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Once upon a time, about 24 years ago, when Marc Platt (“La La Land”) moved from production president of Universal Pictures to launch his own producing shingle at the studio, he brought with him a movie adaptation of the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” a prequel to L. Frank Baum’s classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and the 1939 Judy Garland musical. Linda Woolverton’s first script was a straight film adaptation; a small part of the mix was the origin story of two witches of Oz, Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West.

A blockbuster movie musical like “Wicked” (Universal) is the sum of years of dedicated labor and deliberate decisions about what to keep from the book or the show, or what to add and change for the movie. Somehow, over two decades, producer...

Mufasa: The Lion King has hit a major milestone that pushes it much closer to profitability after three weekends. The 2024 movie is a prequel to Disney's photorealistic CG-animated 2019 remake, following the origin story of the future king Mufasa (Aaron Pierre). The Mufasa: The Lion King release hit an early snag in its opening weekend when it fell severely below its original projections, earning just $35.4 million in North America and taking No. 2 behind the other new release, Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Per Variety, as of Sunday morning, Mufasa: The Lion King is projected to close out its third weekend in theaters with a cumulative box office total of $476 million worldwide. This makes it just the 10th movie of the year to pass the $475 million milestone and leaves it neck and neck with the current No. 9 movie of 2024, Venom: The Last Dance ($476.8 million). This news comes at the same time that...

The “Wicked” movie is a box office powerhouse with $530 million and counting at the global box office. It’s also a critical darling, earning rave reviews and Oscar buzz for its leading ladies Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. But what if “Wicked” had originally been made decades ago with Demi Moore as the green-skinned Elphaba? A new report from Vanity Fair dives into the first attempts to bring “Wicked” to the big screen in the late 1990s.

“I am going to try and get the timeline right if I can remember, but I believe when I became the president of production at Universal, the project was already here,” producer Marc Platt told the publication. “It had been optioned initially by Demi Moore’s company.”

Platt was convinced that Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” would make for a great film adaptation.

A new piece from Vanity Fair tracks the journey of Wicked from page to screen, and there were some surprising twists and turns on that yellow brick road. If you've read Gregory Maguire's Wicked, you know it's a lot denser and darker than what ended up on Broadway. Nevertheless,...

It’s Musicals Week at IndieWire. With “Wicked” about to sparkle over theaters, we’re celebrating the best of the movie-musical genre.

“Spellbound,” the second feature from John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation, offers a new twist on the modern fairy tale: It allegorically explores divorce through magical and often-adventure-filled family therapy. Here, the king (Javier Bardem) and queen (Nicole Kidman) of mythical Lumbria have been transformed into monsters, forcing their only child, teen Princess Ellian (Rachel Zegler), to embark on a journey to break the spell and reconcile their differences.

“Spellbound” experienced a compelling evolution under director Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”). It first began as “Split,” a non-fairy tale about worlds at war, scripted by Linda Woolverton (“Beauty and the Beast”). Then, when Lasseter took over, it became a Disney-esque musical fairy tale, built around Egot winner Alan Menken’s score and songs co-written with lyricist Glenn Slater (“Tangled”).

“Everything fell...

At some point or another, most children view their parents as monsters — but for Princess Ellian (Rachel Zegler), a spell really did transform her royal parents (Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem) into monsters in the upcoming animated Netflix film “Spellbound” (streaming November 22). Watch the new trailer below.

The second animated feature from John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation (part of the impending Paramount-Skydance Media merger), the musical fantasy from director Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”) is a modern fairy tale that takes place in the mythical kingdom of Lumbria as Princess Ellian embarks on “an invigorating quest” to break the spell. Boasting bright, eye-catching animation from Skydance Animation Madrid, the look of Lumbria (production designed by Brett Nystul) was influenced by the iconic architecture of ancient Spain, known for its domed rooftops and Moorish arches.

There is a decidedly Disney-esque musical spectacle propelling this modern fairy tale, led by eight-time Oscar...

Tim Burton is one of our most distinctive filmmakers. Whether you love him, hate him, or land somewhere in the middle, there is no denying that Burton has a voice and that voice has become rather valuable. From proving that "Batman" could be an A-tier superhero franchise to producing undeniable classics like "Beetlejuice," he's been making his mark on cinema for decades. Burton's biggest moment came in 2010 when his live-action take on "Alice in Wonderland" hit theaters. Divisive though the movie may be, it made box office history at the time -- and what's more, it laid the groundwork for the next decade of blockbuster filmmaking in Hollywood, particularly at Disney.

In the modern era, a big blockbuster film making $1 billion or more at the box office is not all that uncommon. To date, 55 movies have made at least that much money worldwide. Rather crucially, though, the vast majority of...

“Spellbound” is ready to cast its spell.

The upcoming Skydance Animation feature debuts on Netflix on November 22, as the first deal between the streaming giant and the John Lasseter-led animation studio, and you can watch the trailer right now (below). It’s a new fairy tale, with a teenage princess (Rachel Zegler) dealing with the fact that her parents (Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman) have been transformed into unruly monsters. And, really, how many teenagers feel like their parents are monsters?

Perhaps most excitingly, “Spellbound” marks the return of director Vicky Jenson, who directed “Shrek” for DreamWorks Animation. In an exclusive interview with TheWrap, Jenson said that “Spellbound” borrowed from traditional fairy tale elements with in a very deliberate way. But, of course, there’s a twist.

“What we were trying to do was create a new fairy tale for a modern story. We were trying to create a brand-new...

(Welcome to Tales from the Box Office, our column that examines box office miracles, disasters, and everything in between, as well as what we can learn from them.)

"The pitch for the story was a lion cub gets framed for murder by his uncle set to the music of Elton John. People said, 'What? Good luck with that.'" That's what producer Don Hahn said to Film School Rejects in 2018 of Disney's 1994 animated classic "The Lion King." It's an odd thing to say, given that it went on to become one of the most successful animated movies of all time. But that's looking back at it with the benefit of hindsight. At the time, it was viewed as a risk by the powers that be. It was a gamble that paid off handsomely, to put it lightly.

At the time, Disney was enjoying a fruitful period known as the Disney Renaissance,...

Shortly after denying Nelson Peltz a seat on the Disney board, the House of Mouse is sharing first looks at two of their upcoming films, Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King. The Hollywood Handle was the first to share the Mufasa image, which Disney debuted as part of the studio’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The picture for Mufasa: The Lion King depicts a young Mufasa standing at the edge of a cliff while staring out at a desaturated Pride Land. The Barry Jenkins-directed sequel to Jon Favreau’s 2019 live-action hybrid focuses on Simba, having become king of the Pride Lands, and is determined for his cub to follow in his paw prints while the origins of his late father Mufasa are explored.

First look at ‘Mufasa: The Lion King.’

Releasing in theaters on December 20. pic.twitter.com/O902KU3K66

— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) April 3, 2024

Mufasa: The...

The upcoming animated musical Spellbound has found a new streaming home!

Starring Rachel Zegler and Jordan Fisher, the movie was originally set up at Apple TV+ as part of a deal between it’s production company Skydance Animation and the streamer.

Now, Apple and Skydance Animation’s multi-year pact has come to a close, with the animation company needing a new home, and they’ve quickly found one at Netflix, THR reports.

Keep reading to learn more…

All of Skydance Animation’s animated slate will move to Netflix, which of course includes Spellbound, set for a 2024 release at it’s new home.

In Spellbound, after a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters and threatens to cover their kingdom in darkness forever, Ellian (Zegler) embarks on a daring quest to save her family and Lumbria at large.

In case you missed it, check out the first look at Rachel‘s character!

Some people say all good things must end, and that is the case for Apple and Skydance Animation, who say they’re parting ways. While this is disappointing news, a silver lining remains. Apple is continuing its partnership with Skydance Media, with plans to work together on live-action film and television projects. The parting comes after the union’s multi-year deal ends. As a parting gift (of sorts), Skydance Animation keeps Spellbound, Vicky Jenson’s animated fantasy epic starring Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, John Lithgow, Nathan Lane, Jenifer Lewis, and Javier Bardem, to name a few.

Skydance Animation is likely to find a new home quickly, perhaps with a studio more interested in producing animated projects instead of epics like Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon. Thankfully, Skydance Media remains in a good place with Apple as new and existing projects like Foundation, The Big Door Prize, and...

’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...

That didn’t take long. Skydance Animation has found a new home, signing a multi-year agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animated movies to be released directly on Netflix. This deal means Skydance’s full existing animated feature slate will be released exclusively on Netflix.

Deal comes as a multi-year pact with Apple comes to an end. Skydance Animation is already staked with Netflix, and the deal expands on a number of different projects. The first new one is Spellbound, a film that began its road at Apple, but will now debut on Netflix in 2024. That will be followed by Pookoo in 2025.

This deal expands on the existing relationship between the two companies who have already partnered on a number of projects including the films The Adam Project, Heart of Stone, The Old Guard, and Spy Kids: Armageddon along with the series Fubar, Altered Carbon and Grace and Frankie.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil left the door open for a potential Maleficent 3, with a happy ending but a promise for future conflict. Disney has not confirmed the rumors of a Maleficent 3, but they have not shut them down either, giving hope for a continued story. If Maleficent 3 were to happen, it would likely take several years to be released due to the ambitious production scope of the franchise.

Disney's Maleficent: Mistress of Evil perfectly set up a continued story for the reimagined villain - so will there ever be a Maleficent 3? Based on the famous Sleeping Beauty tale, the franchise stars Angelina Jolie as the titular character. The original Maleficent premiered in 2014 and introduced the new idea that the old villain and her relationship with Princess Aurora were misunderstood. Then, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, released in October 2019, explored how the pair's story progressed after King Stefan's...

Tituss Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Schigadoon!”) has joined the cast of Skydance Animation and Apple’s “Spellbound.” The film, announced in 2017 initially under the title “Split,” stars Rachel Zegler as Princess Ellian who must manage her kingdom after a spell turns the king and queen into monsters.

Zegler and Burgess will be joined by Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis and Nathan Lane. It will be directed by Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”) with new songs by Alan Menkin and Glenn Slater. Penned by Lauren Kynek and Elizabeth Martin alongside Linda Woolverton, “Spellbound” is produced by John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Bruce Anderson for Skydance Animation.

Jenson and Head of Story Brian Pimental will present a “work in progress” panel on Tuesday, June 13 at the Annecy Film Festival. The film is slated for release in 2024, although there is no word as to whether it will have a...

Tituss Burgess has joined the voice cast of Spellbound, an Apple Original Film by Skydance Animation. Additionally, the studio released a new image (above) exclusively to The Hollywood Reporter, in advance of its work-in-progress presentation on Tuesday at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

Slated for a 2024 release on Apple TV+, Spellbound is a musical fairytale that centers on a terrible spell that has turned a king and queen into monsters, leaving their daughter, Princess Ellian (voiced by Rachel Ziegler), to manage the kingdom on her own. It features an original score and songs by veteran composer Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin), with lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled).

Six-time Emmy nominee Burgess provides the voices of Cole Tillerman and Kelleth Vanbeaceler in Apple TV+’s animated series Central Park. He also joined the season 2 cast of Apple’s Schmigadoon as the narrator.

Spellbound‘s voice cast also includes John Lithgow,...

It’s kind of funny now, but there was a time when Walt Disney Animation Studios refused to even make a sequel to their classic works. Millennials of a certain age will of course recall the deluge of straight-to-video sequels released by the Mouse House in the 1990s and early 2000s, but those were never made by Wdas Proper, which for the whole of the 20th century almost always viewed every effort as a single work that should not be revisited.

How times change.

In the 21st century, Wdas has gotten with the program as the Walt Disney Company’s priorities have shifted from creating new characters to curating and maintaining the popularity of existing ones. It’s why we’re right now anticipating Frozen III and Zootopia 2. But that’s still demure when compared to the larger Walt Disney Pictures umbrella, which has been mining the animation vault for...

Ron Logan, a Disney Legend who as EVP and executive producer for Walt Disney Entertainment transformed live entertainment in its parks and helped bring Beauty and the Beast to Broadway, died August 30. He was 84.

Logan began his career at Disney as a trumpet player, where he had the opportunity to meet Walt Disney on several occasions. He also performed with the fanfare trumpets as part of the Disney-produced pageantry for the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, CA.

Hollywood & Media Deaths 2022: A Photo Gallery

In 1978, Logan moved to Florida to become Walt Disney World Resort’s music director before returning to Disneyland in 1980 as the park’s director of entertainment. In 1982, he moved back to Walt Disney World Resort again as VP Entertainment before being promoted to VP Creative Show Development for all of Walt Disney Attractions in 1987.

According to Disney, in that role “Ron was instrumental in the productions of Fantasmic!

Exclusive: The partnership between Apple Original Films and Skydance Media looks to be building on its already-strong slate with another A-list star at the center of it. Sources tell Deadline that Apple has landed The Family Plan, an action-comedy feature from Skydance starring Mark Wahlberg, with Simon Cellan Jones directing.

The film will reunite Wahlberg with Jones following their collaboration on the upcoming Arthur the King.

Written by David Coggeshall, The Family Plan tells the story of a suburban dad who must take his family on the run when his past catches up to him. Municipal Pictures’ Stephen Levinson and Wahlberg will produce with Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger.

Wahlberg continues to be one of the town’s busiest stars and started his year off with Uncharted, which also starred Tom Holland and grossed more than 400 million worldwide. He followed that up with the Sony Pictures...

Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem will lend their voices to “Spellbound,” an animated fantasy musical from Apple Studios and Skydance Animation. The project reunites the pair, who just scored Oscar nominations for playing Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in Aaron Sorkin’s 2021 biographical drama “Being the Ricardos.”

John Lithgow, Nathan Lane, Jenifer Lewis, André De Shields and Jordan Fisher have also joined the ensemble.

As previously announced, “West Side Story” star Rachel Zegler is leading the cast as Princess Ellian, a young royal who embarks on a daring journey to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms them into monsters and threatens to cover Lumbria in darkness forever.

Kidman and Bardem, again portraying a married couple, will play her parents: Ellsmere, “the kind and just, yet hyper-precise queen” and Solon, “the boastful yet big-hearted king.”

Lithgow, as Minister Bolinar, and Lewis, as Minister Nazara Prone, will act...

Click here to read the full article.

Oscar winners Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow and Nathan Lane are set to star in the upcoming animated musical Spellbound for Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation.

They will join the earlier-announced Rachel Zegler in the movie about a young girl who sets out to break the spell that has divided her kingdom in two. Spellbound is directed by Vicky Jenson and written by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton.

The original score for the film is by Oscar-winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Kidman will voice the role of Ellsmere, the Queen of Lumbria, while Bardem will voice Solon, the King of Lumbria. Together, they are the parents of Princess Ellian, voiced by Zegler, who they join on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms them into monsters and threatens to cover Lumbria in darkness forever.

The animated film Spellbound led by West Side Story‘s Rachel Zegler has expanded its voice cast, with the Being the Ricardos duo of Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem signing on for roles, along with John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon), Nathan Lane (Only Murders in the Building), Jenifer Lewis (I Love That for You), André De Shields and Jordan Fisher (Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen).

The upcoming musical from Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation will have Kidman voicing Ellsmere, the kind and just, yet hyper-precise Queen of Lumbria, with Bardem as Lumbria’s boastful yet big-hearted King, Solon. Together, they are the parents of Princess Ellian (Zegler), who they join on her daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms them into monsters and threatens to cover Lumbria in darkness forever. Lithgow and Lewis will voice Princess Ellian’s royal advisors,...

Apple and Skydance have unveiled the voice cast for their upcoming animated musical film “Spellbound,” adding Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem to lead the cast alongside the previously announced Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”).

Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”) is directing “Spellbound.” Additional cast includes John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, André De Shields and Jordan Fisher.

Kidman will voice the role of Ellsmere, Lumbria’s kind and just queen; Bardem will voice Solon, the boastful and big-hearted king. They are parents to the bold Princess Ellian (Zegler). After a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters and threatens to cover their kingdom in darkness forever, Ellian embarks on a daring quest to save her family and Lumbria at large.

Also Read:

‘Luck’ Teaser Reveals John Lasseter’s First Animated Film for Skydance and Apple TV+ (Video)

Lithgow and Lewis will voice Minister Bolinar and Minister Nazara Prone, respectively, as royal advisors to the princess.

Exclusive: West Side Story star Rachel Zegler is set to provide the voice of Princess Ellian, the lead role in Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation’s new animated musical feature Spellbound. Ellian is the tenacious princess who must go on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters and threatens to cover Lumbria in darkness forever.

Vicky Jenson is directing the pic with Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton penning the script. The original score for the film hails from Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Chris Montan serves as executive music producer. John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and David Lipman are producing for Skydance Animation.

Zegler has had herself a year following her breakout role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story . The film earned her critical acclaim and played a...

Skydance Animation announced Tuesday that it has finalized a multi-year partnership with children’s entertainment company Spin Master to develop toys and merchandise based on their properties.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with a company like Spin Master that is as committed to quality and attention to detail as we are,” Luis Fernández, head of consumer products at Skydance, said in a statement. “As we ramp up production on our slate of animated features, we could not imagine a better partner to bring our visually stunning and epic animated worlds to life.”

The first Skydance Animation film included in the deal will be the upcoming Apple TV Plus original film “Spellbound,” which will receive a product line from Spin Master encompassing fashion dolls, mini-dolls and vehicles. Following “Spellbound,” Spin Master will have the rights to develop toy lines for all future films produced by Skydance.

“Spellbound” is a musical fantasy film that follows Eileen,...

Skydance Animation has set a multi-year licensing deal with Spin Master, the children’s entertainment company known for creating popular properties like Paw Patrol.

Under the agreement, Spin Master will be the studio’s master toy licensee. The first title covered will be Apple Original Film Spellbound. Directed by Vicky Jenson, the film will debut on Apple TV+. Characters from the show will be featured as products like fashion dolls, mini-dolls and vehicles.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with a company like Spin Master that is as committed to quality and attention to detail as we are,” said Luis Fernández, Skydance’s head of consumer products. “As we ramp up production on our slate of animated features, we could not imagine a better partner to bring our visually stunning and epic animated worlds to life.”

Chris Beardall, Spin Master’s president of toys and chief commercial officer, said the...

Mark McCorkle & Bob Schooley, best known for creating, writing and executive producing Disney Channel’s Kim Possible, will receive the WGA West’s 2021 Animation Writers Caucus Animation Writing Award. The honor will be bestowed next month at the group’s virtual awards ceremony and member meeting.

The pair have specialized in adapting movie characters into TV series, with credits including Penguins of Madagascar, Monsters vs. Aliens, Disney’s Hercules, and Disney’s Aladdin: The Series. On the big screen, their credits include Hotel for Dogs and Sky High.

They also EPed two TV movies based on Kim Possible: Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time and Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama.

The long-time writing and producing team met while working as entertainment managers at Sesame Place, a Sesame Street-themed play park in Pennsylvania (both attended Temple University). They both started in the mailroom of Dic Entertainment, eventually landing staff...

Exclusive: Img will serve as the global licensing rep for Skydance Animation and its upcoming feature film and TV lineup, which includes its first two movies, Luck directed by Peggy Holmes and Spellbound directed by Vicky Jenson.

The multi-year deal will see the Endeavor-owned licensing agency develop extensive product licensing portfolios for Skydance Animation’s slate and theatrical-quality animated TV series.

“As we prepare for the debut of our first animation projects in the coming year, we are thrilled to be partnering with the world’s premier licensing agency to develop consumer products franchises that extend our stories and characters across retail platforms,” said Luis Fernández, Head of Consumer Products, Skydance.

“Skydance Animation has assembled a team of legendary talent that is reimagining animation with some of the most exciting new feature-length film and series animation anywhere today,” added Bruno Maglione, President of Licensing at Img. “We’re proud to...

Following Variety‘s exclusive report in December, Apple is officially announcing its multi-year content partnership with David Ellison’s Skydance Animation.

The agreement, which includes the previously announced feature films “Luck” and “Spellbound,” will also include what Apple billed as “first-ever theatrical-quality animated television series” for Apple TV Plus subscribers.

Skydance Animation is a division of Ellison’s Skydance Media, which is run by John Lasseter and president Holly Edwards. The deal reunites Lasseter with the Cupertino giant decades after he founded Pixar with the late Steve Jobs.

The first series up is “The Search for WondLa,” which scored a two-season order to start, based on the beloved book series by Tony Diterlizzi. The Apple original will be written and executive produced by showrunner Lauren Montgomery, with Chad Quant, Diterlizzi, and Gotham Group also serving as executive producers. Several other titles are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Apple and David Ellison’s Skydance Animation have closed a multiyear partnership first reported to be in talks in December, and today, the studios have given a first look at the two animated films that will premiere on Apple TV+, “Luck” and “Spellbound.”

Apple has also ordered two seasons of an animated series from Skydance Animation, “The Search for WondLa.” Several other feature films and TV series will be announced over the term of the partnership.

Both “Luck” and “Spellbound” were originally slated for theatrical release in 2022 through Paramount, though no new release date has been set for either film.

“Luck” is directed by Peggy Holmes and is about an unlucky girl who, after stumbling upon the never-before-seen world of good and bad luck, must join together with magical creatures to uncover a force more powerful than even luck itself. The film was written by Kiel Murray.

“Spellbound” is a...

Apple on Wednesday unveiled a multiyear partnership with Skydance Animation to deliver kids and families animated theatrical features and TV series. Apple TV+ has a reach of 100 countries. The deal begins with the recent Apple acquisitions of Skydance’s upcoming animated titles Luck and Spellbound.

Additionally, Skydance Animation is making its TV debut on Apple TV+ with two seasons of The Search for WondLa, which is based on the book series by Tony Diterlizzi. The Apple Original series will be written and executive produced by showrunner Lauren Montgomery, with Chad Quant, Diterlizzi and Gotham Group also serving as executive producers.

Skydance Animation is a division of David Ellison’s Skydance Media and run by Ellison, Head of Animation John Lasseter, and Skydance Animation president Holly Edwards. Ellison and Lasseter will serve as producers on all feature films and executive producers on series.

Directed by Peggy Holmes and written by Kiel Murray,...

Craig Miller will receive the WGA West’s 2020 Animation Writers Caucus Animation Writing Award in recognition of his distinguished career and contributions to the animation field. The award will be presented by his longtime collaborator, comic book writer Marv Wolman, at the Caucus’ virtual awards ceremony on Tuesday.

Miller, who chairs the Caucus, has more than 300 credits to his name, including The Smurfs, Curious George, and Pocket Dragon Adventures.

“In his long distinguished career, Craig has been a tireless advocate for the writers of animation, working diligently to get writers like himself covered under a WGA contract,” the guild said. “The WGA West board of directors is proud and honored to give him this well-deserved award.”

Miller started his career in Hollywood as a publicity executive, working as a consultant to Lucasfilm, Warner Bros., Disney and Universal. He worked alongside George Lucas, Jim Henson and numerous others on a long...

“Eloise,” the beloved children’s book about a mischievous young girl who lives on the “tippy-top floor” of New York City’s famed Plaza Hotel, is being adapted into a live-action movie.

Linda Woolverton is writing the movie for MRC Films, the independent studio behind “Knives Out” and “Mortal Engines.” MRC recently acquired film, television and stage rights for the series of leisurely reads written by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight. Neither a director nor key cast members have been announced yet.

“I couldn’t be more excited and honored to adapt Kay Thompson’s delightful book and character for the screen with MRC Film,” Woolverton said. “I absolutely love Eloise for her mischievousness, her irreverence, her imagination and made-up words. Her playground, the Plaza Hotel, is an iconic symbol of all that’s wonderful about New York City.”

Eloise has been the subject of made-for-television movies, including...

MRC Film has set Linda Woolverton to adapt Kay Thompson’s Eloise for the leading independent studio. MRC previously announced it had secured film, television, live stage and related ancillary rights for the iconic series of children’s books written by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight.

“Linda has helped create some of the most beloved characters of all time,” said MRC Film Co-Presidents Brye Adler and Jonathan Golfman. “We are honored and beyond excited to be partnering with her; and can’t wait to see her bring all of Eloise’s charm and heart and rascally-ness to life.”

MRC Film and Woolverton will work closely with Handmade Films and collaborate with the Thompson estate, illustrator Knight and the book series publisher Simon & Schuster on the adaptation. Handmade’s Trudi Francis will executive produce the film.

“I couldn’t be more excited and honored to adapt Kay Thompson’s...

Linda Woolverton— the veteran writer behind Maleficent, Alice in Wonderland and classic Disney animations— is set to pen a live-action feature adaptation of classic children’s novel Eloise.

First published in 1955, the Eloise books follow a rambunctious girl with a big imagination who lives in the “room on the tippy-top floor” of New York’s Plaza Hotel. The books, written by author Kay Thompson, have sold more than 15 million English-language copies to date.

MRC Film, which shares an owner with The Hollywood Reporter, acquired the film, television, live stage, and related ancillary rights in 2019.

MRC is working with the Thompson estate, illustrator Hillary Knight ...

Exclusive: Gemma Burgess, author of hit twenty-something novel Brooklyn Girls, is developing two projects at Amazon and has signed with UTA.

The author is working on a half-hour espionage comedy, Friends Like These, for the streamer, while her adaptation of historical fantasy adventure My Lady Jane is also in the works at the digital platform.

This comes as she signed with UTA across all areas of representation.

Friends Like These is being produced by Episodes and Flack producer Hat Trick, while My Lady Jane is produced by Parkes+MacDonald, the production company set up by Men In Black producers Laurie MacDonald and Walter Parkes.

My Lady Jane, one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Young Adult Books of the Year in 2016, is a comic supernatural tale of true love and high adventure, set in an alternate England in 1553, a country on the verge of civil war. The series takes the tale...

Exclusive: UTA has signed award-winning writer and producer Linda Woolverton for worldwide representation in all areas. She was previously with WME.

Woolverton made her animated feature writing debut with Disney’s critically acclaimed and celebrated 1991 animated feature Beauty and the Beast. The feature made history as the first full-length animated movie ever to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. It also won three Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical. The movie resonated with audiences — so much that it became a Broadway musical that ran from 1994 to 2007 and became one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. Woolverton adapted the script for the Broadway stage and won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical. She was also nominated for a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical.

She continued her relationship with Disney, co-writing the screenplay for another animated classic The Lion King (1994). Later in her career,...

Alan Menken became the latest recipient of Egot status following his Daytime Emmy win on Sunday, July 26. Menken, who has eight Oscars, 11 Grammys and one Tony Award, took home the Daytime Emmy for outstanding original song in a children’s, young adult or animated program. Menken, pictured with Celine Dion at the “Beauty and the Beast” premiere in 2017, composed “Waiting in the Wings” for “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure.”

His win makes him the 16th person to achieve Egot status — winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award. He joins the elite group of winners alongside John Legend, Tim Rice, Rita Moreno, Audrey Hepburn, Mel Brooks, Mike Nichols, Whoopi Goldberg, Helen Hayes, Marvin Hamlisch, Mike Nichols, Robert Lopez, Richard Rogers, John Gielgud, Jonathan Tunick and Scott Rudin.

Menken scored “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Enchanted,” “Pocahontas” and “Tangled” and many other Disney classics,...

Skydance and Paramount Pictures have announced that original animated musical fantasy Spellbound, which Paramount Pictures has committed to co-finance and release globally, is now slated for November 11, 2022.

Skydance Animation’s first original feature film, Luck, will be released domestically on February 18, 2022 with a worldwide rollout to follow.

This marks the continued expansion of the decade-long partnership between the storied Hollywood studio and David Ellison’s prolific media company, which now encompasses feature film, animation and television.

President of Skydance Animation Holly Edwards said, “Luck and Spellbound create rich worlds and compelling characters that we know will resonate with audiences everywhere. It’s incredibly exciting to see our team of legendary creatives working around the clock and across the globe to bring these pictures to life.”

“Luck and Spellbound mark the next phase of Skydance and Paramount’s commitment to feature animation for the theatrical experience,” said Paramount’s President of Domestic Distribution,...

Paramount Pictures is partnering with Skydance to co-finance and release the animated musical fantasy “Spellbound,” which features original songs and music from legendary Disney composer Alan Menken.

“Spellbound” is now slated for global theatrical release on Nov. 11, 2022. This follows the release of Skydance Animation’s first original feature “Luck,” which will open domestically Feb. 18, 2022 with a worldwide rollout to follow.

In addition to Menken, “Spellbound” boasts a who’s who of animation royalty. It’s directed by “Shrek’s” Vicky Jenson and written by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin (“Mulan”) and Linda Woolverton, with “Shrek” producer David Lipman recently joining the project.

Also Read: Watch Disney Lyricist Howard Ashman Lead 'Little Mermaid' Singers in Trailer for New Documentary (Video)

“Spellbound” is set in a world of magic, where a young girl must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two. Menken will write original music for the project,...

Paramount Pictures will release Skydance Animation titles “Luck” and “Spellbound” in 2022.

Paramount made the announcement Monday. It came three years after David Ellison’s Skydance Media launched Skydance Animation by forming a partnership with Madrid-based Ilion Animation Studios.

“Luck,” directed by Peggy Holmes, will open on Feb. 18, 2022, as the first feature from Skydance Animation. The story centers on the unluckiest girl alive who stumbles upon a world of good and bad luck and must join with magical creatures to uncover a force more powerful than luck itself.

“Spellbound” has been set for a Nov. 11, 2022, launch. The story is set in a world of magic where a young girl must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two. “Shrek” director Vicky Jensen, winner of the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, will re-team with “Shrek” producer David Lipman.

“Spellbound” is written by Lauren Hyne and Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton.

Skydance and Paramount Pictures announced the release dates for two animated features today: Spellbound which will open worldwide on Nov. 11, 2022 and Luck on Feb. 18, 2022.

Spellbound and Luck will be co-financed by Paramount. Luck reps the first title from Skydance Animation.

President of Skydance Animation Holly Edwards said, “Luck and Spellbound create rich worlds and compelling characters that we know will resonate with audiences everywhere. It’s incredibly exciting to see our team of legendary creatives working around the clock and across the globe to bring these pictures to life.”

“Luck and Spellbound mark the next phase of Skydance and Paramount’s commitment to feature animation for the theatrical experience,” said Paramount’s President of Domestic Distribution, Chris Aronson. “These films not only continue our longstanding relationship with Skydance, but, along with Paramount Animation’s own upcoming films, mean we will be releasing event-level animated films for years to come.”

Spellbound,...

The John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation feature slate is coming together more than a year after he left Disney/Pixar amid workplace sexual harassment allegations, with director Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”) helming a musical fantasy titled “Spellbound” (working title), about a young girl breaking the spell that has split her kingdom in two. Disney musical legend Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast”) has just been signed to compose the score and original songs, with a script by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (“Mulan”) and Linda Woolverton (“Beauty and the Beast”). Joining Menken is celebrated lyricist and frequent collaborator Glenn Slater (“Tangled”) and lauded music producer Chris Montan (former head of Walt Disney Music).

“Alan Menken’s music defines a generation and is loved by audiences around the world,” said Jenson. “From day one, we knew this magical world would be full of music, and we knew only Alan could bring it to life.

Skydance Animation has nabbed one of the biggest names in family entertainment to compose the music and score for an upcoming feature. Alan Menken, best-known for creating such classic songs as “Under the Sea” and “Be Our Guest,” will bring his melodic talents to “Spellbound.” The film, which will likely be re-titled, centers on a young girl who must break a spell that has split her kingdom in two.

Menken’s list of credits includes “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Enchanted,” “Pocahontas” and “Tangled”… or basically every movie from Disney’s animation renaissance. He cooked up the music for “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Newsies,” two live-action favorites, for good measure.

Menken’s hire is welcome news for Skydance Animation, which has been the subject of controversy since it tapped John Lasseter in 2019 to head the division alongside Holly Edwards. Lasseter is...

Alan Menken, the eight time Academy Award-winning composer of films such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid,” will compose original music and the score for Skydance Animation’s upcoming feature “Spellbound.”

The film, which is being directed by Vicky Jenson from a script by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (“Mulan”) and Linda Woolverton, is set in a world of magic where a young girl must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two. “Spellbound” is the animated feature’s working title.

Menken’s legendary career, spanning more than four decades, includes award-winning work on “Aladdin,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Pocahontas,” “Newsies,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Hercules,” “Enchanted” and “Tangled.” Menken has also won more Oscars than any other composer.

Also Read: Skydance Animation's Production Head Holly Edwards Promoted to President

He will compose music alongside Grammy winner Glenn Slater, who will write lyrics. The two...

Eight-time Oscar winning composer and lyricist Alan Menken is set to pen the music and score to Skydance Animation’s upcoming musical fantasy Spellbound.

Menken will team with lyricist and frequent collaborator Glenn Slater and music producer Chris Montan.

Directed by Vicky Jenson and written by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (Mulan) and Linda Woolverton, Spellbound follows a young girl who must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two.

Menken is known for his award-winning work on Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Little Shop of Horrors, Pocahontas, Newsies, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Enchanted and Tangled. His work also includes the onstage musicals Little Shop of Horrors, A Christmas Carol, A Bronx Tale and Sister Act as well as adaptations of his film work including Newsies.

“Alan Menken’s music defines a...

Alan Menken — the legendary composer behind such Disney classics as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas and Tangled — will compose original songs and the score for Skydance Animation's upcoming animated feature Spellbound (working title).

He will be joined by lyricist and frequent collaborator Glenn Slater (Tangled) and music producer Chris Montan (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen).

Vicky Jenson (Shrek, Shark Tale) is helming Spellbound, which is written by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin (Mulan) and Linda Woolverton (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King). The story is set in a world of ...

Alan Menken — the legendary composer behind such Disney classics as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas and Tangled — will compose original songs and the score for Skydance Animation's upcoming animated feature Spellbound (working title).

He will be joined by lyricist and frequent collaborator Glenn Slater (Tangled) and music producer Chris Montan (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen).

Vicky Jenson (Shrek, Shark Tale) is helming Spellbound, which is written by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin (Mulan) and Linda Woolverton (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King). The story is set in a world of ...

Creative talent roster includes Shrek director Vicky Jenson, Tangled’s Nathan Greno.

Skydance Media has acquired the animation unit of Madrid-based Ilion Studios to form Skydance Animation Madrid led by John Lasseter.

The strategic acquisition combines Skydance’s creative capital and Ilion’s talent and creates a combined workforce of close to 500 employees.

Lasseter and Holly Edwards lead Skydance Animation, whose feature slate includes Luck, about an unlucky girl who uncovers a force more powerful than luck itself; musical fantasy Spellbound (working title); and Pookoo (working title).

The roster of creatives include Shrek director Vicky Jenson (Spellbound), Peggy Holmes (Luck...