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For over 30 years, Quentin Tarantino has been regarded as one of the greatest living cinematic storytellers. He has been incredibly outspoken when it comes to drawing attention and gaining support for other films that aren't even his own. Whenever he puts out a recommendation or one of his famous lists of top films from certain eras, it's usually safe to assume that he knows what he's talking about. In what used to be his yearly tradition of putting out his list of favorite films of the year, he would usually go out of his way to name certain films that most American movie-goers may not have been aware of. 2010 was a year packed with great and legendary films, but many...

The Disney live-action remake machine chugs along mercilessly, with 2010’s “Tangled” the next animated classic to get reimagined. Michael Gracey, who made “The Greatest Showman” and this year’s Oscar hopeful “Better Man,” is in negotiations to direct the project. He will work from a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, of “Do Revenge” fame. Producers include Kristin Burr and Lucy Kitada for Burr! Productions.

The original “Tangled” was released back in 2010 and was directed by Byron Howard and Nathan Greno, based on the classic Grimm brothers fairy tale. That film saw Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) team up with a charming thief (Zachary Levi) in order to escape captivity from Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy). The songs were by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater and they are still some of the most beloved songs from a Disney animated feature.

Since opening in 2010, “Tangled” inspired a theatrical short (2012’s “Tangled Ever After”), a long-running...

Disney's live-action remake train continues to move forward with another animated favorite climbing on board. This time, the animated film that will be remade is Tangled, the Rapunzel-inspired film released by Disney back in 2010.

Per Deadline, it's been revealed that a live-action remake of Tangled is moving forward at the House of Mouse. Filmmaker Michael Gracey, whose Robbie Williams biopic Better Man is set to bow in theaters on Dec. 25, is reportedly in talks to direct the remake. Jennifer Kayton Robinson, who previously worked on the script for the MCU film Thor: Love and Thunder as well as the upcoming I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel, wrote the latest draft of the script. Kristin Burr and Lucy Kitada for Burr! Productions will produce.

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Exclusive: Ahead of the Christmas Day release of his experimental Robbie Williams biopic Better Man, Michael Gracey has entered negotiations to direct a live-action Tangled film for Disney, Deadline can reveal.

A modern retelling of the classic Rapunzel fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, Tangled is being described as a revival of Disney’s Oscar-nominated 2010 animated feature of the same name, which was the 50th put out by the studio. Plot details are under wraps but the film is expected to follow along the lines of the animated version.

Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the multi-hyphenate behind titles like Do Revenge, Thor: Love and Thunder and Sony’s upcoming reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer, penned the most recent draft of the script. Kristin Burr and Lucy Kitada will produce for Burr! Productions. No word yet on casting.

Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, the original Tangled starred Mandy Moore as Rapunzel,...

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

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

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

Animated movies have always held a special place in people's hearts. These movies are able to use their medium to showcase human emotions with more expression and color. All animated movies have a certain flair to them, but sometimes, the ones that stick with audiences the most are the ones where selfless characters are highlighted.

Selfless characters have a way of standing out. These characters are often the ones that audiences root for, especially when they are so selfless that they end up sacrificing themselves for another. From the characters that meet their end for the ones they love to the ones that take that step but fortunately make it out alive, these characters make their mark. These types of selfless characters exist outside the animated sphere, but animated films oftentimes have the effect of evoking tears due to the emotional weight of the characters.

Flynn Rider Cut Off His...

Shrek co-director Vicky Jenson is behind the camera for animated musical Spellbound, and here’s the trailer.

It’s a good time to be a fan of big budget musicals, with the film adaptation of Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwarz’s Wicked, directed by John M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Arivo, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh, tipped to be one of the biggest films of 2024 when it arrives in cinemas in December. Disney’s Moana 2, which was repurposed from footage shot for a proposed television series for Disney +, sees Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho return as Moana and Maui. It will be released in November.

Before that, we can enjoy Spellbound, an animated musical produced by Skydance and Netflix.

The synopsis reads as follows:

Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the tenacious young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria who must go on a daring quest...

In a year brimming with news about Disney sequels and live-action remakes, it seems only fitting that Zachary Levi the actor who became a household name after voicing the charming rogue, Flynn Rider, in the 2010 animated classic Tangled has chimed in on the possibility of a live-action adaptation. Levi, who delivered an endearing performance as Flynn, also revealed who he thinks would be the ideal candidate to step into his iconic characters shoes.

During the premiere of his new film, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Levi spoke to Entertainment Tonight and mused about the role of Flynn Rider. The actor, who has become synonymous with Flynns charm and acknowledged the fact that he might be a tad too mature to reprise the role and playfully suggested that Timothe Chalamet would be an excellent choice.

"I mean, he's already getting every other job but probably Timothee Chalamet? Unfortunately I feel like...

With so many animated Disney movies getting the live-action remake treatment, it could just be a matter of time before Tangled gets reimagined. Cast member Zachary Levi has commented on who might be best to portray his role in such a remake.

Levi discussed the possibility in a new interview with Entertainment Tonight to promote his upcoming movie, Harold and the Purple Crayon. While he's a bit too old himself to play a live-action version of his character, Flynn Rider, Levi suggested that Dune and Wonka star Timothee Chalamet for the job. Levi clarified that he's not exactly familiar with every younger actor who might be a good pick for Flynn, but Chalamet seems like a good pick, given how the young actor has been landing so many other major roles lately.

Related Disney's Darkest Cartoon Has a Secret Connection to One of Its Greatest Animated Films

Gargoyles isn't a traditional Disney cartoon,...

When Skydance Media and Paramount Global executives outlined their plans for the merged company to investors on July 8, they showed a series of slides. One of them highlighted Skydance’s story and was entitled “Animation, Sports and Games Divisions Drive Growth.”

In fact, those are three key areas that management also sees as core upside opportunities for the combined company. After all, Skydance Games will add a key entertainment growth area to the Paramount story, while the merged firm’s scale in animation and sports will be boosted.

Of course, there are the plans for $2 billion in cost savings, the potential to benefit from a reworked streaming strategy (with the expectation of a partnership for Paramount+), and the increased focus on being a creator-friendly entertainment juggernaut.

But below, The Hollywood Reporter is taking a closer look at the three businesses of gaming, animation and sports and why they are particularly...

Netflix Animation held its first slate preview event June 6 at the Tudum in L.A., as a lead-up to the Annecy Animation Festival (June 9-15), where it will premiere Shannon Tindle’s “Ultraman: Rising” (streaming June 14) and tout some of its upcoming works in 2024 and 2025.

Hosted by Christopher Sean (the voice star of “Ultraman: Rising”), attendees were treated to exclusive presentations, previews, and special announcements. The biggest announcement was the full title of Aardman’s next stop-motion feature, “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” which will have an Oscar-qualifying run this winter before streaming in 2025.

Directed by franchise creator Nick Park and creative director Merlin Crossingham, who offered a pre-recorded introduction, “Vengeance Most Fowl” marks the return of the villainous penguin, Feathers McGraw, from the Oscar-winning short “The Wrong Trousers.” The film is a cautionary tale of high-tech gone wrong involving an out-of-control “smart gnome” with a mind of its own.

Skydance Animation is getting into business with Oscar-winning filmmaker Don Hall.

Hall, known for such Disney movies as Big Hero 6 and the original Moana, has closed a deal with the company. The pact will see him create, develop and produce an original animated feature for Skydance, although project details are not currently available.

The filmmaker launched his career with Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he worked on such features as Tarzan (1999), The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) and Chicken Little (2005). Later, he was credited as head of story on Meet the Robinsons (2007) and The Princess and the Frog (2009) before directing the animated musical movie Winnie the Pooh (2011).

Hall directed the 2014 Disney film Big Hero 6, in addition to serving as executive producer for its Disney+ spinoff series Baymax! He earned an Oscar alongside fellow director Chris Williams and producer Roy Conli when the title prevailed for best animated feature at the 2015 Academy Awards ceremony.

It’s been virtually 100 years to the day since Walt Disney’s animated mouse took the wheel of a steamship and steered himself into immortality. But for anyone who grew up watching Disney movies that might seem surprisingly recent. Since near its very inception, Walt Disney Animation Studios has evoked a timeless sensibility which seems eternal and everlasting. With likely your parents and grandparents growing up on Disney movies, the studio’s brand of hand-drawn magic has always been there in the background of living memory. But every magic has its dark side… and the shadows cast by the House of Mouse have always been faintly more sinister than parents remember until they put a little one in front of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or Fantasia. You show a child Chernabog for the first time, and I’ll show you a week of nightmares.

Going back to the days of Walt,...

David Ellison’s fledgling Skydance Animation — run by head of animation John Lasseter and president Holly Edwards — has moved its movie slate from Apple Studios to Netflix. The multi-year streaming deal commences with next year’s musical fantasy “Spellbound,” directed by Vicky Jenson (“Shrek” and “Shark Tale”), featuring the voice talent of Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, and Javier Bardem, and boasting a score from Alan Menkin and original songs with lyricist Glen Slater. It’s about a princess who tries to reverse a spell that transformed her parents into monsters.

Set for release in 2025 is “Pookoo,” a buddy comedy about two enemies — a woodland creature and a majestic bird — that magically trade places. It’s helmed by former Disney director Nathan Greno (“Tangled”), with original music composed by Siddhartha Khosla.

Also in the works are two prestigious features that are a result of Lasseter’s strong relationships with directors Brad Bird...

’Spellbound’, Pookoo’ first titles in upcoming slate.

Skydance Animation has signed a multi-year exclusive agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animated films to be released directly on Netflix.

The deal kicks off with Spellbound (pictured) in 2024 followed by Pookoo a year later and expands on the prior relationship between the streamer and Skydance Media.

Wednesday’s announcement comes as Skydance Animation’s multi-year deal with Apple ends as the latter shifts its focus to other types of film. Spellbound had been set to debut on Apple TV+ but will now launch on Netflix.

Skydance Media and Apple continue to...

In a shocking move, Skydance Animation has inked a multiyear agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animation features that will be released directly on Netflix. According to the release, the deal also brings Skydance’s full existing animated feature slate exclusively to Netflix.

The move comes only two years after a wide-ranging partnership between Skydance Animation and Apple TV+ was announced, following Apple’s acquisition of Skydance Animation’s “Luck.” That deal was meant to include both television and features. (The Netflix release doesn’t mention television series.)

“Spellbound,” a high-concept musical fantasy from director Vicky Jenson, will be the first film released under the pact, in 2024. The movie features a score by composer Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater and an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane and Tituss Burgess. The movie was previewed at this...

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

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

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

Skydance Animation has signed a multiyear pact with Netflix to develop and produce animated movies for the streamer. First up for release under the deal is Spellbound, a title that was previously set up at Apple, where Skydance Animation signed a pact in 2021. Now, the animation arm of the David Ellison-run studio has found a new streaming home at a time when Netflix is restructuring its animation efforts.

Apple and the John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation have parted ways, with the latter bringing its full existing animation slate to Netflix. In addition to Spellbound, which voice stars Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem and features music from Alan Menkin, Netflix will release the once Apple-bound Pookoo from Tangled director Nathan Greno. Spellbound is due out in 2024, with Pookoo hitting the service a year later.

The Skydance and Netflix slate also includes Ray Gunn, directed by Pixar alum Brad Bird,...

The rumor mill is churning, and out from it comes a new report that Oppenheimer's Florence Pugh might star in Disney's live-action Tangled movie.

Released in movie theaters in 2010, Tangled is Disney's take on the classic fairy tale about Rapunzel, a long-haired princess with magical hair who dreams of leaving the secluded tower where she's grown up, having been sheltered from the outside world. According to movie scooper Daniel Richtman (per Geek Vibes Nation), a live-action remake is moving forward at Disney with Florence Pugh wanted to take on the role of Rapunzel. The claim hasn't been verified by Disney, but it's already it's making waves on social media with the rumor rapidly spreading online.

Related: 15 Longest Disney Movies, Ranked

Disney reportedly wants Florence Pugh to play Rapunzel in their live-action #Tangled movie (@RPK_NEWS1) pic.twitter.com/jmMwjLPvgt — Geek Vibes Nation (@GeekVibesNation) August 11, 2023

There hasn't been any other information...

With the launch of its flagship character, Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie, Disney established itself as a pioneer in the animation industry. It was, in fact, animation that bestowed the Walt Disney Company the beginnings of their nearly-effortless achieved fame and overall prominence as an all-encompassing entertainment company, as the animation team was responsible for creating the studio’s most recognizable animation eras and classics. It led the charge in evolving traditional animation, as the medium underwent periods of evolution that encouraged animators to elevate their craft. In 2010, they released their 50th animated film, Tangled.

Update August 11, 2023: This article has been updated by Mona Bassil with additional information, including rumors of a Tangled live-action remake.

The 3D computer-animated musical fantasy and comedy feature adapted the story of Rapunzel, a German fairy tale originally published by the Brothers Grimm that featured the titular princess locked in a tower for most of her life,...

This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.

Jason Henkel came to Los Angeles in 1993 to pursue an acting career, before he pivoted to working in animation production. But his experiences as a performer helped show him the kind of casting director he didn’t want to be. “I didn’t want to go into a field where I secretly felt, ‘I could do this better,’” he says. “And from the moment I became involved with voiceover, watching these amazing actors who were so great at manipulating their voices, I knew I could never do what they do.”

Henkel began his career as the assistant to the SVP of Music of DisneyToon before moving to casting in 2008, where he worked on the animated “Tinker Bell” movie with John Lasseter,...

Click here to read the full article.

Nearly five months after launching Top Gun: Maverick in theaters, where it would jet off to become the top grossing film globally so far this year with 1.4 billion, producer David Ellison has landed a new investor to broaden his firm’s entertainment ambitions.

The mogul’s Skydance Media said Thursday it secured 400 million in funding led by investment firm Kkr and existing backers, including the Ellison family, private equity firm RedBird Capital and China-based entertainment conglomerate Tencent. Stakeholders in the deal now value the company at 4 billion-plus, up from 2.3 billion less than three years ago when RedBird and South Korean media giant Cj Enm took a minority stake in the company. The Ellison family will still hold a majority share and control of Skydance.

David Ellison, the son of billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and sibling of Annapurna Pictures founder Megan Ellison, launched...

“Blush,” the debut short from Skydance Animation and Apple Original Films, is a semi-autobiographical work about love, loss, and healing from former Disney story artist Joe Mateo (who was behind the Emmy-winning “Prep & Landing”). A horticulturist-astronaut crash lands on a desolate dwarf planet and struggles to survive, only to be saved with the arrival of a bright, outgoing creature, who makes the planet bloom with succulent plants. All goes beautifully until tragedy strikes.

“I lost my wife, Mary Ann, four and a half years ago from breast cancer, and I struggled to go back to work,” Mateo said. “But that same night when I lost her, I couldn’t breathe. I had to call a doctor friend of ours about this panic attack, which I’d never experienced before. And I’m fortunate that I had my kids around me.”

That panic attack and his inability to breathe got Mateo...

Skydance Media has named Luis Fernández, a 20-year veteran of Walt Disney, as the studio’s first head of consumer products to lead its retail, merchandise and licensee partnerships.

Fernández will be responsible for driving the creative strategy, design and franchise development for the upcoming slate of live-action feature films and television and the growing portfolio for Skydance Animation. He joins the company on the heels of an expansive multi-year partnership with Apple which includes distribution of the studio’s first features Luck and Spellbound as well as two seasons of the animated series The Search for WondLa.

“Luis has both a keen design and business sense and has been instrumental in building some of the most iconic franchises ever, and we’re thrilled to have him join the Skydance team at this pivotal time,” said Jesse Sisgold, COO, of Skydance Media and Holly Edwards, President, Skydance Animation. “He will...

Shane Prigmore, the animation veteran who has worked for Laika, DreamWorks Animation, Warner Bros and most recently at Walt Disney Television Animation, has been hired as SVP Development at Skydance Animation. He will be tasked with overseeing the creative development of all films and TV series on the studio’s production slate.

That slate includes the upcoming feature filsm Luck, directed by Peggy Holmes, and Spellbound, directed by Vicky Jenson, both due in 2022; and Pookoo, written and directed by Nathan Greno. The studio run by John Lasseter and Holly Edwards has been ramping up hiring and recently expanded to form Skydance Animation Madrid.

“We are thrilled to have Shane join our team at this pivotal time as we continue to increase our film and series production,” said Edwards, Skydance Animation’s president. “He is well-respected in the animation industry and we are confident his creative instincts and wealth of experience...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skydance Media has acquired Madriad-based Ilion Studios’ animation unit. Under its new home, it will be renamed Skydance Animation Madrid.

Skydance head John Lasseter will now have full control of all aspects of the company’s production, which was already working with Skydance prior to the acquisition.

Lasseter runs Skydance with Holly Edwards. Skydance Animation has grown to expand its production slate and include a roster of talent including “Shrek” director Vicky Jenson, Peggy Holmes, Nathan Greno, Kiel Murray, Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton.

Also Read: 'The Office' Executive Producers Ben Silverman and Paul Lieberstein to Develop Remote Workplace Comedy

“The world is going through an unprecedented and uncertain time. Today’s acquisition marks the culmination of many months of work to build one studio across two continents, with the goal of creating the highest-quality animation, led by best-in-class talent from around the world,” said David Ellison, chief executive officer of Skydance Media.

David Ellison’s Skydance Media has acquired animation outfit Ilion Studios, formalizing its tie-up with the Spanish company beyond the initial partnership that was instigated back in 2017.

The newly-launched Skydance Animation Madrid will act as a counterpart to Skydance’s animation division in the U.S., with the combined companies having a workforce of close to 500 across the two continents. Former Pixar exec John Lasseter and industry veteran Holly Edwards will head up the combined entity.

More from DeadlineSkydance Media Acquires Animation Unit Of Madrid-Based Ilion StudiosSkydance Boss David Ellison Reassures Employees During Coronavirus Crisis: "We Are In This Together"'Top Gun: Maverick' Will Take Off Two Days Earlier This Summer

Skydance Animation was launched back in 2017, partnering with Spanish production co Ilion on a debut slate of film and TV.

Projects on the horizon include Luck, from The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning director Peggy Holmes, Cars...

Skydance Media Monday announced it’s acquired the animation unit of Madrid-based Ilion Studios, to form Skydance Animation Madrid.

The financial terms of weren’t revealed. Skydance, founded by David Ellison in 2010, said the deak “combines the creative capital of Skydance with Ilion’s best-in-class talent” and gives Skydance Animation – led by John Lasseter and Holly Edwards – full oversight of production.

More from DeadlineSkydance Acquires Spain's Ilion Studios To Form Combined U.S.-Europe Animation OutfitSkydance Boss David Ellison Reassures Employees During Coronavirus Crisis: "We Are In This Together"'Terminator: Dark Fate' Eyes $125M Global Weekend, But Will Franchise "Be Back" Stateside?

The combined entity will have 500 employees across two continents and “the expanded creative capability, scale and leverage to deliver on its goal of becoming an industry-leading producer of high-end animated films and television series for audiences around the world,” said CEO Ellison.

“The world is going...

Disney’s 2010 hit movie “Tangled” is a fun, updated take on the Brothers Grimm’s version of the fairy tale “Rapunzel,” but… did it also totally predict the coronavirus?

No, not really, but that’s the humorous conclusion fans came to after what we assume are marathon re-watch sessions thanks to all that free time caused by the coronavirus quarantine.

It’s not as ridiculous as it sounds though, thanks to some rather amusing coincidences. See, in the film Rapunzel was kidnapped as a baby by the witch Mother Gothel, and then hidden away from the world in an isolated tower. Told that the world is a dangerous place filled with things that can kill her, Rapunzel is forbidden to interact with anyone new for decades. Or, as it’s now known, social distancing.

Also Read: 14 Times 'The Simpsons' Predicted the Future (Photos)

But that’s not all. It turns out that for centuries,...

Disney isn't going to stop with the live-action remakes and reimaginings until the money stops rolling in. With that in mind, it shouldn't come as a huge surprise to learn that the studio is developing a live-action Rapunzel movie. While not billed as a remake, per se, it's easy to imagine the studio might look to Tangled for inspiration in bringing this tale to the big screen again.

According to a new report, Ashleigh Powell (The Nutcracker and the Four Realms) has been hired to pen the screenplay for Rapunzel. No director is attached yet, but it's said that a search is currently underway. No specific names have been revealed at this time. It's also important to note that this is reportedly being developed as a theatrical release, not for Disney+. The streaming service played host to the Lady and the Tramp live-action remake when it launched last year, so...

Disney’s next live-action project could reportedly revolve around the iconic story of Jack and the Bean Stalk. According to sources close to Wgtc – the same ones who said an Aladdin sequel was happening, and that Ewan McGregor was returning as Obi-Wan in a Disney Plus show – the studio’s in early development and would like Ridley Scott to helm it if it moves forward. Whether it’d be released theatrically or through the company’s popular new streaming service remains to be seen, though.

Of course, live-action remakes are currently all the rage at Disney these days. Following the massive successes of the latest reboots from the studio, it makes sense that they’ll want to continue down this path until the well dries up. Then again, the last attempt to bring this particular folktale to the big screen fizzled out, so it’s unclear if this one will actually get off the ground.

Exclusive: Three town halls were held yesterday at Skydance Media regarding the studio’s hiring of former Walt Disney Animation/Pixar boss John Lasseter, and we understand from sources that CEO David Ellison made it clear to staff that if there’s any missteps with the former executive, who was accused of sexual harassment, he’s out.

We hear that Ellison spoke candidly and emotionally about his deep concern for the employees and the future of the company, and underscored Skydance’s zero tolerance policy for harassment.

Out of the three town halls – Skydance Interactive in Marina del Rey, the corporate film/TV offices in Santa Monica and the Skydance Animation suites at Mid-Wilshire – the latter division was the toughest with its questions. No word about anyone specifically up and leaving the company, but Ellison, we hear, asked employees for their time and patience and the chance for Lasseter to...

On Wednesday, the animation industry was rocked by two major events: Ousted Pixar/Disney leader John Lasseter resurfaced as head of upstart Skydance Animation, and DreamWorks Animation TV head Margie Cohn took over feature animation from Chris deFaria (who served as president for only two years). Her elevation should improve synergy at DreamWorks and create greater unity with Illumination, which has taken an active role in developing “Shrek” and “Puss in Boots” sequels.

But the Lasseter hire was the most shocking update, as it found the disgraced animation guru instantly returning to a new senior leadership position after a string of sexual harassment allegations took him out of circulation.

It was unlikely that Lasseter would ever return to Disney and Pixar, the company he helped launch more than 30 years ago, or any other major studio. The post-Lasseter era at Pixar and Disney has already begun, with the promise of greater inclusion,...

Former Pixar Cco John Lasseter has been named Head of Skydance Animation after his exit from Disney following misconduct accusations.

He will report directly to Skydance CEO David Ellison and will start later this month. Skydance is just getting into animation, and gambled that the Oscar winner’s immense talent was worth the potential fallout of hiring a man who lost his Disney role over accusations of inappropriate workplace behavior.

“John is a singular creative and executive talent whose impact on the animation industry cannot be overstated,” Ellison said in a statement. “He was responsible for leading animation into the digital age, while telling incomparable stories that continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the globe.”

Also Read: End of an Era: Inside Pixar on the Eve of John Lasseter's Departure

Ellison added: “And yet we did not enter into this decision lightly. John has acknowledged and apologized for his mistakes and,...

Skydance Media has acquired rights to The Fourteenth Goldfish, Jennifer L. Holm’s bestselling 2014 children’s book, and has attached husband-wife producing partners Ted Melfi and Kimberly Quinn to write and produce an animated film. Victor Maldonado and Alfredo Torres will direct, and Alessandro Carloni will be executive producer. The plot centers on a 12-year-old girl whose middle school life is made even more complicated when her estranged grandfather shows up at her door having reversed his age to 14 years old. Together, they must go on an adventure to stop the technology from falling into the wrong hands. This is the fourth recent deal for Skydance’s Animation and Family Entertainment division, joining Luck, directed by Carloni and written by Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger; Split (working title), directed by Vicky Jenson and written by Linda Woolverton; and Powerless (working title), directed by Nathan Greno.

James Marsden and American Housewife kid...

Exclusive: Skydance Media has entered into a multiyear deal with Nathan Greno (Tangled) to direct the company’s upcoming animated feature film Powerless (working title). Under the agreement, Greno, an animation veteran, will also consult on projects currently in development. Greno is a well-known and respected name in animation, having also served as the creative advisor on Disney’s Best Animated Feature Oscar winner Big Hero 6. Skydance plans to release Powerless under…...

At last week’s “Coco” premiere at the El Capitan in Hollywood, John Lasseter had a look of sadness in his eyes. The usual gregarious charm didn’t come as easily. Maybe he was tired: he’d been running both Pixar and Disney Animation as chief creative officer for the last 11 years.

That was the explanation when Lasseter first stepped down as director of “Toy Story 4” earlier this year. Then came Tuesday’s shocking revelation of alleged unwanted advances, forcing the animation mogul — who was known for his warm hugs — to take a six-month leave of absence from the studios, apologizing for “missteps” in a memo to his Disney/Pixar staff.

Lasseter, by far the most powerful and influential figure in contemporary animation, joins a growing list of big-name players in Hollywood, the media, and politics accused of sexual misconduct (including Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and Charlie Rose). This...

Verve has signed director Nathan Greno, who helmed Disney’s 2010 animated hit Tangled which grossed $591.8 million worldwide. He has spent the past two decades working at Disney, amassing credits including creative adviser on Best Animated Feature Oscar winner Big Hero 6. Greno also co-penned the screenplay for 2007’s Meet the Robinsons, on which he also was a story artist. His other Disney credits include Frozen and Bolt, and he directed the shorts Super Rhino and…...

Simon Brew Oct 11, 2017

Disney has - for now - pulled the plug on its planned animated movie, Gigantic.

Walt Disney Animation Studios has pulled the plug on Gigantic, its long-announced Jack And The Beanstalk-inspired movie. The film had originally been given a 2018 release date, before recently being shunted back to 2020. But now – and this hasn’t happened with an announced Disney animated feature in as long as we can remember (King Of The Elves, based on a Philip K Dick story, is the only one that springs to mind) – the film has been scrapped altogether.

Ed Catmull, president of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, released a statement that reads:

It’s impossible to know when we begin a project how the creative process will unfold, and sometimes, no matter how much we love an idea or how much heart goes into it, we find that it just isn’t working.

After spending more than two years in development, Disney is giving the axe to its Jack and the Beanstalk project Gigantic. Disney has yanked the November 25, 2020 release date for this Jack and the Beanstalk musical, with the studio stating that they hit a creative wall, so to speak, with the project. Here's what Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios president Ed Catmull had to say about why they pulled the plug on Gigantic.

"It's impossible to know when we begin a project how the creative process will unfold, and sometimes, no matter how much we love an idea or how much heart goes into it, we find that it just isn't working. With Gigantic, we've come to that point, and although it's a difficult decision, we are ending active development for now. We are focusing our energies on another project that has been in the works, which we'll be sharing more about soon,...

Disney Animation has been developing and new animated film project called Gigantic that was supposed to be released in 2020. The movie would have been a reimagining of the classic fairytale story Jack and the Beanstalk the story of which followed a man meeting a young female giant.

To be honest, I was never excited about this movie anyway. Jack and the Beanstalk has been retold so many different times that another retelling just didn't interest me. Here's a previously released description of the movie:

Set in Spain during the Age of Exploration, Disney’s Gigantic follows adventure-seeker Jack as he discovers a world of giants hidden within the clouds. He hatches a grand plan with a 60-foot-tall, 11-year-old girl, and agrees to help her find her way home. But he doesn’t account for her super-sized personality – and who knew giants were so down to earth?

Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios...

Disney is putting the brakes on their original animated feature Gigantic, the Jack and the Beanstalk-inspired movie that was set to hit theaters in 2020. The updated spin on the classic fairy tale would have found Jack befriending a female giant and was being developed with Tangled helmer Nathan Greno and Inside Out co-writer Meg LeFauve on board to co-direct. Frozen songwriters Robert Lopez and Kirsten Anderson-Lopez were going to write the music. Gigantic was originally scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 21, 2018 and was subsequently pushed back to the 2020 slot. However, THR …...

Disney has shelved their planned animated fairy tale “Gigantic,” which would have been released in 2018 and put a spin on “Jack and the Beanstalk” by making the Giant a woman. The project was being directed by “Inside Out” co-writer Meg Lafauve and “Tangled” co-director Nathan Greno, with “Frozen” songwriters Robert Lopez and Kirsten Anderson-Lopez having written songs for the movie. The project was first unveiled as a concept at the 2015 D23 Expo, but no further development was announced at this year’s edition of the biennial Disney convention. Disney Animation’s next film, “Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2,” will be.

Deadline has confirmed that Disney Animation is shelving its Jack and the Beanstalk animated project which was scheduled for release on Thanksgiving 2020. Instead Disney Animation is pursuing another project for that release date, the details of which are still Tbd. In the revised tale directed by Meg LeFauve and Nathan Greno, Jack meets a female giant. Frozen songwriters Robert Lopez and Kirsten Anderson-Lopez were also penning songs for the film. Word is that…...

Gigantic, Disney Animation’s original feature project that was to have been released in 2020, is being shelved.

The project was being developed as an updated take on the Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale, in which Jack befriends a female giant.

Inside Out co-writer Meg LeFauve and Nathan Greno (Tangled) were directing the project while Frozen songwriters Robert Lopez and Kirsten Anderson-Lopez were to have written songs for the film.

But according to the studio, creative walls were being hit.

“It’s impossible to know when we begin a project how the creative process will unfold, and sometimes, no matter how much we love an...

Suspiria: Chloe Grace Moretz will star opposite Dakota Johnson and Tilda Swinton in Suspiria, a remake of the classic horror movie directed by Dario Argento. Luca Guadagnino (A Bigger Splash) will helm the new version. The original followed a ballet dancer who begins training at a prestigious academy in Europe before learning that it is only a front for sinister and supernatural elements. [Variety] Gigantic: Meg LeFauve, whose writing credits include Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur and the upcoming Captain Marvel, will make her directorial debut on Disney's Gigantic (above). She will join Nathan Greno as director on the animated project, which aims to be "the definitive version of Jack and the Beanstalk … with comedy and deep emotion," according to...

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Meg LeFauve was one of the writers responsible for breaking America’s hearts into tiny little Bing Bong-shaped bits as a contributor to the Inside Out screenplay. Now Disney has enlisted her to presumably wrench some tears out of you as one of the directors of Gigantic, their upcoming reimagining of the Jack And The Beanstalk story. She’ll share duties with Nathan Greno, who co-helmed Tangled. The story will follow Jack and Inma, an 11-year-old female giant. Like the similarly succinctly-titled Frozen and Tangled, Gigantic will indeed be a musical with songs from Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the husband-wife team that brought “Let It Go” into the lexicon. It’s scheduled for 2018.

While it’s all contained within the greater Mouse empire, this marks a leap for LeFauve from Pixar to Walt Disney Animation Studios. She also, however, happens to be involved with the company’s Marvel ...