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If you’re a fan of animated movies, there’s exciting news on the horizon. Netflix and Skydance Animation have formed a multi-year partnership, with their entire slate of upcoming feature films heading to Netflix. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting collaboration and preview all the movies we know are coming soon to Netflix.
The Big Switch: From Apple to Netflix
In case you missed the news, Skydance Animation has switched allegiances. The new deal was teased by Ari Emanuel at the Bloomberg Screentime event in Los Angeles in early October and was confirmed on October 18th. Initially, Skydance Animation worked exclusively with Apple for their streaming service Apple TV+, releasing the 2023 movie Luck along with Wondla and Blush.
John Lasseter, best known for his work at Disney Pixar, leads Skydance Animation and its creative vision along with Holly Edwards, the President of Skydance Animation.
Why This Deal Matters
What’s on Netflix contributor and independent analyst Emily Horgan has written about why the jump from Apple to Netflix is such a big deal for both companies. Horgan predicts Lasseter is “betting that Netflix, who undoubtedly remains the dominating streaming platform, will be able to deliver that critical mass of audiences and success to his studio’s output.” There could even be marketing commitments and a guarantee of proper consumer product activation in the newly announced bricks and mortar “Netflix House” stores.
It’s worth noting that Netflix’s collaboration with Skydance extends beyond just animation. Skydance Media produces numerous features for Netflix, such as the upcoming The Old Guard Chapter Two: Force Multiplied. On the TV side, they’re working on the Terminator anime series as well as a new buddy comedy starring Jane Lynch and Cyndi Lauper. That’s in addition to their output on the service thus far.
Upcoming Skydance Animation Movies on Netflix
Spellbound
Coming to Netflix: November 22nd, 2024
The first movie to be released from this new partnership is Spellbound, set to premiere on November 22, 2024. Directed by DreamWorks alum Vicky Jenson, known for her work on Madagascar, Shark Tale, and Shrek.
Plot Summary: “Princess Ellian is the tenacious ruler who must go on a daring quest to save her family. She must break the spell that transformed her parents into monsters, or Lumbria will be covered in darkness forever.”
Voice Cast:
- Rachel Zegler
- Nicole Kidman
- Javier Bardem
- John Lithgow
- Nathan Lane
- Jordan Fisher
- Jenifer Lewis
- Olga Merediz
Pookoo
Coming to Netflix: 2025
Directed and written by Nathan Greno, best known for co-directing Disney’s Tangled, Pookoo is another exciting addition to the Skydance Animation lineup.
Plot Summary: “A small woodland creature and a majestic bird, two natural sworn enemies of The Valley, magically trade places and set off on an adventure of a lifetime.”
Music By: Siddhartha Khosla
A first look was released at the Next on Netflix Animation presentation in June 2024.
Ray Gunn
Coming to Netflix: TBD
Ray Gunn marks Brad Bird’s first significant project away from Disney, where he was a fixture at Pixar for decades. Known for directing hits like The Incredibles 1 and 2 and Ratatouille, Bird has also directed Tomorrowland and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol in the live-action space.
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Plot Details: The original script is a retro-futuristic detective story set in the sprawling city of Metropia.
Composer: Michael Giacchino
The movie is expected to be hand-drawn and has a budget exceeding $150 million, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter in June 2024.
Untitled Jack and the Beanstalk
Coming to Netflix: TBD
The classic English fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk is getting a new adaptation directed by Rich Moore, known for his work on Wreck-It Ralph and Zootopia. Moore also worked extensively on Futurama.
Plot Summary: The familiar story of Jack, who trades a cow for magic beans leading to a giant beanstalk and his adventures in the giant’s realm, will be brought to life with a fresh perspective.
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Conclusion
With an exciting lineup of animated films, Skydance Animation’s partnership with Netflix is set to bring some highly anticipated movies to the platform. From magical adventures to classic tales reimagined, there’s something for every animation fan to look forward to.
FAQs
When will Skydance Animation’s first movie be released on Netflix?
The first movie, Spellbound, is set to be released on November 22, 2024.
Who is directing the movie Pookoo?
Pookoo is directed and written by Nathan Greno, known for his work on Disney’s Tangled.
What is the plot of Ray Gunn?
Ray Gunn is a retro-futuristic detective story set in the magnificent city of Metropia.
Who are the key figures leading Skydance Animation?
John Lasseter and Holly Edwards are leading Skydance Animation’s creative vision.
What other projects is Skydance Media working on for Netflix?
Skydance Media is working on projects such as The Old Guard Chapter Two: Force Multiplied, the Terminator anime series, and a new buddy comedy starring Jane Lynch and Cyndi Lauper.