Netflix unveiled an enticing teaser trailer on July 30th, teasing the arrival of "Spellbound," an enchanting animated feature set to captivate audiences on November 22nd. This marks the second animated masterpiece from Skydance Animation, helmed by the visionary John Lasseter, who finds himself at the forefront of the upcoming Paramount-Skydance Media union.
Directed by the talented Vicky Jenson, known for her work on "Shrek," "Spellbound" weaves a contemporary fairy tale within the enchanted realm of Lumbria. This mythical kingdom serves as the backdrop for a young princess, Ellian (voiced by Rachel Zegler of "West Side Story" fame), who embarks on a heroic quest to unravel the mysterious curse that has transformed her beloved parents—Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem in voice roles—into monstrous forms.
The vibrant and mesmerizing visuals, crafted by Skydance Animation Madrid, transport viewers to Lumbria, where every corner breathes life with its stunning production design by Brett Nystul. Inspired by the iconic architecture of ancient Spain, renowned for its soaring domes and intricate Moorish arches, Lumbria comes alive as a vibrant tapestry of fantasy and tradition.
The all-star voice cast further enriches this magical journey, with John Lithgow lending his gravitas as Minister Bolinar, Jenifer Lewis as the wise Minister Nazara Prone, Nathan Lane as the enigmatic Sun Oracle, André De Shields as the mystical Moon Oracle, alongside Jordan Fisher and Tituss Burgess in pivotal roles.
"Spellbound" is a collaborative effort, produced by a dream team comprising Lasseter, Skydance CEO David Ellison, Skydance's chief creative officer Dana Goldberg, and Skydance Animation's head of production Bruce Anderson. The screenplay, penned by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin ("Mulan"), along with Julia Miranda ("Alexa & Katie"), draws from the original concept by acclaimed screenwriter Linda Woolverton ("Beauty and the Beast"), now reimagined as a tale that promises to captivate hearts and minds alike.
Embarking on a journey that is undeniably imbued with the magic of Disney, this contemporary fairy tale soars with a musical extravaganza, steered by the legendary eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken ("The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin"), who orchestrates the score and pens the enchanting original songs alongside the talented lyricist Glenn Slater ("Tangled").
A standout moment unfolds as Ellian's opening aria laments the ominous curse that has shrouded her parents, painting a poignant backdrop. Meanwhile, in a captivating forest scene, Kidman and Bardem's regal duo enchant listeners with their spellbinding vocals, embodying a love story that transcends the ordinary.
Having gracefully shifted its Skydance Animation slate from Apple Studios to Netflix's embrace in 2023, the multi-year streaming collaboration kicked off with a bang, introducing "Spellbound." And the enchantment continues, with "Pookoo" set to charm audiences in 2025. This buddy comedy, a hilarious tale of unlikely friendship between a mischievous woodland creature and a majestic bird who magically swap lives, is helmed by former Disney auteur Nathan Greno ("Tangled"), with an original soundtrack woven by Siddhartha Khosla.
The creative juggernaut rolls on with Brad Bird's sci-fi masterpiece "Ray Gunn," igniting passions and imaginations, and an untitled "Jack and the Beanstalk" feature, steered by Rich Moore, the visionary behind "Zootopia" and "Wreck-It Ralph," promising to elevate storytelling to new heights. Furthermore, Skydance has welcomed former Disney director Don Hall ("Raya and the Last Dragon," "Moana," "Big Hero 6") to helm an untitled animated feature, further bolstering its creative arsenal.
While the future implications of the Paramount-Skydance merger on the existing Netflix deal remain to be unveiled, Ellison assures that Skydance is committed to delivering two animated spectacles annually, commencing in 2026, as part of its robust Netflix partnership, ensuring a continuous stream of magic and wonder for audiences worldwide.
