Carlos Morales
Some Tencent, new “Boondocks”, and a lot of Tartakovsky are coming to Sony Pictures Animation
Still running hot off the heels from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Sony Pictures Animation was excited to announce at this years Annecy International Animation Film Festival some of their effort to bring more alternative animation, adult narratives, and diverse content by partnering with China’s Tenccent productions house.
“Making big, bold movies, where the hand of the artist, the hand of the filmmaker, is strongly felt,.” Not having a house style was a bonus: “We intend to continue down the path that we’re on – bringing all audiences stories from around the world, stories no one else is telling – and do so in a way that pushes the boundaries of animated storytelling,” said Kristine Belson president of Sony Pictures Animation.
Belson revealed a host of new projects that they are currently working on or soon will be for people of all ages and from all places around the world. From a re-imagining of Aaron McGruder “Boondock” to new series like “Superbago” and “Hungry Ghosts” plus two feature films from Genndy Tartakovsky “Black Knight” and “Fixed”. But first and foremost Jackie Chan’s family film “Wish Dragon”.
Teaming with Jackie Chan’s Beijing Sparkle Roll Media, Base Media, and helping to produce Tencent. “Wish Dragon” will be directed by Chris Appelhans and produce by Aaron Warner, the film is about a boy named Din and an invisible dragon (for everybody else) who is able to make wishes come true. What Din wants, more than anything else, is to be reunited with his childhood friend Li Na, who was taken away from their humble Shanghai hood by her nouveau rich father, and now models luxury goods like Rolex watches with her image spread-eagled over billboards in Shanghai.
“Hard work, honesty, family and friendship,” said Warner about “Wish Dragon” and who is helming Sony Pictures Animations international initiative to bring unique and wonderful stories from all walk of life to a diverse global audience. Sony Pictures Animation is currently collaborating with talent from China, South Africa, Korea, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Spain, India, France, Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil.
Other exciting ventures include The Boondocks which will see series creator Aaron McGruder returns to helm “a re-imagining of the beloved and wildly rebellious animated satire for this modern era, and chronicles the adventures of the Freeman family against the evil local government tyrant Uncle Ruckus, who rules fictional Woodcrest County, Maryland with an iron fist.”
Hungry Ghosts is based on the Dark Horse Graphic Novel of the same name by Anthony Bourdain and Joel Rose, this anthology series will showcase “frightening, hilarious, twisted, and culinary-inspired ghost stories.”
Superbago comes from Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, superheroes are getting a claymation makeover in this half-hour comedy about “two dimwitted animated heroes traveling in a very real Winnebago around the actual U. S. of America, hoping to become real superheroes.”
Black Knight is Genndy Tartakovsky way of coming back to martial arts territory with this feature film that won’t be explicitly geared towards kids. Tartakovsky made an appearance at Annecy to discuss his new project, saying, “If you take any action movie you’ve ever loved and you add ninjas,” you get Black Night. The film will follow a highly skilled and loyal knight who, after failing to protect his king, must transform himself into the Black Knight to save the kingdom.
Fixed is a story following an average dog, who is in love with the show dog next door and suddenly learns he is going to get neutered the next morning. What does a dog do with his last night out with his besties? More than likely it will have him enjoying his final days attached to his balls. Tartakovsky said, “It’s really funny and heartwarming, it’s not all about balls, we’re trying to make it a character comedy.”
Sony Pictures Animation next steps are to the world at large with an inclusive agenda that is sure to keep fans thoroughly entertained.