Chris Pine is looking to make a deal to appear in ‘The Catch.’
He’d star opposite Emma Stone.
Universal is producing the new romantic comedy.
Now that Emma Stone has some free time beyond working with director Yorgos Lanthimos on their wild and weird movies, she’s locked down what seems likely to be her next project, a new romantic comedy called ‘The Catch.’
With Universal nabbing the rights to the eventual movie, the rom-com has ‘Brigsby Bear’ director Dave McCary aboard to call the shots, which makes us think this won’t be a straight forward tale of love and relationships.
While many movies with that title tend to chronicle the lives of fishermen, we don’t actually know whether this one will feature scenes set on a trawler (seems unlikely!)
All we really know beyond the rom-com genre is that Patrick Kang and Michael Levin wrote the script and that prolific producer Shawn Levy is among those shepherding it to screens.
Stone’s interest in making this her next movie means it should get moving quickly.
Where else can we see Chris Pine?
Chris Pine plays Edgin in ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ from Paramount Pictures and eOne.
Pine is coming off strong reviews for ‘Carousel’, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival back in January, and has a few other movies on the way, including action pic ‘Run the Night’, crime thriller ‘Nowhere Fast’ and sci-fi comedy ‘Alpha Gang’.
‘Mistresses’ TV writer Nina Raine adapted the script from Mary Gaitskill’s novella, which was hugely acclaimed when it was released in 2019 and praised for offering a nuanced distillation of the #MeToo movement.
The story follows Margot (Chastain) as accusations of misconduct unravel the career of her closest friend, the charming publisher Quin (Pine). Margot must decide whether loyalty, forgiveness or truth will define the end of their long, heady friendship.
When will ‘This is Pleasure’ be on screens?
Even with the star power attached, this one will be a while as it hasn’t yet locked down a distributor. But with the rights up for sale at the European Film Market, which kicks off this month, we’re sure it’ll be snapped up quickly.
1979’s ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Preview:
John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein are developing a new ‘Star Trek’ Movie.
They’ve come up with a new idea not connected to previous movies or shows.
They’re also writing the script.
While the TV side of the franchise has been ticking along nicely, big-screen ‘Star Trek’ fell into something of a black hole, with little progress towards theaters.
At least, they’re aboard to develop a new movie (more on that below), with the hopes of kickstarting the franchise back to life. Will they succeed? Others have tried and failed (again, see below), but we’re certainly hoping to see them give it a shot.
What has been happening with big-screen ‘Star Trek’?
(L to R) Karl Urban and Zachary Quinto in ‘Star Trek Beyond’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
The movies have been mired in development limbo since ‘Star Trek Beyond’ opened to less-than-thrilling box office in 2016.
There have been various films announced or reported upon, including a return for Chris Pine’s Kirk and co. from J.J. Abrams’ “Kelvin” timeline movies, a one-off by Quentin Tarantino (which always seemed less likely to happen) and the more recent word of a prequel/origin story to be directed by ‘Andor’s Toby Haynes with a script by Seth Grahame-Smith.
The latter may still happen (with Paramount going on a “try anything” spree), but there was more recent word of ‘X-Men’ veteran Simon Kinberg being hired as the producer overseeing the whole thing. There’s no mention of him in Deadline’s story about Daley and Goldstein’s deal, but perhaps he will be around to help out?
What’s the story for this latest ‘Trek’ development?
Chris Pine in 2009’s ‘Star Trek’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Little is known about what Daley and Goldstein have planned for ‘Star Trek’, though new Paramount overseer David Ellison said on a recent earnings call that it would not be a sequel in the Pine-led series but something different with new actors.
Which is almost a shame, since Pine clearly enjoyed working with the directors on ‘Dungeons & Dragons’…
When will this new ‘Star Trek’ movie head to screens?
If you’ll pardon us, given recent history we won’t hold our breath just yet until this thing actually has a trailer.
(L to R) Directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley and Chris Pine on the set of ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ from Paramount Pictures and eOne.
Chris Pine in ‘Poolman’. Photo: Vertical Entertainment.
Preview:
Chris Pine will star in ‘Run the Night.’
He’ll play a man who is accused of crossing Dutch mobsters.
Robert Alonzo is directing the movie.
It feels like a couple of years since we’ve seen Chris Pine on our screens. And indeed, it has been –– see the section on his recent career below.
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But if Pine has anything to do with it, the lack of him in movie theaters could be coming to an end sooner rather than later.
According to Variety, he’s attached to a new thriller called ‘Run the Night,’ which will find him as someone who gets in deep with the Dutch mob (yes, there is a Dutch mob and we don’t mean the Pennsylvania Dutch) and ends up having to fight to protect his family.
Which does make us wonder when he’ll be available to shoot this new movie, since we can’t imagine ‘Doomsday’ will be a short production span. Still, Pine has other work to get on with while he waits.
This new thriller comes from Todd Lieberman of Hidden Pictures, who will produce alongside his company’s president Alex Young, while Pine and Ian Gotler will be involved behind the scenes via their Barry Linen banner. Lionsgate has snapped up international rights.
The new movie follows a banker (Pine), accused of betraying the Penose (the Dutch mob), who is dumped naked in the heart of Amsterdam with a $10 million bounty on his head.
Hunted by the city’s most violent gangs, he must fight his way across the city by dawn to save the lives of his wife and child — a mission that reveals he was never just the money guy.
John Glenn and Alex Davidson, wrote the script, based on a story by Glenn. The former has worked on the likes ofJohn Glenn ‘Eagle Eye’ and 2008’s ‘The Lazarus Project,’ which he also directed. And he’s currently the executive producer of Lionsgate Television’s new ‘Robin Hood’ series.
Davidson, meanwhile, has one other credit, an untitled project in development about Peter Buckley, the most losing boxer in history.
‘Run the Night’: the star and filmmakers speak
Chris Pine as Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick in Outlaw King. Credit: Netflix
Here’s Pine’s comment on making the new movie, which will see him reunite with Alonzo after the latter handled second unit on 2009’s ‘Star Trek’:
“I love this story, character, and reuniting with Rob. There are so many places for this character to go, and I’m excited about the possibilities of bringing him to life on the big screen.”
And this is what Lionsgate’s Adam Fogelson had to say about the new project:
“Chris is an incredible actor and has the perfect combination of warmth and physicality needed to bring this role to life. We’re proud to be the home of Todd Lieberman’s Hidden Pictures and to be partnering with him and the exceptionally talented filmmaking team on this riveting and explosive action thriller.”
Finally, producer (and Hidden Pictures boss) Todd Lieberman said this:
“Rob Alonzo is the next great action director. With Rob’s talent behind the camera and our movie star Chris in front, I’m excited by what we have in store for audiences.”
Where else can we see Chris Pine?
Chris Pine plays Edgin in ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ from Paramount Pictures and eOne.
Pine, who might still be best known for his role as Captain Kirk in the aforementioned ‘Star Trek’ and its sequels, had a busy 2023.
He voiced the villainous Magnifico in Disney’s animated ‘Wish,’ won plenty of praise playing the misunderstood Edgin in ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ and made his own directorial debut with quirky comedy drama ‘Poolman’ which if we’re being charitable didn’t exactly win over critics or audiences.
The actor worked on director Carolina Cavalli’s ‘The Kidnapping of Arabella,’ which also features Benedetta Porcaroli, though that has yet to lock down a release date.
Beyond that (and ‘Run the Night’) he has a few movies on his To Do list, including the long-developing new entry in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise.
He’s also in the cast list for Noah Hawley’s new crime thriller ‘Nowhere Fast,’ about a small-town criminal who inadvertently kills the nephew of his boss.
When will ‘Run the Night’ be in theaters?
Since production company Hidden Pictures and international rights holders Lionsgate will put the movie up for sale to prospective distributors at this year’s Cannes Market, we’ll have to wait and see when it might land on screens.
Chris Pine in 2009’s ‘Star Trek’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Chris Pine plays Edgin in ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ from Paramount Pictures and eOne.
Preview:
Chris Pine is to lead ‘Nowhere Fast.’
He’ll play a small-time crook in the new thriller.
‘Fargo’ boss Noah Hawley is writing and directing the movie.
Chris Pine, it would appear loves a good Texas-set crime thriller where characters get in over their heads in a dangerous situation.
He played a desperate rancher-turned-bank robber in 2016’s ‘Hell or High Water’ and, per Variety, now he’s landed the lead role of a small-time crook in new thriller ‘Nowhere Fast.’
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And there are further connections beyond the locale and the (relatively) recent time period –– while the 2016 effort was scripted by Taylor Sheridan, currently the overlord of rugged television thanks to his ever-expanding ‘Yellowstone’ franchise and other projects, this new film comes via Noah Hawley, no stranger to small screen success himself thanks to ‘Fargo’ and ‘Legion.’
And ‘Nowhere Fast’ certainly feels fairly locked into Pine’s wheelhouse –– while he has done some bigger movies, he’s often found in smaller titles that give him a chance to stretch himself.
Chris Pine in ‘Poolman’. Photo: Vertical Entertainment.
With Hawley writing and aiming to direct, the film will follow a criminal who inadvertently kills the nephew of his boss in Texas.
Sounds to us like Pine will be a man with a decent core who has turn to crime and ends up confronting, the arrogant, violent spawn of his overseer. Isn’t that usually how these things end up going? Plus he might try to get away, but the movie’s title suggest he won’t have too much luck.
Hawley will also produce via his 26 Keys Productions with the funding coming from 30West, which financed Pine’s ‘The Contractor,’ looking to co-represent the U.S. rights for ‘Nowhere Fast’ alongside CAA Media Finance. AGC International, the international sales arm of independent studio AGC Studios, will represent the foreign rights.
What else is Chris Pine attached to?
Chris Pine in 2009’s ‘Star Trek’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Pine has been somewhat quiet in the last year –– his only efforts recently have been a BMW ad and narration duties on an upcoming short about birds.
Before that he impressed as the seemingly benevolent-but-secretly-scheming king in Disney’s ‘Wish’ (which didn’t exactly set the box office aflame) and also tried his hand at writing and directing himself in the poorly-received ‘Poolman.’
Currently, the actor is at work on a new drama called ‘The Kidnapping of Arabella’ about an Italian woman named Holly who is convinced she’s the wrong version of herself until meeting a 7-year-old girl changes her perspective. That one is written and directed by Carolina Cavalli.
But perhaps what most fans want to know is whether Pine will finally return alongside his castmates for another ‘Star Trek’ movie set in the “Kelvin Timeline” established by J.J. Abrams’ 2009 reboot of the classic sci-fi show in big screen form.
When asked by Business Insider about the status of it, Pine had this to say:
“I honestly don’t know. There was something in the news of a new writer coming on board. I thought there was already a script, but I guess I was wrong, or they decided to pivot. As it’s always been with ‘Trek,’ I just wait and see.”
The fourth ‘Trek’ outing with Pine and co. is listed as in pre-production on the IMDb, but like them, we’ll have to see if that pans out into an actual movie.
You might wonder how Hawley has time for a movie project given how much TV work he’s involved with. While it’s certainly less than Sheridan’s sprawling empire, it’s not nothing.
In addition to the ongoing crime calamities of ‘Fargo’ (inspired, of course, by the Coenbrothersclassic and using an anthology format per season with the occasional link to tell stories of bungled robberies etc.), he’s also been busy overseeing an ambitious extension of another franchise.
This summer will see the launch of his new FX/Hulu series ‘Alien: Earth,’ which is set closer to the present day than any of the movies about rampaging xenomorphs.
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With ‘Alien’ director (and franchise gatekeeper) Ridley Scott giving the project his endorsement as an executive producer the new show tracks what happens when a mysterious space vessel crash-lands on Earth. A young woman and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat.
“There’s something about seeing a Xenomorph in the wilds of Earth with your own eyes. That is truly chilling to think of it moving here among us, and so I can’t tell you under what circumstances you’ll see that, but you’ll see it — and you’re going to lock your door that night.”
When will ‘Nowhere Fast’ be in theaters?
With the movie still at the casting stage and rights on sale, there is no word yet on when this new crime thriller might be making its way to theaters.
We’d guess it could start shooting –– even given Hawley’s packed schedule –– this year and could potentially be out by awards season, but seems more likely to arrive in 2026.
(Left) Kyle Chandler in ‘Friday Night Lights’. Photo: Universal Television. (Left) DC Comics’ Green Lantern. Photo: DC Comics.
Preview:
Kyle Chandler is in talks to play Hal Jordan in DC’s ‘Lanterns’ series.
Josh Brolin was previously offered the role.
Damon Lindelof and Chris Mundy are among the producers of the new show.
Josh Brolin may not have agreed to the solemn duty of wearing and using the Green Lantern ring for the long-gestating DC StudiosTV series for HBO based on the comic book property, but now we know who –– at least is in talks to do so –– as Deadline has learned that ‘Friday Night Lights’ veteran Kyle Chandler is in talks for the Hal Jordan role originally offered to Brolin.
With the show finally up and heading into a more solid production phase, we can expect to hear more casting news soon.
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What’s the story of ‘Green Lantern’ in comics form?
DC Comics’ Hal Jordan/Green Lantern. Photo courtesy of DC.com.
Created in its first incarnation (a Lantern named Alan Scott) in 1940 by Martin Nodell and Bill Finger, the concept of the ‘Green Lantern’ comics is that of a super-powered, police force, battling evil doers with rings that allow them to channel energy into different forms. There are many Lanterns, who patrol the known and unknown universe.
‘Green Lantern’s history on screen has been seriously mixed. Though different takes on the character have flourished in animated movies and series, their live-action counterparts have had less luck. Ryan Reynolds played the Hal Jordan version in a 2011 movie that didn’t triumph at the box office, and there have been fleeting glimpses on the small screen.
Even Zack Snyder didn’t manage to realize his chosen Lantern –– John Stewart –– in his mammoth Snyder Cut of ‘Justice League’. Despite shooting a cameo with Wayne T. Carr as Stewart, Warners asked him to remove the character because of the studio’s own plans. In the end, Snyder swapped in Martian Manhunter.
(Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.
And the show had been in development before Gunn and Safran made their big announcement. Back in 2020, ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ Seth Grahame-Smith hopped aboard to write and run what HBO Max (as the streaming service was then called) was picturing its most expensive series to date, a space-set ‘Green Lantern’ drama whose focus would be the Alan Scott and Guy Gardner iterations of the character among the first and most popular versions.
‘Lanterns’ will follow the Hal Jordan and John Stewart characters, as new recruit Stewart and Lantern legend Jordan are described in the latest official synopsis as “two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”
Who is working on ‘Lanterns’?
(L to R) Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
And, according to Jeff Sneider, there have been talks for Lindelof’s ‘Watchmen’ collaborator, director Stephen Williams, to handle the first episode of the new series.
According to various sources, the likes of Matthew McConaughey, Chris Pine and Ewan McGregor were all on the radar for this one around the time that Brolin was being approached. But it would seem that the team has at least locked into one of its leads, with the John Stewart news still to come.
(Left) ‘Invasion’ series creator Simon Kinberg. (Right) Chris Pine, Simon Pegg, and Karl Urban in ‘Star Trek’ (2009). Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
Preview:
Simon Kinberg is reportedly boarding the ‘Star Trek’ movie franchise.
He’s going to be producing future entries.
Holly Hunter is the first person cast in series ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’.
While Paramount itself remains in something of a flux state –– with different buyers circling to make offers to buy the venerable studio and its associated TV network, streaming service and other properties –– it appears to be making moves on both the movie and TV front when it comes to hugely successful sci-fi franchise ‘Star Trek’.
First up, we have news on the ‘Trek’ movies and a notable new (potential) hire.
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What is happening with the new ‘Star Trek’ movie?
Chris Pine in 2009’s ‘Star Trek’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Paramount has seemingly had real trouble landing on a direction for its ‘Trek’ movie franchise. The TV side of things (more on that below) has been humming along nicely, but on the big screen, the movies have been mired in development limbo since ‘Star Trek Beyond’ opened to less-than-thrilling box office in 2016.
There have been various films announced or reported upon, including a return for Chris Pine’s Kirk and co. from J.J. Abrams’ “Kelvin” timeline movies, a one-off by Quentin Tarantino (which seems less likely to happen) and the more recent word of a prequel/origin story to be directed by ‘Andor’s Toby Haynes with a script by Seth Grahame-Smith.
Now, according to Puck’s ‘What I’m Hearing…’ newsletter, Simon Kinberg, a veteran producer of movies such as ‘The Martian’, some of the ‘X-Men‘ movies and the first two ‘Deadpool’ efforts (not to mention the likes of ‘Invasion’ on Apple TV+) is in talks to produce that new ‘Trek’ effort.
And if it all works out, the plan is apparently for Kinberg to take over the stewardship of the movie side of Trek, helping to shepherd future outings and presumably help to correct the course.
Following that, we have word that Holly Hunter will star as the Captain and Chancellor of Starfleet Academy set in the titular educational facility that trains crew and officers for the fleet.
Hunter’s Chancellor will be presiding over the faculty and the latest class of students to arrive at the academy.
This is what co-showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau said about casting Hunter to Variety:
“It feels like we’ve spent our entire lives watching Holly Hunter be a stone-cold genius. To have her extraordinary authenticity, fearlessness, sense of humor, and across the board brilliance leading the charge on ‘Starfleet Academy’ is a gift to all of us, and to the enduring legacy of ‘Star Trek.’”
What’s the story of ‘Starfleet Academy’?
1979’s ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.
While most of the other character and story details are being kept behind a forcefield, we do know something of the show’s tone thanks to a previous comment by Landau:
“These are kids who’ve never had a red alert before. They never had to operate a transporter or be in a phaser fight.”
So, yes, lots of coming-of-age with high tech equipment appears likely with this one.
The sets being built for the new series apparently include featuring the largest contiguous one ever constructed for a ‘Star Trek’ series, a central academic atrium that will span two stories and include an amphitheater, classrooms, a mess hall, and an idyllic walkway lined with trees.
Production on the show is scheduled for later this summer in Toronto.
(L to R) Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto in ‘Star Trek’ (2009). Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
(L to R) Chris Pine and Danny DeVito talk ‘Poolman’.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with actor and director Chris Pine and Danny DeVito about their work on ‘Poolman,’ why Pine wanted to direct it, how it’s a lover letter to Los Angeles, and DeVito’s experience being directed by Pine.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Pine, DeVito, Jennifer Jason Leigh and DeWanda Wise.
Chris Pine in ‘Poolman’. Photo: Vertical Entertainment.
Moviefone: To begin with, Chris, how long have you been interested in directing and how did things come together for you to direct ‘Poolman’?
Chris Pine: I’ve never thought about directing, and the stars aligned because of COVID, really. I had an idea for a pool man named Darren Barrenman that shot around in my brain for two years. Then COVID hit and I was bored and going through a lot of stuff personally. I decided to make it happen, and I tried to hire a writer, but he didn’t really work out, so I decided to write it with my writing partner. Then as I was writing it, I was thinking about it visually, so then it just felt like what I had to do.
MF: Chris, you’ve called this movie a love letter to Los Angeles. What did you want to say the City of Angels with this film?
CP: They say write about what you know, so I wrote about Los Angeles and about actors and failed actors and directors and failed directors. It was just the world that I grew up in in Los Angeles, which was kind of one foot on the “Boulevard of Dreams” and one foot in the “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” So, I know this adjacent Hollywood that people know that’s the deep Valley, that’s actors trying to make a buck, who aren’t getting hired. This is my ode less to Los Angeles in many ways, and my ode to them, the people that come to this city and want to be famous and to have their stories heard, and don’t. I’m also a big preservation buff and a lover of Los Angeles architecture of old and not of what we’re doing now. I’m a lover of what we call the red trolley car system back in the day, which if you’ve seen ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ you know how that story went. This is my ode to a time in Los Angeles that I love and to a version of Los Angeles that I’m familiar with.
(L to R) Chris Pine and Danny DeVito in ‘Poolman’. Photo: Vertical Entertainment.
MF: Danny, you are originally from New Jersey, but you’ve lived in Los Angeles for a long time. Did you get the vibe of what Chris was going for when you first read the screenplay?
Danny DeVito: Yeah, big time. There was a vibe with the Biltmore Hotel and the whole idea of the little place that Annette Bening and I, where we live, where he is working as the pool man. So, all of that, the little motels that you find popped up around Los Angeles and the restaurants, and the architecture also really got me. But I think the big thing about coming here and trying to get things going, because it’s the “Boulevard of Dreams”, and broken dreams as well. In that element in the story, from (my character) Jack’s point of view, I tried over and over to make the film that I really wanted. He gives me the opportunity to do it because he is like a dog after a bone about this city thing. Pulling back the onion on that mystery winds up giving me my movie because he finds himself, which is really what basically the inside of this movie is about. The outside is all the architecture and the characters and the fun, but the inside is deeply embedded in what he must find, and that’s himself.
MF: Finally, Danny, as an actor who has also directed, what was it like for you to work with Chris as a filmmaker and do you like working with directors who are also actors?
Danny DeVito: Yes. It’s always good. I think that every director, no matter whether you are an actor or not, should take an acting class. You should figure out what it’s like to be on the other side, on this side of the camera and that side. If you want to direct, you should know what this side’s going through. So, if you know that, a lot of actors become directors. Most actors know what an actor goes through, and that makes it a better experience.
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What is the plot of ‘Poolman’?
A pool cleaner (Chris Pine) in Los Angeles uncovers a sizeable water heist, one in the same vein as ‘Chinatown’.
Jennifer Lee, CCO, Disney Animation Studios, speaks onstage at the Long Lead Press Day & In-Person Presentation for ‘Wish’ at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, California on September 21, 2023. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney.
Preview:
Jennifer Lee talks about writing and crafting an original fairy tale versus adapting from an existing story and what it is like not to have to stay within the guidelines of a story
The future of Disney animation and what the next generation of artists can bring
Lee hints at more stories to be told with Elsa and Anna, “ I’m proud of where they’re gonna go next.”
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Disney Animation’s Chief Creative Officer, Jennifer Lee, about writing and crafting an original fairy tale, the many iterations of the character Star, the future of Disney animation, and the possibilities the new generation of artists can bring.
Moviefone: To begin with, you’ve worked on many Disney animated films including ‘Frozen,’ ‘Frozen II,’ and ‘Zootopia,’ just to name a few. Can you talk about writing an original story with ‘Wish,’ versus adapting an existing tale and being able to write without having to stay within the guidelines of an existing story?
Jennifer Lee: You know, I will say it’s something I almost forgot in a moment because we’ve gotten so steeped in this story for a long time. As a fairy tale, but recognizing, we were creating one from scratch. At first, that was very scary. Because it is like you can do anything, but what is the thing to do? I think what was so wonderful about it was getting to make discoveries that I think we may not have been able to make. I believe in a limited palette at times for focus. But I think in this case, I look at the character of Star, and Star went through many iterations. At one point talked, at one point could turn into a human, at one point, you know, into other things and, to have the freedom to recognize what we said. But hope and possibility don’t talk. They just are there for you. Why would Star speak? It’s millions of years old, it’s evolved beyond language, like we would just take these things that were so freeing, that led us to have really fun discoveries. There was nothing like, “Oh, but people are gonna expect us because in the story it’s that” and I think that that is huge that we can do that. But in many ways, what’s interesting is, and Peter Del Vecho has talked about this, is a moment where the story starts to tell you what it means, and it almost takes on a life of its own. So what’s funny for me is the ‘Wish’ story now, it’s like it’s always been. It’s like, that’s not how we got there but eventually, it starts to just land in a way that you’re bringing to life something that actually already exists. That’s a weird thing that I think only in animation I have ever experienced.
MF: As Chief Creative Officer and as you celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary, where do you see the future of Disney animation going?
JL: Well, I think in a very fun way, what I’m seeing is the new generation, and in a really great way, especially with this last decade, I’ve been there watching a whole new team of artists, especially the way animation in the world is in a great place. People are really connecting with it. I feel very lucky to be a part of it. We always say when the animation is doing well, that’s good for all the artists, and so it’s creating new opportunities. I think the new voices of animation are exciting, and they’re daring. I see now for a lot of us who have been doing this for a while or have had the chance to experience our films beyond the world. We have a responsibility now to that new generation because there’s tons of talent. But we can experience it together. I think we’ll find that “Where’s the new voices going?” It’ll be up to them. So right now, I’m loving being in this role because I get to work with them, get to have lunches with the story team – multiple teams, but with the story crew, and we just talked about story. We talk about comedy, and it’s just all about creating that connection in our legacy that’s always been, which is building that next generation. But I think when I came in, I felt like that I was not that young, but I was new. I felt like that receiver as a new generation. You know, almost 13 years later, I feel like that shift where I can see it more clearly. It’s a really fun and ambitious time.
(L to R) Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) in Walt Disney Pictures’ ‘Frozen.’
MF: Finally, speaking of the future of Disney animation, will there be more stories for Anna and Elsa from ‘Frozen’?
JL: All I’d say, as Bob Iger himself mentioned we are in development on more ‘Frozen’. That’s all I can say. Because there is more story to tell. I love these women, and I think I’m proud of where they’re gonna go next.
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What Is The Plot Of ‘Wish’?
Set in the magical kingdom of Rosas, the story introduces Asha (Ariana DeBose), an optimist with a sharp wit who deeply cares about her community. When Asha turns to the sky in a moment of need and makes a wish, her plea is answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, they face the most formidable of foes 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.
‘Wish,’ the latest entry from Walt Disney Studios features a fantasy musical adventure that captures the feeling of classic Disney animation and a fresh new story on the importance of staying true to yourself and the power of wishes. The movie will be released in theaters on November 22nd.
Initial Thoughts
Right off the bat, the audience will recognize the animation style inspired by Disney classics such as ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ ‘Pinocchio,’ and ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.’ The blending of 3D animation and 2D hand-drawn watercolor is something we haven’t seen before in Disney animation and gives the film a vintage look.
The story explores the importance of wishes, how even a simple wish can inspire one’s path in life, and what happens when that is taken away. Complete with catchy songs by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice that’ll get you tapping your toes and captivating performances from Ariana DeBose as Asha and Chris Pine as King Magnifico.
Story and Direction
(L to R) Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones, Peter Del Vecho, SVP, Feature Film Production, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Fawn Veerasunthorn and Chris Buck speak for “Wish” at the Long Lead Press Day In-Person Presentation for ‘Wish’ at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, California on September 21, 2023. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney.
‘Wish’ is co-directed by Chris Buck (‘Frozen II’) and Fawn Veerasunthron (‘Raya and the Last Dragon’), with screenplay written by Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore. The movie will take you down the road of nostalgia with the opening of the film pans in on a storybook, just as movies such as ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,’ ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ and ‘Pinocchio’ did.
After a quick exposition of King Magnifico’s past, we understand why he began studying magic to become a sorcerer and how the Kingdom of Rosas came to be – located in the Mediterranean Sea and a travel destination for all. It is also the place where anyone over the age of 18 can give their wish to King Magnifico for a chance to have it granted at a wishing ceremony.
The story introduces 17-year-old Asha, who works as a tour guide in Rosas and is about to interview to be the King’s apprentice. During the interview, it is revealed that while King Magnifico keeps the townspeople’s wishes safe, he doesn’t intend to grant most wishes. When Ahsa suggests the King return the ungranted wishes, he becomes upset and explains that he only grants wishes he sees fit to keep Rosas safe. When Ahsa further argues that wishes can’t be harmful King Magnifico retaliates by telling her he would never grant her grandfather Sabino’s wish.
Frustrated by this, Asha runs to the giant tree in the forest – the same one she and her father often visited during her childhood – and sings out her plead to the stars. Her wish was so passionate that it manifested a star from the sky into a ball of energy with magical powers. The night sky lights up with Star’s arrival, seen by all in the kingdom, including King Magnifico, who declares that any magic (other than what he conjures) is illegal and whoever uses magic is deemed a traitor.
This propels the story into Asha rushing against time to find a way to free and return the wishes to the people of Rosas, with the help of Star, her goat sidekick Valentino, and her band of friends.
The pacing of this movie is well-balanced, with the first act establishing the origins of Rosas, the relationship between Asha and her best friends, and King Magnifico’s past. The second act kicks into high gear as Asha works up a plan to free the wishes, all the while keeping Star hidden from King Magnifico. The songs are well-placed throughout and extremely catchy.
The overall look of ‘Wish’ preserves what we loved about the classics yet it retains the updated look wth 3D animation. It is clear to see that Buck and Veerasunthorn themselves are huge fans of Disney. Their love and appreciate of those films in is clearly shown in scenes that take places in the forest, as well as in the town of Rosas.
Leaning into the nostalgia even more are the easter eggs seen throughout the film. Most are subtle and does not distract from the movie. Sharp eyed fans can spot nods to films like ‘Bambi,’ ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ ‘Cinderella,” ‘Peter Pan’ and more. Asha’s group of friends is a nod to the seven dwarves as some of their character design and characteristics hints at at specific traits of the dwarves. The easter eggs sprinkled throughout are not only visual. If you listen carefully, you’ll also hear it in the dialogue and music.
There are seven brand new songs in ‘Wish,’ written by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice. Michaels is the youngest songwriter to have worked on a Disney animated feature, and her style brings a contemporary sound to the mix. DeBose’s solo “This Wish” shows off her vocal range and ability to capture the raw emotion of Asha in her moment of desperation and hones in on the empowering message of believing in and fighting for your truth. This ballad has the potential to have the effect of ‘Frozen’s “Let It Go.”
Another standout number is King Magnifico’s “This Is The Thanks I Get?!” where he descends into dark magic and villainy. As the citizens of Rosas begin to question why they can’t remember their wishes, the King’s charming facade starts to crack. This is an upbeat song with clever lyrics, as the King sings about being under-appreciated after everything he’s done for the kingdom, being constantly asked for more, and ultimately turning to the forbidden spell book. Chris Pine delivers on all fronts in this fun and entertaining number.
The other songs in ‘Wish’ include “Welcome To Rosas,” “At All Costs,” “I’m A Star,” “Knowing What I Know Now,” and “This Wish (Reprise).”
‘Wish’ embraces all that is classic Disney animation, from the art style to the message of never stop believing in yourself (and your wishes). The idea of wishing upon a star may be a tale as old as time, but it is told in a refreshing way that’ll capture audiences young and old. The songs are incredibly catchy, and the adorable sidekicks Star and Valentino are guaranteed to steal your heart.
Chris Pine’s King Magnifico makes a magnificent villain and is extremely very fun to watch, though they could have gone into greater detail about his backstory on why he turned to sorcery, as it would have made his falling into dark magic all the more worth while.
‘Wish’ receives 8 out of 10 stars.
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What Is The Story of ‘Wish’?
Set in the magical kingdom of Rosas, the story introduces Asha (Ariana DeBose), an optimist with a sharp wit who deeply cares about her community. When Asha turns to the sky in a moment of need and makes a wish, her plea is answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, they face the most formidable of foes 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.
