Not only that, but he has played an...
He succeeds Ken Caldwell, who is retiring at the end of the year.
Kalavsky will oversee domestic distribution, which includes U.S. and Canada, for all of the studio’s film labels including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures. Kalavsky’s oversee also will include Cinema Partnerships team, non-theatrical sales and the iconic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.
“I’m absolutely delighted for Matt to take the domestic reins moving forward,” said Tony Chambers, Executive Vice President and Head of Theatrical Distribution. “For more than 20 years, Matt has been both a terrific leader and an invaluable partner to Ken, the entire Disney team and to the domestic exhibition community. Not only that, but he has played an...
- 10/18/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
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