InThis Week in Animation News, I’ll take a look at the previous week in the world of animation in order to get you caught up on everything you might have missed. It’s your one-stop shop for news regarding cartoons, anime, and animated web series. We’re talking movies, TV shows, digital shorts, and everything in between!
This week saw Pixar’s premiere of their new filmCocoin Mexico, though it won’t be out in the States for almost another month. And speaking of Pixar,Cars 3is now available on Digital and On Demand; new deleted scenes and featurettes have made their way online ahead of the film’s DVD/Blu-ray release on November 7th. Netflix also has a big November coming up. Though the streaming platform recently renewed its hit comedyBig Mouthfor a second season coming in 2018, two new trailers for late 2017 features have already arrived:Spirit Riding FreeSeason 3, and the debut ofStretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters.
On the movie front, the American Film Market is heating up for its launch on November 1st. A number of high-profile animation projects are headed there in order to drum up some headlines and financing. These includeMarmaduke 3D,The Queen’s Corgi,Foxy Trotter, andWhere Is Anne Frank?And if it’s award-winning animation you’re looking for,The Breadwinnerhas a new trailer ahead of its theatrical release, and the fantastic shortNegative Spaceis available to watch online for a short time.
For the latest animation stories we’ve already covered on the site this week, take a look at the following links. Then, check out a selection of new stories below. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments!
AsVarietyreports, after six years in the making, co-directorsLee UnkrichandAdrian Molinahad the pleasure of premieringCocoin Mexico earlier this week. Along with producerDarla Anderson, the Pixar team debuted the animated adventure film during the 15th Morelia International Film Fest. Unkrich said, “It was lovely … so many people who were so emotional, many with tears in their eyes, thanking us for making this movie, for putting a positive vision of Mexico out to the world. That was the biggest thing: people were just so proud, they expressed to us that we had gotten it right, that we had made a respectful, accurate job,”
Molina also commented on the film’s very specific take on the Mexican mythology of Dia de los Muertos, saying, “There’s a certain universality in specificity. When they see this particular family and their traditions, people lean in because they’re interested and they open their hearts because there’s a universal message about family.”
While we wait forCoco, which opens in the States on November 22nd, take a listen to another sample from the film’s soundtrack:
‘Cars 3’ Deleted Scene and Special Features Celebrate the Film’s Digital Release
Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers led by arrogant hotshot Jackson Storm, the legendary Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is suddenly sidelined and pushed from the sport he loves. To get back on track, he’ll need the help of eager young racing technician Cruz Ramirez, inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected twists and turns of fate. ‘Cause when the rubber finally hits the road, proving that #95 is still in the game will test the courage of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage! Bring home the high-octane hit that’s fully loaded with unforgettable characters, spectacular animation and turbocharged bonus extras!
In-Home Release Date: Available on Digital Oct 24, Blu-ray Nov 7, and new on 4K Ultra HD
Netflix Renews ‘Big Mouth’ for Season 2, Returning in 2018
Big Mouthis a10-episode, half-hour edgy adult animated comedy from real-life best friends Nick Kroll (Kroll Show, The League) and Andrew Goldberg (Family Guy) about the glorious nightmare that is teenaged puberty.
Comedian John Mulaney lends his voice to the character of Andrew, while Kroll (who serves as co-creator, executive producer) voices many including best friend Nick. Maya Rudolph, Jason Mantzoukas, Jordan Peele, Fred Armisen, Jenny Slate and Jessi Klein are among those who lend their voice to the series.
Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg and screenwriter-directors Mark Levin & Jennifer Flackett are all creators and executive producers on the series. Big Mouth is a Netflix production.
First Trailer for Netflix’s ‘Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters’ Introduces Hasbro’s Heroes
The classic Stretch Armstrong character returns in the first full trailer for Netflix and Hasbro’s new animated series! Stream it on Netflix on November 17!
Hasbro, Inc. is flexing more muscle in programming for kids with the announcement ofStretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters, a new original series from Hasbro Studios premiering on Netflix. The new teenage superhero animated series will reimagine the classic Hasbro brand Stretch Armstrong into a relatable kids adventure that features diverse characters with wacky powers and a playfully humorous storyline.
Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fightersfollows high school student Jake Armstrong and his two best friends Nathan Park and Ricardo Perez who are accidentally exposed to an experimental chemical that forever changes their seemingly normal lives, transforming them into unlikely heroes who embark on a series of adventures.
Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighterswill feature the voices of leading Hollywood television and film talent including:
Originally introduced in 1976, Stretch Armstrong was the ultimate toy –well-muscled doll that could stretch from its original size of fifteen inches to four or five feet. Netflix and Hasbro will transport viewers into a new generation of Stretch Armstrong with 26 episodes available for Netflix members worldwide beginning June 01, 2025.Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fightersis developed for television by Executive Producer and Supervising DirectorVictor Cook(Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated) and Executive Producer/Story Editors/Head WritersChris “Doc” Wyatt(Ultimate Spider-Man, Napoleon Dynamite) andKevin Burke(Ultimate Spider-Man, Avengers Assemble).
‘Spirit Riding Free’ Season 3 Trailer Announces Its November 17th Premiere
The PALs are back and ready to face the perilous road ahead them! From a train rescue, to a ferocious mountain lion, to a terrifying earthquake, the all new episodes of Spirit Riding Free will keep you on the edge of your seat! Join Lucky, Spirit, and all their friends on this exciting journey, coming to Netflix November 17!
The new season includes an all-new rendition of theSpiritRidingFreetheme song, sung by Nashville starMaisy Stella. Episodes this season will also feature the guest voice talents ofChristine Baranski(The Good Wife) as Mrs. McDonnell, the one person standing between Lucky andSpirit’s reunion, andLucas Grabeel(High School Musical) returns as Lucky’s conniving cousin Julian. The series starsAmber Frank,Sydney Park,Bailey GambertoglioandNolan North.
Season 3 ofSpiritRidingFreebegins withSpiritand Lucky desperately trying to find one another and finally reuniting in Miradero. Once together, the PALs and their horses set out on all-new thrilling adventures including racing to stop an oncoming train, helping a horse deliver her foal and embarking on daring rescue missions. Amidst all the excitement, we see the PALs exploring the countryside beyond Miradero, making wonderful new friends and meeting new horses fromSpirit’s herd. Join the PALs for an action-packed journey that above all celebrates the unbreakable bond between these young friends and their horses.
‘The Breadwinner’ Wins Big at “Animation Is Film” Festival; New Trailer Revealed
From executive producer Angelina Jolie and the creators of the Academy Award-nominated THE SECRET OF KELLS and SONG OF THE SEA, comes the highly-anticipated new feature based on Deborah Ellis’ bestselling novel.
THE BREADWINNER tells the story of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl growing up in Afghanistan in 2001. When her father is wrongfully arrested, Parvana disguises herself as a boy in order to support her family. With dauntless perseverance, Parvana draws strength from the stories her father told her, and ultimately risks her life to discover if he is still alive. Equal parts thrilling and enchanting, THE BREADWINNER is a timely and inspiring tale about the transcendent power of stories, and their potential to unite and heal us all. IN THEATERS STARTING NOVEMBER 17. Find out more at www.thebreadwinner.com.
ANIMATION IS FILM announced the winners of its inaugural festival withTHE BREADWINNER, directed byNora Twomey, sweeping both top honors of The Grand Prize, selected by the festival jury, and the Audience Award, selected by festival attendees. Twomey co-directed the Oscar®-nominatedThe Secret of Kellsfrom Ireland’s Cartoon Saloon, the animation studio behind the Oscar-nominatedSong of the Sea. Additionally,THE BIG BAD FOX & OTHER TALES, from Oscar-nominatedBenjamin Renner(Ernest & Celestine) andPatrick Imbert, took home The Special Jury Prize. The film was produced by Oscar-nominatedDidier Brunner(Kirikou and the Sorceress, Triplets of Belleville, The Secret of Kells, Ernest & Celestine).
Speaking on behalf of the entire jury, festival jury chair Peter Debruge, said:
“The Breadwinner’ is not just an incredibly important film, but one that reminds us of the power of animation to communicate serious issues in the world. Transforming hardship into a warm and moving story, the movie represents a triumph by its director, Nora Twomey, in terms of script, voice acting, design, music and editing. The films in competition this year illustrated the many techniques and possibilities of animation, but “The Breadwinner"was a clear favorite among our jury. Special Jury Prize goes to “The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales” a comedy that celebrates the joys of traditional cartoon animation.”
Watch the Award-Winning Short ‘Negative Space’
Varietybrings us word of this touching short film, which has toured more than 80 festivals and tallied 25 awards. Co-directed byMax PorterandRu Kuwahata, the story is an adaptation of the poem byRon Koertgewhich centers on a boy who shares a connection with his father through learning to pack the perfect suitcase. That poem was received by the filmmakers in different ways. As Kuwahaha puts it:
“As an airline pilot, my father traveled often when I was growing up. I don’t really remember things like trips to the zoo or theme parks, but the image of him packing a crisp, white shirt is burned in my memory I remember my dad adjusting his watch precisely before leaving the house and I remember the packing list that he pinned to the wall of his study. My most vivid childhood memories are connected with objects, textures, and ordinary routines.”
And Porter’s take:
“The text spoke honestly to me about the way parents and children often ritualize connection,” he explains. “We’ve heard people refer to the father-son relationship in ‘Negative Space’ as cold or strange, and maybe it is by some standards, but that doesn’t negate the importance of the connection to the main character. ‘Negative Space’ made me consider my own relationships and the small things that represent a big part of those connections.”
By winning the Anima Mundi prize, he short has qualified for Academy consideration, so keep an eye out for more onNegative Space!
AsScreenDailyreports, London’s SC Films International has started production onMarmaduke 3Dahead of the American Film Market’s kickoff on November 1st. The movie, based onBrad Anderson’s 1954 comic book creation, will be set in the world of dog shows, deriving all sorts of physical comedy from the dogs (and their owners) varieties of sizes, shapes, and personalities.Mark Dippéof Animation Picture Company will direct and produce the film, along withDan Chuba; the pair recently produced CBS’Michael Jackson’s Halloweenspecial.Byron Kavanagh’s screenplay should hit the big screen sometime in the second quarter of 2019; no voice cast has been announced just yet.
ProducerSimon Crowe, CEO of SC Films said:
“This should be a lot of fun – Dan and Mark are great to work with, and Byron has written a really funny script.Marmadukeis such a fantastic story for all the family”
3D Adventure Tale ‘The Queen’s Corgi’ Also Heads to AFM
Varietyreports on a new animated tale headed to AFM:The Queen’s Corgi, which will feature a partnership between Paris-based sales company Charades andBen Stassen’s Brussels-based nWave. Written byRob SpracklingandJohnn Smith(Gnomeo and Juliet), the film will be co-directed by Stassen andVincent Kesteloot.
The story follows “Rex, the British monarch’s most beloved dog, who loses track of his mistress and stumbles across a fight club with dogs of all kinds confronting each other. During his epic journey to find the queen again, Rex falls in love and discovers his true self.” The spirit ofThe Queen’s Corgihas been compared to Disney’s classic cinematic canine stories likeThe Fox and the HoundandLady and the Tramp.
Stassen’s current film,The Son of Bigfoot, has already grossed nearly $30 million since opening earlier this summer; its international rollout continues this fall and includes a UK release on November 3rd. That bodes well forThe Queen’s Corgi, which will be shopped starting November 1st at AFM and aims to be delivered in the first quarter of 2019.
Natalie Portman and Ari Folman Projects Brought to AFM by Wild Bunch
ScreenDailyreports that Wild Bunch is looking to follow up on the success of their sale ofThe Red Turtleby pursuing more animated features. A high-profile pair will be shopped at AFM:
Foxy Trotter- Produced byNatalie Portmanunder her Fairy Dust banner–she’ll also be voicing a supporting role–the film is set in 1970s Los Angeles and follows the title character’s psychedelic adventures as a rock music photographer. When a roll of film containing compromising pictures of her best-friend/singer Ronnie is stolen, viewers will join Foxy on her surreal motorbike road trip across America into a mind-bending place known as the O-Zone in order to get it back.
Chris Prynoski(Nerdland) directs from a screenplay byJess Rotter,Michael Reich,Jessica HindleyandMike Pinkney. Bold Films are also on board as producers as is Prynoski for Titmouse. The film is in pre-production though a script will be available for backers at AFM.
Where Is Anne Frank?-Ari Folman’s big-screen adaptation of his own best-selling graphic novel created withDavid Polonsky. Using the world-famous diaries of the titular Holocaust victim as a source, the story spins to Kitty, the imaginary girl to whom Frank’s journal entries were written. When Kitty comes to life in Amsterdam’s Anne Frank House along with reawakened memories, she goes on a quest across Europe to find her friend whom she is convinced must still be alive.
Supported by the charitable foundation Anne Frank Fonds, which manages the rights to her works and memorabilia,Where Is Anne Frank?will seeYoni Goodman(The CongressandWaltz with Bashir) as director of animation, Polonsky as art director and award-winning German composerMax Richteron board as well.
