Chris Pratt will return to voice Garfield for a sequel to ‘The Garfield Movie’.
The 2024 movie made more than $257 million worldwide last year.
There are no details on who will write or direct the sequel yet.
Lasagna-scoffing feline Garfield has been a pop culture fixture for nearly 50 years by now, with Jim Davis’ iconic character adapted various times for screens big and small.
The most recent version, last year’s animated outing ‘The Garfield Movie’, was a success, so it should surprise absolutely no one to learn that a sequel is now in development via producers Alcon Entertainment.
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While there is little to truly report about this one yet –– according to Deadline, no writer or director has made a deal to craft it at this point –– but we do know that Chris Pratt, who lent his vocal tones to the main character, will be officially back in the recording booth for the new one.
Garfield (Pratt), the world-famously lazy, Monday-hating indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure.
After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie (Harvey Guillén) are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.
Reviews for the movie weren’t particularly positive, but audiences embraced it, with a worldwide box office haul of more than $257 million.
And there is still plenty of source material to be mined: the original ‘Garfield’ comic strip debuted in June 1978, appearing in 41 newspapers, but its success and immediate popularity made it one of the fastest-growing comic strips of all time, ultimately appearing in 2,580 newspapers and journals, with an estimated readership of 260 million.
‘Garfield’ currently holds the record for being the most widely syndicated comic strip in the world.
What we don’t yet know on the sequel front is whether any of the original creative team (or other cast) will be back; it’s early days on this one.
When will ‘The Garfield Movie’ sequel be in theaters?
While this is the sort of movie you expect to see racing to meet a release date that was set well in advance, it looks like Alcon and Sony are taking a slower approach on this one, with no date in place just yet.
Probably a smart move given the lack of writer or director in place just yet.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Tom Hiddleston about his work on ‘The Life of Chuck’, his first reaction to the screenplay by Mike Flanagan and the way he adapted Stephen King’s source material, and the challenges of preparing for and shooting the massive dance sequence.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Karen Gillan.
Tom Hiddleston stars in ‘The Life of Chuck’. Photo: Neon.
Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about your first reaction to the screenplay and the way Mike Flanagan was able to adapt Stephen King’s source material?
Tom Hiddleston: I remember it so clearly. It was Easter of 2023 and I read it in a single sitting. In the UK, the Monday after Easter is a public holiday, so it’s a day off. Bank Holiday Monday, we call it. I was so moved and inspired by what I read because initially I felt like, I was so intrigued by the first act. It felt like a film about the end of the world, but with such tenderness and such truthfulness about the uncertainty of that experience through Marty and Felicia, the characters played by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Karen Gillan. Also, because I had the letter from Mike, I knew he’d asked me to play Chuck and just like everybody else, I was like, well, who’s Chuck? Who is this guy? Then when it was revealed, what was happening, in terms of the narrative, and I don’t want to spoil too much. But when the stars started to be extinguished and I understood what that meant for Chuck’s life and how it turned into a meditation on joy and an exploration of the magic of the ordinary life of every human being, that none of us are one thing. We all contain multitudes, which is to say that inside the soul of every ordinary human being is an internal world of infinite possibility. That infinite possibility can create a universe in every life, a universe of connections, of people, of experiences, of memories. That when that life comes to an end, so does that universe. It sums up the way I think about life and that sometimes the small moments aren’t small at all, and they end up, in your mind becoming the big moments, in your memory. Really, in the last hours of our lives, all we will carry in our hearts and our minds are the people we loved, the memories we shared with them, the connections we made. That is all that matters. I was so struck by it and so moved by it and so inspired by how Mike had put the film together, and I just immediately wanted to get on the phone with him and say, please, can I do this with you? It was a very special experience and a film that’s very close to my heart.
(L to R) Annalise Basso and Tom Hiddleston in ‘The Life of Chuck’. Photo: Neon.
MF: Finally, can you talk about rehearsing for the dance sequence and how many times did you have to shoot it to get it right?
TH: Well, I had, in my own life, less formal dance training than Charles Krantz had. I’ve always loved dancing, but I’ve never danced like this. I had about five weeks and the brilliant, extraordinary Mandy Moore, our choreographer and her assistant, Stephanie Powell, who was working with me in London, we worked every day, and we did salsa, swing, Charleston, Bossa Nova, polka, samba, and jazz. I mean (we did) every dance under the sun, you name it. We put the thing together. It was so thrilling to do it, but by the time we got to set, I think the first four days of principal photography on the entire picture, we shot the sequence in the mall when Chuck starts dancing to the beat of those drums. It was me and Taylor Gordon on the drums and Annalise Basso. We shot it consistently across the same stretch of time so that the light matched, essentially. So, it was between about 11am and 3pm across four days. We just did it from every angle. Every camera was wide, it was high, it was dancing with us, it was Steadicam, and it was on a crane. But I will say, the very last take we did, because we’d do the whole sequence from start to finish every time, was on the fourth day, the Thursday. We went back to a setup we’d done before. It was almost an homage to the great musicals, which contained the entire thing. It wasn’t close-up; it wasn’t a mid-shot. It was both Annalise and me and the drum kit and Taylor and the crowd. We played it from start to finish. It was a moment I will never forget. It was a kind of magical take, and a lot of the sequence is from that take. Mike knew it. I knew it. Annalise knew it. The crowd knew it. Mandy knew it. It was like a perfect thing. That’s where we stopped.
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What is the plot of ‘The Life of Chuck’?
Charles ‘Chuck’ Krantz (Tom Hiddleston) experiences the wonder of love, the heartbreak of loss, and the multitudes contained in all of us.
Jack Quaid as Josh in ‘Companion’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
The feature debut of writer and director Drew Hancock, ‘Companion’ is a sci-fi satire with a seasoning of horror and a sharp edge of social criticism. Set in a near future that’s not too far removed from our own present day, the story touches on dysfunctional relationships, the nature of consciousness, issues of control, toxic masculinity, and modern-day alienation, all wrapped up in one tightly-written 100-minute package.
Our advice? Skip the latest trailer for the movie, which gives away one major plot twist that, even though it occurs relatively early in the movie, abruptly and wholeheartedly changes the fabric and genre of the film. We’ll try to write around it here, although it may be difficult and you might find some arguable spoilers ahead. But even if you know or guess that reveal, there are still others in the film that keep it suspenseful, invigorating, often funny, and sometimes horrifying. Either way, ‘Companion’ is a clever genre mash-up that keeps solid control of its tone and thematic undercurrents almost all the way to the end.
“There have been two moments in my life when I was happiest. The first was the day I met Josh.” So says Iris (Sophie Thatcher) as ‘Companion’ opens on their meet-cute in a supermarket. Iris is poised, beautiful, a bit timeless; Josh (Jack Quaid) is awkward, yet seemingly warm and funny. Iris also describes the second happiest moment in her life – but we’ll leave that out for now.
Cut to the now happy, loving pair cruising in their self-driving car to an isolated lake house, where they join two other couples: the sarcastic Eli (Harvey Guillén) and gentle Patrick (Lukas Gage), and the more caustic Kat (Megan Suri) and Sergey (Rupert Friend), the latter a rather shady, solicitous Russian who happens to own the house – and treats Kat as just another possession, according to her. Iris, meanwhile, is positive that Kat hates her and even asks her why during a moment alone. “Because you make me feel replaceable,” Kat says, her words more pregnant with meaning than they might seem at first.
After their first night of partying and drinking, the next morning sees one houseguest subjected to an unwanted, overly aggressive advance – which then leads to bloodshed. And that in turn leads to the first big twist of ‘Companion,’ which – as we noted earlier – has already been telegraphed in the film’s trailer and marketing. It establishes a plot conceit that isn’t exactly original – it’s been used in plenty of films and TV shows before – but develops it in a way that slyly says something about relationships and gender dynamics today that is both hilarious and depressingly true.
That first major reveal, however, is not the whole of the story. From that point, ‘Companion’ turns into a combination of crime, farce, and sci-fi thriller as more twists are revealed, including the reason why everyone has assembled at Sergey’s peaceful house in the first place and what some members of the group have been hiding from others. That leads to complication upon complication, as the situation grows even more bizarre and each potential solution to the problem leads to more disastrous consequences. By the time we get to the end – kind of a funnier take on the close of an Alex Garland film – no one and nothing is left undamaged.
‘Companion’ perhaps labors a bit toward that ending, and there are certain plot and motivational holes that come to the surface the more you think about them, but that’s a minor distraction at best. Another minor quibble is that, while Hrishikesh Hirway’s original score – an eerie play on strings and female vocals that echoes ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ – and Hancock’s needle drops are on the money, the latter are deployed perhaps one or two times too often, leading to an aural predictability that feels a little manipulative. Nevertheless, the song cues for the most part evoke a dreamy mix of nostalgia and folk horror that provide a terrific counterpart to the vicious onscreen action.
And make no mistake, it’s vicious, all right, as is the futuristic critique of certain social and gender dynamics that are increasingly present in the real world. “The world is rigged against people like me,” rages one character toward the end, and while they may be right in some ways, their anger and frustration are taken out in the entirely wrong direction. ‘Companion’ has a whole lot going on under the surface about relationships, love, self-identity, and self-worth, and how all those things can be poisoned and perverted by the technological tools made available to us.
The Cast
(L to R) Lukas Gage and Sophie Thatcher as Iris in ‘Companion’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
Sophie Thatcher delivered a striking performance late last year in ‘Heretic,’ and she’s impressed us as well in ‘Yellowjackets’ and others. As Iris, she initially evokes a kind of timeless, throwback beauty and a beguiling sense of a woman fully open to the idea of love and pleasing someone else – until those ideas are all upended by what happens to her. Iris goes on a voyage of self-discovery that’s not always in her control, and Thatcher handles the character’s evolution with subtlety and a growing sense of outrage that portends more for both her and the world of the film. It’s terrific work from this rising young actor.
Jack Quaid is already a genre favorite thanks to his lead roles on ‘The Boys’ and ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks,’ making his mark in both with characters that start out on the back foot and eventually find their way toward something resembling confidence in themselves. His character here, Josh, is revealed here in layers, each one peeling off to expose an increasingly complicated man whose view of the world is ultimately transactional and dark. Drew Hancock’s excellent script gives him and Thatcher a lot to work with, and even the supporting players – especially Harvey Guillén (‘What We Do in the Shadows’), Lukas Gage (‘Smile 2’), and Megan Suri (‘It Lives Inside’) — get their moments to shine.
Hopefully we’ve managed to get through this review without spoiling ‘Companion’ for you, for while it does touch on issues and concepts that aren’t new, it remixes them in a way that is best experienced without knowing much going in. And it lands its themes without hitting the viewer over the head with them, subtly leaving certain questions unanswered while still taking the viewer on a twisty, entertaining, morbidly funny ride.
‘Companion,’ while tackling different ideas, might pair well with ‘It’s What’s Inside,’ the overlooked sci-fi thriller from last year that also threw six friends into a situation where modern technology and social behavior toss all of them into complete emotional and psychological turmoil. There are notions about sex, control, and maturity that crop up in both, and while the latter film was a bit over-stylized in some ways, ‘Companion’ has an uncluttered directorial and writing style that bodes well for Drew Hancock’s future in feature films. ‘Companion’ has a lot on its mind, but skillfully presents Hancock’s argument in a lively genre mash-up that’s thoroughly satisfying.
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What is the plot of ‘Companion’?
Josh (Jack Quaid) and Iris (Sophie Thatcher) join four other friends at a remote lakeside cabin for a weekend of fun and relaxation. But things quickly take a bad turn, leading to shocking revelations about who Josh and Iris really are and what their relationship is based on.
DC Comics’ Blue Beetle. Photo courtesy of DC Comics.
Preview:
DC Studios has a ‘Blue Beetle’ series in the works.
Miguel Puga and Cristian Martinez are developing the show.
The movie’s cast may return.
While it looked like Latino superhero tale ‘Blue Beetle’ might have arrived at exactly the wrong time –– just as the DC movie universe overseen by Zack Snyder was being swept aside for the new regime run by James Gunn and Peter Safran of the rechristened DC Studios –– there was chatter at the time (including from Gunn) that it might not be the last we’d see of Jaime Reyes, the character played on screen by ‘Cobra Kai’s Xolo Maridueña.
And indeed, that appears to be true, since Deadline reports that an animated series based on the Reyes character and his bonded armor is now in the works.
Recent college grad Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab.
When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Blue Beetle.
Originally created by artist Charles Nicholas Wojtkoski and writer Will Eisner for Fox Comics’ ‘Mystery Men’ Comics in 1939, Blue Beetle was introduced as Dan Garret, a vigilante who fought crime using powers gained from chemical compound Vitamin 2-X, though that origin was later retconned to an archeologist with a suit and abilities derived from the alien Khaji Da scarab living weapon. He was succeeded by tech whizz Ted Kord, first appearing in Charlton Comics (which bought Fox and was itself later taken over by DC).
The Jaime Reyes version, a creation of Keith Giffen, John Rogers and Cully Hamner for 2006’s ‘Infinite Crisis Issue 5, spawned a titular title two months later in May of that year. In his story, Reyes discovered the Blue Beetle scarab on the way home from school with two of his best friends Paco and Brenda, half-buried in a disused lot. Reyes took the scarab home, curious as to what it might be. That night, the scarab came alive, and grafted itself to the base of Jaime’s spine, and provided him with a suit of extraterrestrial armor, which can be modified to enhance his speed and strength, as well as to create weapons, wings, and shields.
While there is no confirmed casting yet, Deadline’s story mentions that overtures have been made to the main cast from the movie, and all seem willing –– assuming contracts are signed –– to return. And there is the possibility that a successful run could see a live-action return to the big screen for Maridueña and co.
Who is working on the new ‘Blue Beetle’ show?
Director Ángel Manuel Soto at a ‘Blue Beetle’ Fan Screening in London.
‘Blue Beetle’ movie director Angel Manuel Soto and writer Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer will serve as executive producers.
This new show will build on the movie, but tell its own story, fitting in with Gunn’s vision for DC going forward as opposed to directly continuing what was begun in the screenplay.
‘The Garfield Movie’ is a surprisingly entertaining and funny family animated film that explores the character’s previously unknown family history and origin story. Samuel L. Jackson’s Vic, Garfield’s father, is a strong addition to the franchise’s group of characters and is a great foil for our beloved feline. Director Mark Dindal packs a lot of humor and heart into the film, which is basically a heist movie that also explores family and friendship.
The movie begins by reintroducing us to the lazy but lovable lasagna eating cat, Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt). We are also quickly introduced to his owner Jon Arbuckle (voiced by Nicholas Hoult) and his canine buddy Odie (voiced by Harvey Guillén) and learn how they all first met when Garfield was abandoned by his father, Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson).
Vic soon reappears in Garfield’s life and involves him and Odie in a heist plot to pay back a villainous Persian Cat named Jinx (voiced by Hannah Waddingham), who Vic is indebted to. Along the way, they meet a bull named Otto (voiced by Ving Rhames), who has been separated from his true love, and the father and son attempt to help him while trying to outsmart Jinx and ruin her evil plans. Eventually, Vic and his son are brought closer together by the events, while Garfield and Odie desperately try to return to their happy home with Jon.
Director by Mark Dindal delivers a fun and heartwarming film that not only reveals Garfield’s origin, but also explores the relationship between fathers and sons in a very interesting way. Focusing on Garfield’s personal history was a wise choice, as it has not been previously explored in any other incarnation of the character. The movie is also an entertaining heist film and builds on the exploration of the characters throughout.
While the animation is not anything too groundbreaking, it does work well for the material and has a similar look to the comic strip cartoons where the character originated. The movie is clearly designed for a younger audience as some of the jokes are rather immature, but they still fit the character and there is enough nostalgia, action and emotion for an older audience.
Following in the footsteps of Lorenzo Music (‘Here Comes Garfield’) and Bill Murray (‘Garfield’), Chris Pratt channels his ‘Parks and Recreation’ character to deliver a lazy, sarcastic performance worthy of the cartoon cat. Pratt’s humor is also on display, and he has great chemistry with Samuel L. Jackson. In fact, the exploration of Garfield and Vic’s estranged relationship is at the heart of the movie, and Pratt delivers the emotion when needed.
Of the supporting voice cast, Samuel L. Jackson is the standout as Garfield’s estranged father, Vic. Jackson’s famous cool voice lends itself perfectly to the character, and he works well with Pratt’s laidback performance. Also, a standout is Hannah Waddingham as the voice of Jinx, and the actresses own offscreen persona plays well into the over-the-top villainous feline character. Ving Rhames is also a great addition to the voice cast as his unique deep voice lends itself to Otto the bull quite well.
Nicholas Hoult and Harvey Guillén are fine as Jon and Odie, respectively, but are at times shortchanged by the script, particularly Hoult. Also worth mentioning is a cameo by the very recognizable voice of Snoop Dogg, who plays a one-eyed cat.
While nostalgia for the beloved cartoon cat carries the film far, it’s his origin story, the heist plot, and exploring the relationship between fathers and sons that makes the new movie worth watching. The movie’s humor is mostly skewed towards kids, and some juvenile jokes may not land with an older audience, but adults will be able to latch on to some of the larger ideas in the movie and should find it enjoyable anyways. Chris Pratt carries the mantel of Garfield well, and Samuel L. Jackson’s Vic is a great addition to the overall franchise.
‘The Garfield Movie’ receives 7 out or 10 stars.
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What is the Plot of ‘The Garfield Movie’?
Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie (voiced by Harvey Guillén) are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Pratt about his work on ‘The Garfield Movie’, what fans can expect from the film, his approach to voicing the iconic cat, and telling Garfield’s origin story.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch the interview.
Moviefone: To begin with, what would you say to audience members sitting down in a theater to prepare them for the theatrical experience they are about to have?
Chris Pratt: Oh, they’re already in the theater? I’d say turn your phones off, get your popcorn, sit back and relax. You thought you knew Garfield? You didn’t know nothing yet. That’s what I would say, something like that. But to those who are thinking of going to the movies, I would say get your tickets now, because they’re going to sell out. May 24th don’t miss it!
MF: You are following in the footsteps of Lorenzo Music and Bill Murray, who have both voiced this role. What does it mean to you personally to get a chance to put your own spin on an iconic character like Garfield?
CP: Man, I’m grateful. This is an entire collaborative effort by a great production team and a wonderful director who had been working on this for years before I jumped on board. So really, I was just honored and blessed that they thought the voice of the guy from ‘Parks and Rec’ was the voice of this cat. That’s what they told me. He said, “I’ve been working on this for years. I keep hearing your voice coming out of this cat in my head. That’s what I want. You’ve got a natural, lazy, sarcastic tone to your voice. I want that voice.” I was like, “Well, that’s cool. Because I know the guy who has that voice, and he could do it for you. I’ve been working on this voice for my whole life, apparently.” So, it was nice. In a way it kind of took the pressure off because I knew what they wanted, and only I could give it to them. It was just something organic and natural, my own breath, my own voice, my own spirit for this character. I feel blessed.
MF: Can you talk about your approach to the character? Did you relate to him right away?
CP: Yeah, early on. There are elements in my life that make me feel like Garfield now. I’m very pampered. I’m a Hollywood guy. There was a certain affectation in the voice which was kind of closer to what a person sounds like when they’re about to yawn, and I just thought that was kind of something to work in. That’s where I was feeling like a lot of times the voice would come from, and just trusting the director and knowing that we had a great script. Once the action took over, it was about a character that was on an adventure. So, it’s like the sleepiness and the laziness that really works for the character who’s being pampered and who’s living a lazy life. But when you’re on the run and you’re in a heist movie, you must shift gears and become a character on an action adventure. Because suddenly, this cat that’s typically sarcastic and a little bit of a biting, comedic laziness, can’t be sarcastic and lazy, he must be on the road. Once you get clipping along, that’s what the movie becomes.
MF: Finally, we got to see Garfield’s origin story in this movie, and meet his father, Vic. Can you talk a little bit about that and Garfield’s relationship with Vic?
CP: It’s a great relationship. Samuel L. Jackson voices Vic beautifully. Vic is this streetwise, scruffy, outdoor cat, and he’s kind of on the run. Garfield is your world-famous lasagna-loving, Monday-hating, sarcastic, indoor-pampered pet. Vic takes him on this epic outdoor adventure along with Odie, and they basically are enlisted in this really high-stakes and super-funny heist scenario. So that’s the movie. That’s the relationship. The relationship is one of a father who his son believed abandoned him in an alley one day, and you see that from the trailer. You see that in the opening scene of the movie that he’s got an issue with this guy Vic who claims to be his dad, because his dad left him in an alley. So, healing that relationship and seeing the father try to teach this cat some valuable tricks of the trade, some hard knocks lessons on how to be an outdoor cat, is some of the fun in the movie.
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What is the Plot of ‘The Garfield Movie’?
Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie (voiced by Harvey Guillén) are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.
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.
The latest movie from the DC cinematic universe showcases Jaime Reyes as he gains incredible superhero powers from an ancient alien tech known as The Scarab.
Blue Beetle was first introduced in comic books in 1939 and has since made appearances in animated shows such as ‘Young Justice’, and live-action TV series such as ‘Smallville’. The film marks the Latino superhero’s first entry into the DCU, where it focuses on the origin of his power and the introduction of Kord Industries.
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Aside from great action sequences, the film also highlights Jaime’s family. Their close-knit relationship shows that not all superheroes need to go it alone. The Reyes family was always a part of the character’s story, and showcasing this in the movie adds an extra layer of emotion and heart.
“Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero Blue Beetle.”
Originally, the movie was not intended for a theatrical release. ‘Blue Beetle’ was set to hit streaming service Max (formerly HBO Max), but during development, the studio decided to give the film a theatrical run. Filmed for IMAX, audiences are able to be immersed in the story and action scenes of Blue Beetle.
As the newest superhero in the DCU line-up since James Gunn and Peter Safran took over as co-CEO, fans wonder if Blue Beetle will return in future projects. James Gunn took to his Instagram account with a photo from the screening to confirm that Jaime Reyes will remain in the DCU, “I can’t wait for audiences to meet Jaime Reyes, who will be an amazing part of the DCU going forward!”
Currently, there’s no word on whether a ‘Blue Beetle’ sequel is in development. However, this doesn’t mean Maridueña won’t show up in upcoming DC projects. Gunn has also confirmed that John Cena and Viola Davis will continue to have a presence in the DCU as their characters, Peacemaker and Amanda Waller.
‘Blue Beetle’ was released domestically on August 18, 2023. Currently, the movie is still playing in theaters, and if you want a chance to experience it on the big screen, AMC Theaters has the movie available for $5 as a part of its Fave Faves deal. ‘Blue Beetle’ has a total runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes
Watch the official trailers for ‘Blue Beetler’ below:
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The movie was released on digital on September 26 and is available for purchase for $24.99 or rent for $19.99 on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube, and Google Play. The movie has yet to arrive on streaming, but once it meets its 90 to 120-day window, it should arrive on Max.
Fans can look forward to 4K UHD, Blu-Ray, and DVD release on October 31, 2023. There will be a steelbook edition as a Best Buy exclusive. Bonus features for the physical release include:
Generations: Blue Beetle” – 4-part documentary
Told in distinct chapters, explore the journeys of actors and filmmakers bringing “Blue Beetle” to the big screen for the first time ever. Audiences will be immersed in the POV of filmmakers who showcase their experiences on set and in their creative studios making the story of this DC character a reality.
Nana Knows Best – featurette
Witness Nana’s transformation from an adorable ‘abuelita’ into a machine gun-wielding revolutionary, and stop in for a few of her most fun moments on set throughout production.
Scarab Vision – 2-part featurette
Xolo Maridueña hosts this series of scene study walk throughs that showcases how the scarab works and the role it plays in some of Blue Beetle’s most epic moments.
(L to R) Reggie (Will Ferrell), Maggie (Isla Fisher), Hunter (Randall Park) and Bug (Jamie Foxx) in ‘Strays,’ directed by Josh Greenbaum.
In theaters now, ‘Strays’ represents an attempt to bring the sort of bawdy comedy found in the likes of ‘The Hangover’ to an animal quest film more along the lines of family classics such as ‘The Incredible Journey’ and ‘Homeward Bound’. The result is hit-and-miss, but when it works, it’s bark-out-loud funny.
(L to R) Bug (Jamie Foxx) and Reggie (Will Ferrell) in ‘Strays,’ directed by Josh Greenbaum.
When Reggie (Will Ferrell), a naïve, relentlessly optimistic Border Terrier, is abandoned on the mean city streets by his lowlife owner, Doug (Will Forte), Reggie is certain that his beloved owner would never leave him on purpose.
But once Reggie falls in with a fast-talking, foul-mouthed Boston Terrier named Bug (Jamie Foxx), a stray who loves his freedom and believes that owners are for suckers, Reggie finally realizes he was in a toxic relationship and begins to see Doug for the heartless sleazeball that he is.
Determined to seek revenge, Reggie, Bug and Bug’s pals — Maggie (Isla Fisher), a smart Australian Shepherd who has been sidelined by her owner’s new puppy, and Hunter (Randall Park), an anxious Great Dane who’s stressed out by his work as an emotional support animal — together hatch a plan and embark on an epic adventure to help Reggie find his way home… And make Doug pay by biting off the appendage he loves the most (it’s not his foot).
Directed by Josh Greenbaum, who brought us 2021’s sublimely silly ‘Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar’, ‘Strays’ is written by Dan Perrault, best known for ‘American Vandal’ and ‘Players’ on TV.
If you ever wanted to see ‘Saturday Night Live’ veteran Will Forte –– more normally associated with amiable weirdoes –– playing one of the worst dog owners to appear on screens, then this is the movie you’ve been waiting for. Yet Forte’s Doug, a weed-smoking, porn-obsessed loser who begrudgingly goes along with the idea when his girlfriend adopts adorable terrier Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell), is not the star of this movie, Reggie is.
Along, that is, with the new friends he makes when Doug abandons him. Foxx’s Bug is a streetwise pup with an ego bigger than his frame, but who makes for a good mentor to Reggie, who has only ever known life with humans.
(L to R) Bug (Jamie Foxx) and Reggie (Will Ferrell) in ‘Strays,’ directed by Josh Greenbaum.
The pooch pals –– also including Randall Park’s Hunter, a former police dog trainee who now works as a therapy dog at a hospice (and keeps a cone of shame on permanently for his own insecurity issues) and Isla Fisher’s Maggie, blessed with an amazing nose and a crush on Hunter –– are the highlight of the movie, a compelling blend of well-trained real animals with CG mouth manipulation.
While they don’t all enjoy the same character development as Reggie or Bug, they’re an appealing, funny foursome and their adventures offer a lot of entertainment. With experienced performers bringing character as well as laughs to the roles, this features such memorable moments as the leads encountering Labrador Gus (voiced by Josh Gad), a hilarious take on the noble narrator dog we’ve met in movies including ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ and ‘Racing in the Rain’, and who is harboring a very dark secret.
Plus, all of Reggie’s interactions with Doug are good for a laugh, even as dog owners (and anyone who just loves animals in general) will loathe his living guts.
It moves along at a swift pace, never outstays its welcome and makes you care about our furry foursome in ways you don’t expect at the start. Oh, and we’re fairly certain that this is the only movie you’ll see this year that features Sofia Vergara as the voice of Delilah, a couch that Bug enjoys having sex with.
(L to R) Bug (Jamie Foxx) and Reggie (Will Ferrell) in ‘Strays,’ directed by Josh Greenbaum.
Not everything about the movie works; it does indulge in some first-base dog and other humor. We’ve seen a hundred variations on the age-old dog vs. mailman scenario and one small tweak aside (one plays into how Reggie makes it home), the movie doesn’t really find a fresh take.
There are also scenes such as the canines discovering a patch of mushrooms in a forest and gobbling them down, only to go on a wild drug trip. A few moments work well (reality shifting to show Hunter as a sock puppet with human hands), but otherwise it’s the sort of gag that has been done many, many times. Ditto overly macho police dog Rolf (Rob Riggle), whose best use is Maggie calling him “Adolf” to his bemused reaction.
And there are times when the reveling in poop, pee and eating disgusting things jokes stretches a little too thin, but if you were already on board with the movie, you know what you’re in for.
Yet there are so many inventive uses of the dogs’ worldview (fireworks at a county fair serve as the setting for a war movie spoof for our spooked hounds who look to escape) that the balance of great jokes to clunkers is heavily on the positive side.
It was about time that the dog movie got the full-on spoof comedy treatment, and ‘Strays’ works to bring the heart and well as the gross-out gags.
‘Strays’ receives 8 out of 10 stars.
A scene from ‘Strays,’ directed by Josh Greenbaum.
