Christmas movies don’t often earn Academy Award nominations. “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street” are two of the few holiday pictures that did make their way into the Oscars lineups. That leaves a sackful of Christmas films that should have also Oscar nominations. Here are five of them.
“Love Actually”
Writer-director Richard Curtis was nominated for Best Original Screenplay for “Four Weddings and a Funeral” in 1995 but has never landed a follow-up bid. He could have earned that for his script for “Love Actually,” which interweaves 10 stories about love during London in the lead-up to Christmas. Bill Nighy won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor as a rockstar searching for a comeback. His quirky, hilarious performance could have seen him wind up at the Oscars, too. Instead, he had to wait until earlier this year for his first Oscar nomination (for Best Actor for “Living”).
Perhaps the biggest omission,...
“Love Actually”
Writer-director Richard Curtis was nominated for Best Original Screenplay for “Four Weddings and a Funeral” in 1995 but has never landed a follow-up bid. He could have earned that for his script for “Love Actually,” which interweaves 10 stories about love during London in the lead-up to Christmas. Bill Nighy won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor as a rockstar searching for a comeback. His quirky, hilarious performance could have seen him wind up at the Oscars, too. Instead, he had to wait until earlier this year for his first Oscar nomination (for Best Actor for “Living”).
Perhaps the biggest omission,...
- 12/18/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Twenty years later, it’s fair to argue that Elf is the last great Christmas movie. This Jon Favreau classic, which also marked a significant turning point in Will Ferrell’s career, came out during a holiday season that was awash in memorable Yuletide flicks, with adult-skewing audiences getting to spike their eggnog via Love Actually and Bad Santa. Yet in addition to being the only one of those three films that was suitable for the whole family, Elf has also aged the best. The movie, is in fact, magic.
There are more than a few reasons why Elf works as well as it does. Favreau’s choice to use intentionally antiquated stop-motion effects in the North Pole sequences, and therefore echo his own childhood memories of watching TV specials like Rankin/Bass’ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), still charms. Whereas many other big budget Santa movies of the 1990s and...
There are more than a few reasons why Elf works as well as it does. Favreau’s choice to use intentionally antiquated stop-motion effects in the North Pole sequences, and therefore echo his own childhood memories of watching TV specials like Rankin/Bass’ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), still charms. Whereas many other big budget Santa movies of the 1990s and...
- 12/9/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Ferrell brings manic energy to this tale of an oversized elf called Buddy and it’s still a charmer after 20 years
Twenty years on, this has become a canonical Christmas comedy favourite. A jovial seasonal treat, from director Jon Favreau and screenwriter David Berenbaum, Elf was reportedly inspired by Tom Hanks in Big, but took on a life of its own once Will Ferrell became involved, improvising many of his lines and endowing the whole thing with a more ironised manic energy.
The film’s old-fashioned charm and sweet-natured Yuletide spirit has held up, although it interestingly seems attractive now more for these softer-edged qualities than for the straight-ahead SNL-type Will Ferrell comedy that it seemed to promise back in 2003, when Ferrell’s presence led us all to expect (and often get) something more vinegary and satirical, like Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa.
Ferrell plays the grotesquely huge...
Twenty years on, this has become a canonical Christmas comedy favourite. A jovial seasonal treat, from director Jon Favreau and screenwriter David Berenbaum, Elf was reportedly inspired by Tom Hanks in Big, but took on a life of its own once Will Ferrell became involved, improvising many of his lines and endowing the whole thing with a more ironised manic energy.
The film’s old-fashioned charm and sweet-natured Yuletide spirit has held up, although it interestingly seems attractive now more for these softer-edged qualities than for the straight-ahead SNL-type Will Ferrell comedy that it seemed to promise back in 2003, when Ferrell’s presence led us all to expect (and often get) something more vinegary and satirical, like Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa.
Ferrell plays the grotesquely huge...
- 11/30/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
(Welcome to Tales from the Box Office, our column that examines box office miracles, disasters, and everything in between, as well as what we can learn from them.)
When we talk about Christmas movies and holiday classics, so often, we're talking about movies that came out decades ago, like "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), "Miracle on 34th Street" (1957), "A Christmas Story" (1983), or "Scrooged" (1988). Even "Home Alone" was released in 1990 and that feels downright modern compared to many of these films that have been in rotation for longer than a fair number of you reading this have been alive. The point is, it's tough to gain that coveted holiday classic status. But 20 years ago, Jon Favreau and Will Ferrell teamed up to give us the definitive modern Christmastime classic: "Elf."
The journey this movie traveled to eventually become the classic that it is today was not a simple one. It was in...
When we talk about Christmas movies and holiday classics, so often, we're talking about movies that came out decades ago, like "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), "Miracle on 34th Street" (1957), "A Christmas Story" (1983), or "Scrooged" (1988). Even "Home Alone" was released in 1990 and that feels downright modern compared to many of these films that have been in rotation for longer than a fair number of you reading this have been alive. The point is, it's tough to gain that coveted holiday classic status. But 20 years ago, Jon Favreau and Will Ferrell teamed up to give us the definitive modern Christmastime classic: "Elf."
The journey this movie traveled to eventually become the classic that it is today was not a simple one. It was in...
- 11/11/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
I don't remember the first time I watched "Elf." I do not think this is uncommon. Often, the most beloved Christmas movies are those that play on TV the most often, and "Elf" is certainly a cable staple. But that's not the real reason it's one of the best Christmas movies of all time. "Elf" is a magical mixture of earnestness and silliness, New York City and the North Pole, and a bunch of actors who give their massive talents to make a classic, eminently lovable film.
"Elf" was released 20 years ago, on Nov. 7, 2003. Directed by Jon Favreau and written by David Berenbaum, it tells the story of Buddy the elf, who is in fact not an elf at all but a human. Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, and it's one of his best performances. Ferrell often plays characters who aren't as smart as everyone else, but here, he does...
"Elf" was released 20 years ago, on Nov. 7, 2003. Directed by Jon Favreau and written by David Berenbaum, it tells the story of Buddy the elf, who is in fact not an elf at all but a human. Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, and it's one of his best performances. Ferrell often plays characters who aren't as smart as everyone else, but here, he does...
- 11/6/2023
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
Veteran entertainment attorneys Eric Feig and Harry Finkel are joining forces to form Feig Finkel Llp, a new firm focused in film (including film financing and production legal), television, new media, licensing, merchandising, podcasts, and publishing.
They are joined in the venture by three partners: Panayiotis “Pano” Spanos, Andrew Barcello, and Riccardo Maddalosso.
“Feig Finkel is dedicated to protecting its clients’ interests with two underlying principles: integrity and creativity,” said Feig.
Feig – whose clients include William Zabka (Cobra Kai) and Martin Kove(Cobra Kai), writer Max Borenstein, David Berenbaum, Kamillion (Rap Sh!t), writer Ashleigh Powell (Nutcracker and the Four Realms), Noah Stollman (Fauda), Australian Director Elissa Down (Black Baloon, Ivy & Bean) writer Kc Perry and director Chris Eyre – will continue to focus on serving talent clients.
Finkel brings years of experience specializing in independent film finance and production legal,...
They are joined in the venture by three partners: Panayiotis “Pano” Spanos, Andrew Barcello, and Riccardo Maddalosso.
“Feig Finkel is dedicated to protecting its clients’ interests with two underlying principles: integrity and creativity,” said Feig.
Feig – whose clients include William Zabka (Cobra Kai) and Martin Kove(Cobra Kai), writer Max Borenstein, David Berenbaum, Kamillion (Rap Sh!t), writer Ashleigh Powell (Nutcracker and the Four Realms), Noah Stollman (Fauda), Australian Director Elissa Down (Black Baloon, Ivy & Bean) writer Kc Perry and director Chris Eyre – will continue to focus on serving talent clients.
Finkel brings years of experience specializing in independent film finance and production legal,...
- 3/17/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Christmas movies are numerous and greatly vary in quality and entertainment value – to put it mildly. For every great one, there are dozens, if not hundreds of disposable, Hallmark-style movies. But, there are no shortage of great holidays picks to entertain you and your family this holiday season, so here are some of our own personal Christmas classics!
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Originally not exactly beloved at the time (critics didn’t appreciate the film and audiences seemed tepid about it), it has now become a family classic that is enjoyed every year. It’s become a sort of cult film that transcended its status and circled back to being a major hit for Jim Henson Studios (and Disney who now owns it). What makes this one so great is that mix of whimsy with a classic performance from Michael Caine who played his character 100 serious and direct while surrounded by Muppets.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Originally not exactly beloved at the time (critics didn’t appreciate the film and audiences seemed tepid about it), it has now become a family classic that is enjoyed every year. It’s become a sort of cult film that transcended its status and circled back to being a major hit for Jim Henson Studios (and Disney who now owns it). What makes this one so great is that mix of whimsy with a classic performance from Michael Caine who played his character 100 serious and direct while surrounded by Muppets.
- 12/24/2022
- by Emilie Black
- JoBlo.com
There are few tasks in Hollywood harder than making a sequel which improves on the original. Writing a follow-up to a bonafide modern Christmas classic, however, might be one of them!
When Elf first arrived in theaters back in November 2003, few could have predicted it would go on to become one of the most beloved Christmas movies of the 21st century. Yet Elf was that rare example of cinematic lighting in a bottle; the coming together of actors and filmmakers destined for big things.
Will Ferrell was a fast-rising comedic star fresh from Saturday Night Live and having only recently stolen the show in Todd Phillips’ frat house comedy Old School. Zooey Deschanel had a string of credits to her name, but it was Elf that helped establish the “manic pixie dream girl” persona that would bring her repeated success in the decade that followed. Even director Jon Favreau was...
When Elf first arrived in theaters back in November 2003, few could have predicted it would go on to become one of the most beloved Christmas movies of the 21st century. Yet Elf was that rare example of cinematic lighting in a bottle; the coming together of actors and filmmakers destined for big things.
Will Ferrell was a fast-rising comedic star fresh from Saturday Night Live and having only recently stolen the show in Todd Phillips’ frat house comedy Old School. Zooey Deschanel had a string of credits to her name, but it was Elf that helped establish the “manic pixie dream girl” persona that would bring her repeated success in the decade that followed. Even director Jon Favreau was...
- 12/15/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
In the 17 years since Jon Favreau’s Elf swept into theaters and became an instant Christmas movie classic, the conversation around the song “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” has evolved. A lot. Once, and still in some quarters, a holiday season standard, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” doesn’t see a December pass without a new think piece saying the song needs to be retired due to its questionable lyrics. Yet no one thinks that about Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel’s sweet chemistry in Elf.
In roles that proved to be star-makers for both actors, Ferrell and Deschanel played Buddy and Jovie, an unlikely romantic couple in an unlikely family favorite. See, Buddy is a 30-year-old man who until a few days ago believed he was an elf, having been raised in the North Pole at Santa’s workshop. Jovie, by contrast, is struggling with just enduring the holidays...
In roles that proved to be star-makers for both actors, Ferrell and Deschanel played Buddy and Jovie, an unlikely romantic couple in an unlikely family favorite. See, Buddy is a 30-year-old man who until a few days ago believed he was an elf, having been raised in the North Pole at Santa’s workshop. Jovie, by contrast, is struggling with just enduring the holidays...
- 12/14/2020
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
‘Aquaman’ star Jason Momoa has entered into negotiations with Warner Bros. to voice the character of ‘Frosty The Snowman’ in a forthcoming live-action/CG hybrid animation.
David Berenbaum (Elf) will pen the script, Momoa will also produce with Geoff Johns, and Stampede’s Greg Silverman and Jon Berg.
“We know Jason’s a true human being filled with love, compassion and a deep connection to ohana … all of which is the living spirit of Xmas and Frosty,” Silverman said.
“From his role as a count in a land of ice and fire to the oceanic success we all had with ‘Aquaman,’ it felt only right to realize Jason this time in snow,” said Berg, who was an executive producer on “Aquaman.
Also in news – Penelope Cruz and Pedro Almodóvar set to reunite (again) for ‘Madres paralelas’
‘Frosty the Snowman’ is a popular Christmas song written by Walter Rollins and Steve Nelson,...
David Berenbaum (Elf) will pen the script, Momoa will also produce with Geoff Johns, and Stampede’s Greg Silverman and Jon Berg.
“We know Jason’s a true human being filled with love, compassion and a deep connection to ohana … all of which is the living spirit of Xmas and Frosty,” Silverman said.
“From his role as a count in a land of ice and fire to the oceanic success we all had with ‘Aquaman,’ it felt only right to realize Jason this time in snow,” said Berg, who was an executive producer on “Aquaman.
Also in news – Penelope Cruz and Pedro Almodóvar set to reunite (again) for ‘Madres paralelas’
‘Frosty the Snowman’ is a popular Christmas song written by Walter Rollins and Steve Nelson,...
- 7/2/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Welp, today in news I never could've possibly predicted, even with help from the most powerful crystal ball on Earth: Jason Momoa is set to voice Frosty the Snowman in a live-action remake of the classic holiday film. Yes, you read that correctly. The unavoidably sexy star of Aquaman is swapping his trident for a corncob pipe to play the role of a jolly, seemingly innocent character that would be borderline sacrilegious to thirst after. To be honest, when I first learned about this out-of-left-field news, my initial thought was, "Wait, did the clocks roll back and it's April Fools' Day again?" But upon further reflection (and repeated glances at my calendar), I've decided to chalk it up to 2020 just doing its thing and continuing to deliver curveball after curveball.
So far, there aren't too many details about the forthcoming Frosty the Snowman film, but I can tell you that...
So far, there aren't too many details about the forthcoming Frosty the Snowman film, but I can tell you that...
- 7/1/2020
- by Victoria Messina
- Popsugar.com
“Aquaman” himself, Jason Momoa, is in negotiations to star as Frosty the Snowman in a movie for Warner Bros.
Momoa will voice Frosty in the live-action/CG hybrid. Framestore UK will do the animation.
Momoa will also produce with Geoff Johns, and Stampede’s Greg Silverman and Jon Berg. David Berenbaum, who collaborated with Berg on “Elf,” is on board to script the pic.
“We know Jason’s a true human being filled with love, compassion and a deep connection to ohana … all of which is the living spirit of Xmas and Frosty,” Silverman said.
Momoa’s “Aquaman” was a massive hit for Warner Bros., grossing $1.14 billion at the worldwide box office. The studio is developing a sequel.
“From his role as a count in a land of ice and fire to the oceanic success we all had with ‘Aquaman,’ it felt only right to realize Jason this time in snow,...
Momoa will voice Frosty in the live-action/CG hybrid. Framestore UK will do the animation.
Momoa will also produce with Geoff Johns, and Stampede’s Greg Silverman and Jon Berg. David Berenbaum, who collaborated with Berg on “Elf,” is on board to script the pic.
“We know Jason’s a true human being filled with love, compassion and a deep connection to ohana … all of which is the living spirit of Xmas and Frosty,” Silverman said.
Momoa’s “Aquaman” was a massive hit for Warner Bros., grossing $1.14 billion at the worldwide box office. The studio is developing a sequel.
“From his role as a count in a land of ice and fire to the oceanic success we all had with ‘Aquaman,’ it felt only right to realize Jason this time in snow,...
- 7/1/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Warner Bros and Stampede Ventures have set up Frosty the Snowman, a live-action film that will see Aquaman star Jason Momoa voicing the iconic snowman.
Jon Berg and Greg Silverman of Stampede produce with Geoff Johns of Madghost, and Momoa. Berg and Silverman were Warner Bros senior execs who helped architect the DC franchise launch of Aquaman with James Wan at the helm.
David Berenbaum, who worked with Berg on Elf, is writing the script based on the venerable character that Momoa will embody as a CGI Frosty in the hybrid CG/live-action film.
“From his role as a fearsome count in a land of ice and fire to the oceanic success we all had with Aquaman, it felt only right to realize Jason this time out of snow,” Berg said.
Said Silverman: “We know Jason’s as a true human being filled with love, compassion and a deep...
Jon Berg and Greg Silverman of Stampede produce with Geoff Johns of Madghost, and Momoa. Berg and Silverman were Warner Bros senior execs who helped architect the DC franchise launch of Aquaman with James Wan at the helm.
David Berenbaum, who worked with Berg on Elf, is writing the script based on the venerable character that Momoa will embody as a CGI Frosty in the hybrid CG/live-action film.
“From his role as a fearsome count in a land of ice and fire to the oceanic success we all had with Aquaman, it felt only right to realize Jason this time out of snow,” Berg said.
Said Silverman: “We know Jason’s as a true human being filled with love, compassion and a deep...
- 7/1/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The idea for “Elf” began as an ode to New York during the holidays.
David Berenbaum, the screenwriter behind the Christmas classic, had just moved to Los Angeles and missed the East Coast. The nostalgia for the city inspired what he calls a “left-of-center” family comedy about a human who was raised by elves in the North Pole.
“It hits hardest at Christmastime when it’s 105 degrees out here,” Berenbaum said. “It was very comforting to write a Christmas movie when you miss the snow, and there’s a heatwave outside.”
As anyone know who has ever switched on the TV from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, a period of time in which “Elf” is on perpetual rotation, knows that the New Line comedy went on to become a massive box office hit before cementing its place as a perennial holiday film. And while Buddy, the doe-eyed optimistic Santa helper played unforgettably by Will Ferrell,...
David Berenbaum, the screenwriter behind the Christmas classic, had just moved to Los Angeles and missed the East Coast. The nostalgia for the city inspired what he calls a “left-of-center” family comedy about a human who was raised by elves in the North Pole.
“It hits hardest at Christmastime when it’s 105 degrees out here,” Berenbaum said. “It was very comforting to write a Christmas movie when you miss the snow, and there’s a heatwave outside.”
As anyone know who has ever switched on the TV from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, a period of time in which “Elf” is on perpetual rotation, knows that the New Line comedy went on to become a massive box office hit before cementing its place as a perennial holiday film. And while Buddy, the doe-eyed optimistic Santa helper played unforgettably by Will Ferrell,...
- 11/7/2018
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Burbank, CA, October 15, 2018 – Celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the modern-day holiday classic Elf when Buddy’s Sing & Cheer Along Edition arrives on DVD and Digital on November 27th from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Directed by Jon Favreau, the beloved comedy Elf stars Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf.
Directed by Favreau from an original script by David Berenbaum (The Haunted Mansion), the film features an all-star cast including Ferrell, James Caan as Walter Hobbs, Zooey Deschanel as Jovie, Mary Steenburgen as Emily Hobbs, Faizon Love as Wanda, Peter Dinklage as Miles Finch, Amy Sedaris as Deb, and Andy Richter as Morris, with Edward Asner as Santa Claus and Bob Newhart as Papa Elf.
Elf: Buddy’s Sing & Cheer Along Edition will be available on DVD and brand new Elf-inspired extra content, including a bouncing elf hat singalong with Buddy and his friends and all new fun, family-friendly interactive special features.
Directed by Favreau from an original script by David Berenbaum (The Haunted Mansion), the film features an all-star cast including Ferrell, James Caan as Walter Hobbs, Zooey Deschanel as Jovie, Mary Steenburgen as Emily Hobbs, Faizon Love as Wanda, Peter Dinklage as Miles Finch, Amy Sedaris as Deb, and Andy Richter as Morris, with Edward Asner as Santa Claus and Bob Newhart as Papa Elf.
Elf: Buddy’s Sing & Cheer Along Edition will be available on DVD and brand new Elf-inspired extra content, including a bouncing elf hat singalong with Buddy and his friends and all new fun, family-friendly interactive special features.
- 10/18/2018
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
George Lucas produces the Ilm animated fantasy, Strange Magic. Here's Mark's review of a curious genre mash-up...
Since George Lucas got out of the Star Wars business, he's been lending his Hollywood heft to some long-gestating passion projects that might be difficult to produce independently elsewhere. He started developing Red Tails, a war movie about the Tuskegee airmen, back in 1988 and eventually served as producer and an uncredited co-director on the 2012 movie.
Lucasfilm's latest, Strange Magic, is directed by Oscar-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom, but it's also been around for much longer than you'd think. 15 years ago, while working on that pesky prequel trilogy, Lucas started thinking about making a film for his daughters. “Just like Star Wars was designed for 12-year-old boys,” Lucas told Wired upon the film's Us release in January, “Strange Magic was designed for 12-year-old girls.”
If that sounds a little reminiscent of when John Travolta...
Since George Lucas got out of the Star Wars business, he's been lending his Hollywood heft to some long-gestating passion projects that might be difficult to produce independently elsewhere. He started developing Red Tails, a war movie about the Tuskegee airmen, back in 1988 and eventually served as producer and an uncredited co-director on the 2012 movie.
Lucasfilm's latest, Strange Magic, is directed by Oscar-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom, but it's also been around for much longer than you'd think. 15 years ago, while working on that pesky prequel trilogy, Lucas started thinking about making a film for his daughters. “Just like Star Wars was designed for 12-year-old boys,” Lucas told Wired upon the film's Us release in January, “Strange Magic was designed for 12-year-old girls.”
If that sounds a little reminiscent of when John Travolta...
- 8/23/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Every now and then, I find myself suddenly and unexpectedly angry at George Lucas, but not for reasons that have anything to do with "Star Wars." There has been a refrain we've heard from him over and over during the past couple of decades, where he talks about returning to his roots and making experimental films that could never exist inside the studio system, movies that aren't created to be commercial product, but that come from a very personal place. And over and over, those comments lead nowhere and nothing happens. I'd love to see him do it, though. I have a huge fondness for "Thx-1138," Lucas's first feature film, which evolved out of a student film he made. I take Lucas at his word that commercial filmmaking was never meant to be the complete detour it became after "American Graffiti" and "Star Wars" both blew up into mega-hits,...
- 1/23/2015
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
“Boy Next Door,” “Mortdecai”and “Strange Magic” open against “American Sniper,” which aims for $45 million in repeat win
Johnny Depp and Jennifer Lopez, two stars whose best box box office days appear behind them, will try to bounce back in new movies opening Friday. But with the record-breaking reigning champ “American Sniper” turning into a cultural phenomenon, they may have picked the wrong weekend.
Lopez is featured in Universal Pictures’ R-rated erotic thriller “The Boy Next Door” as a high school teacher who becomes the object of a young neighbor’s obsession after a one-night stand. Rob Cohen directs and Ryan Guzman,...
Johnny Depp and Jennifer Lopez, two stars whose best box box office days appear behind them, will try to bounce back in new movies opening Friday. But with the record-breaking reigning champ “American Sniper” turning into a cultural phenomenon, they may have picked the wrong weekend.
Lopez is featured in Universal Pictures’ R-rated erotic thriller “The Boy Next Door” as a high school teacher who becomes the object of a young neighbor’s obsession after a one-night stand. Rob Cohen directs and Ryan Guzman,...
- 1/21/2015
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
Rubber-faced characters and a seemingly ceaseless parade of repurposed pop ditties combine to make what might be the worst animated feature Disney has ever released
Well, now we know what a Las Vegas show designed for eight-year-olds would look like.
The advance marketing on producer George Lucas’ “Strange Magic” suggested a retread of the not-all-that-memorable 2013 cartoon “Epic.” And yes, this fairies-versus-bugs story does recall that earlier film, but “Magic” also ladles in unwieldy dollops of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Moulin Rouge!” and a particularly long and excruciating episode of “American Idol.”
See Video: Sing Along With the First Trailer...
Well, now we know what a Las Vegas show designed for eight-year-olds would look like.
The advance marketing on producer George Lucas’ “Strange Magic” suggested a retread of the not-all-that-memorable 2013 cartoon “Epic.” And yes, this fairies-versus-bugs story does recall that earlier film, but “Magic” also ladles in unwieldy dollops of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Moulin Rouge!” and a particularly long and excruciating episode of “American Idol.”
See Video: Sing Along With the First Trailer...
- 1/21/2015
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
A full trailer for Disney and Lucasfilm's Strange Magic has been released.
The clip was published by Yahoo Movies and offers the first real look at the long-anticipated animation.
The "madcap fairy tale musical" sees magical creatures including goblins, elves and fairies embarking on an epic battle over a powerful enchanted potion against a soundtrack of popular songs from the last 60 years.
The Gary Rydstrom-directed film is inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream and written by Rydstrom, Elf's David Berenbaum and Brave's Irene Mecchi.
The voice cast includes Alan Cumming, Maya Rudolph and Evan Rachel Wood, as well as Kristin Chenoweth, Alfred Molina, Sam Palladio and Elijah Kelley.
Strange Magic is released on January 23, 2015 in the Us and on February 11 in the UK.
The clip was published by Yahoo Movies and offers the first real look at the long-anticipated animation.
The "madcap fairy tale musical" sees magical creatures including goblins, elves and fairies embarking on an epic battle over a powerful enchanted potion against a soundtrack of popular songs from the last 60 years.
The Gary Rydstrom-directed film is inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream and written by Rydstrom, Elf's David Berenbaum and Brave's Irene Mecchi.
The voice cast includes Alan Cumming, Maya Rudolph and Evan Rachel Wood, as well as Kristin Chenoweth, Alfred Molina, Sam Palladio and Elijah Kelley.
Strange Magic is released on January 23, 2015 in the Us and on February 11 in the UK.
- 11/23/2014
- Digital Spy
The first trailer has dropped for Lucasfilm’s next project, animated fairy tale Strange Magic. Goblins, elves, fairies and imps collide, sparked by the battle over a powerful potion. Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph and Sam Palladio provide the voices and Gary Rydstrom directs and co-wrote the screenplay with David Berenbaum (Elf),and Irene Mecchi (Brave) based on a story by George Lucas. Strange Magic will be released January 23 via Touchstone Pictures.
- 11/21/2014
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline
Here’s your first look at the trailer for Touchstone Pictures’ Strange Magic.
Starring the voice cast of Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Sam Palladio, Meredith Anne Bull, Alfred Molina, Elijah Kelley, Bob Einstein, and Peter Stormare, Strange Magic, a new animated film from Lucasfilm Ltd., is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.
Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic bring to life the fanciful forest turned upside down with world-class animation and visual effects. The upcoming movie is directed by Gary Rydstrom (“Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation,” “Lifted”) from a story by George Lucas. The screenplay is by David Berenbaum, Irene Mecchi, and Gary Rydstrom.
Lucasfilm...
Starring the voice cast of Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Sam Palladio, Meredith Anne Bull, Alfred Molina, Elijah Kelley, Bob Einstein, and Peter Stormare, Strange Magic, a new animated film from Lucasfilm Ltd., is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.
Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic bring to life the fanciful forest turned upside down with world-class animation and visual effects. The upcoming movie is directed by Gary Rydstrom (“Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation,” “Lifted”) from a story by George Lucas. The screenplay is by David Berenbaum, Irene Mecchi, and Gary Rydstrom.
Lucasfilm...
- 11/21/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Just over a week ago, we were all surprised to learn of the existence of a new animated movie from Lucasfilm called Strange Magic that Disney was going to release through their Touchstone Pictures banner in January. Now the first trailer has arrived to show us why this film is getting a hasty, last minute promotional push and release. If "from the mind of George Lucas" isn't enough to turn you off in this day and age, the trailer should do it. This looks like a comedic version of Epic (which already wasn't a good animated movie) chock full of pop song covers. This just looks terrible and devoid of any charm. Watch? Here's the first trailer for Gary Rydstrom's Strange Magic, originally from Yahoo: Strange Magic is directed by Gary Rydstrom (of the Pixar shorts Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation and Lifted) from a screenplay he wrote with...
- 11/21/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
George Lucas' Strange Magic will be released by Touchstone Pictures next January. The animated comedy is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
The film feature popular songs from the past six decades. This will be the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.
With a story by George Lucas, Strange Magic is directed by Gary Rydstrom (Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation, Lifted), produced by Mark S. Miller (associate producer Mars Attacks!) and executive produced by Lucas, with a screenplay by David Berenbaum (Elf), Irene Mecchi (Brave, The Lion King) and Rydstrom.
Strange Magic will be voiced by Alan Cumming (CBS’ “The Good Wife,” Broadway’s “Cabaret”), Evan Rachel Wood (“The Ides of March”), Kristin Chenoweth (Broadway’s “Wicked”), Maya Rudolph (“Big Hero 6,” “Bridesmaids”), Sam Palladio (ABC...
The film feature popular songs from the past six decades. This will be the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.
With a story by George Lucas, Strange Magic is directed by Gary Rydstrom (Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation, Lifted), produced by Mark S. Miller (associate producer Mars Attacks!) and executive produced by Lucas, with a screenplay by David Berenbaum (Elf), Irene Mecchi (Brave, The Lion King) and Rydstrom.
Strange Magic will be voiced by Alan Cumming (CBS’ “The Good Wife,” Broadway’s “Cabaret”), Evan Rachel Wood (“The Ides of March”), Kristin Chenoweth (Broadway’s “Wicked”), Maya Rudolph (“Big Hero 6,” “Bridesmaids”), Sam Palladio (ABC...
- 11/12/2014
- by Laura Frances
- LRMonline.com
Strange Magic, an animated film conceived by George Lucas, is set for release in two months' time...
Now here's a surprise. It's been known for a while that Lucasfilm had been working on an animated movie, but little had been heard from it for some time. As it turns out though, said movie is done, and Disney has earmarked it for release - under its Touchstone Pictures banner - on January 23rd 2015.
The film is called Strange Magic, and the story for it has come directly from George Lucas. He also serves as executive producer on the film. It's directed by Gary Rydstrom, who's worked on the sound of several Lucas productions in the past, and more recently has been at Pixar. Whilst at Pixar, Rydstrom directed the short film Lifted, and also Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation. He was set to direct a full length feature, Newt, but Pixar...
Now here's a surprise. It's been known for a while that Lucasfilm had been working on an animated movie, but little had been heard from it for some time. As it turns out though, said movie is done, and Disney has earmarked it for release - under its Touchstone Pictures banner - on January 23rd 2015.
The film is called Strange Magic, and the story for it has come directly from George Lucas. He also serves as executive producer on the film. It's directed by Gary Rydstrom, who's worked on the sound of several Lucas productions in the past, and more recently has been at Pixar. Whilst at Pixar, Rydstrom directed the short film Lifted, and also Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation. He was set to direct a full length feature, Newt, but Pixar...
- 11/12/2014
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Disney and Lucasfilms are teaming up to bring us a new film called Strange Magic. Check out the details.
You heard right, Disney is working with Lucasfilm and George Lucas himself for the animated film Strange Magic.
Set to hit theaters on January 23, 2015 Lucas has writen the film and Gary Rydstrom will direct.
Check out the details from the Press Release:
“Strange Magic,” a new animated film from Lucasfilm Ltd., will be released by Touchstone Pictures on January 23, 2015. “Strange Magic” is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night's Dream.”
Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.
Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic, which created the CGI animation for 2011’s Academy Award®-winning film “Rango,” bring to life the fanciful forest...
You heard right, Disney is working with Lucasfilm and George Lucas himself for the animated film Strange Magic.
Set to hit theaters on January 23, 2015 Lucas has writen the film and Gary Rydstrom will direct.
Check out the details from the Press Release:
“Strange Magic,” a new animated film from Lucasfilm Ltd., will be released by Touchstone Pictures on January 23, 2015. “Strange Magic” is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night's Dream.”
Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.
Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic, which created the CGI animation for 2011’s Academy Award®-winning film “Rango,” bring to life the fanciful forest...
- 11/12/2014
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Mike Petty)
- Cinelinx
Well, that was unexpected. Today, Lucasfilm announced that it will be bringing us an animated film titled Strange Magic in just three short months. Touchstone Pictures will be releasing the project, inspired by William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” into theaters on January 23rd, 2015.
Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Alfred Molina, Peter Stormare and Elijah Kelley all lend their voices to the film, playing magical creatures such as goblins, elves, fairies and imps who come to blows over a magic potion. Musical interludes help to tell the story, with Strange Magic incorporating “popular songs from the past six decades.”
Gary Rydstrom, a seven-time Oscar winner for his work as a sound designer on films as diverse as Saving Private Ryan, Titanic and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, will direct from an original idea by George Lucas. Rydstrom’s experience isn’t limited to sound work – he also helmed Oscar-nominated,...
Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Alfred Molina, Peter Stormare and Elijah Kelley all lend their voices to the film, playing magical creatures such as goblins, elves, fairies and imps who come to blows over a magic potion. Musical interludes help to tell the story, with Strange Magic incorporating “popular songs from the past six decades.”
Gary Rydstrom, a seven-time Oscar winner for his work as a sound designer on films as diverse as Saving Private Ryan, Titanic and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, will direct from an original idea by George Lucas. Rydstrom’s experience isn’t limited to sound work – he also helmed Oscar-nominated,...
- 11/11/2014
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
Strange Magic © & Tm 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Here’s your first look at the new animated film Strange Magic.
Walt Disney Studios announced today that the movie, from Lucasfilm Ltd., will be released by Touchstone Pictures on January 23, 2015.
The film is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion. Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic, which created the CGI animation for 2011’s Academy Award-winning film Rango, bring to life the fanciful forest turned upside down with world-class animation and visual effects.
With a story by George Lucas, Strange Magic is directed by Gary Rydstrom (“Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation,” “Lifted”), produced by Mark S . Miller (associate producer “Mars Attacks!”) and executive produced by George Lucas,...
Here’s your first look at the new animated film Strange Magic.
Walt Disney Studios announced today that the movie, from Lucasfilm Ltd., will be released by Touchstone Pictures on January 23, 2015.
The film is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion. Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic, which created the CGI animation for 2011’s Academy Award-winning film Rango, bring to life the fanciful forest turned upside down with world-class animation and visual effects.
With a story by George Lucas, Strange Magic is directed by Gary Rydstrom (“Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation,” “Lifted”), produced by Mark S . Miller (associate producer “Mars Attacks!”) and executive produced by George Lucas,...
- 11/11/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Disney and Lucasfilm have released the first image from upcoming animated movie Strange Magic.
Executive produced by George Lucas, the film was in production when Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012.
Inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream, Strange Magic has been described as a "madcap fairy tale musical" which will feature popular songs from the last 60 years, as goblins, elves, fairies and imps embark on a great battle for a powerful potion.
Directed by Gary Rydstrom, the picture offers a first look at the Bog King, Griselda and Marianne, voiced by Alan Cumming, Maya Rudolph and Evan Rachel Wood respectively.
The voice cast also includes Kristin Chenoweth, Alfred Molina, Sam Palladio, Elijah Kelley, Bob Einstein, Peter Stormare and newcomer Meredith Anne Bull.
Rydstrom co-wrote the film's script alongside Elf's David Berenbaum and Brave's Irene Mecchi.
Released through Touchstone Pictures, Strange Magic will hit cinemas on January 23, 2015.
Executive produced by George Lucas, the film was in production when Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012.
Inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream, Strange Magic has been described as a "madcap fairy tale musical" which will feature popular songs from the last 60 years, as goblins, elves, fairies and imps embark on a great battle for a powerful potion.
Directed by Gary Rydstrom, the picture offers a first look at the Bog King, Griselda and Marianne, voiced by Alan Cumming, Maya Rudolph and Evan Rachel Wood respectively.
The voice cast also includes Kristin Chenoweth, Alfred Molina, Sam Palladio, Elijah Kelley, Bob Einstein, Peter Stormare and newcomer Meredith Anne Bull.
Rydstrom co-wrote the film's script alongside Elf's David Berenbaum and Brave's Irene Mecchi.
Released through Touchstone Pictures, Strange Magic will hit cinemas on January 23, 2015.
- 11/11/2014
- Digital Spy
Lucasfilm and Touchstone Pictures have announced a January 23rd 2015 release date for the Gary Rydstrom-directed animated feature "Strange Magic". The project is described as a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Popular songs from the past six decades are weaved into this comedic tale of magical creatures - including goblins, elves, fairies and imps - who become caught up in misadventures due to a powerful potion.
The voice cast includes Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Sam Palladio, Alfred Molina, Elijah Kelley, Bob Einstein and Peter Stormare. Marius de Vries ("Moulin Rouge") serves as the film's musical director and composer.
George Lucas penned the story and will executive produce, whilst Rydstrom, David Berenbaum and Irene Mecchi worked on the script. Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Ilm, which previously worked on 2011's "Rango," are handling the animation.
The project comes as a surprise.
Popular songs from the past six decades are weaved into this comedic tale of magical creatures - including goblins, elves, fairies and imps - who become caught up in misadventures due to a powerful potion.
The voice cast includes Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Sam Palladio, Alfred Molina, Elijah Kelley, Bob Einstein and Peter Stormare. Marius de Vries ("Moulin Rouge") serves as the film's musical director and composer.
George Lucas penned the story and will executive produce, whilst Rydstrom, David Berenbaum and Irene Mecchi worked on the script. Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Ilm, which previously worked on 2011's "Rango," are handling the animation.
The project comes as a surprise.
- 11/11/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
A year after the industry-rattling announcement that Walt Disney Pictures had acquired LucasFilm and planned on moving forward with hew "Star Wars" movies, there were vague reports that George Lucas and prequel trilogy sound mixer Gary Rydstrom were collaborating on an untitled animated film. Further digging revealed that the project may have been in the works since 2010. Without Disney or LucasFilm confirmations, the project was filed under rumors and left alone. Now, the joint companies have unearthed the long-gestating project on their own. "Strange Magic" will suddenly arrive in January 2015. In an official press release, Disney describes the feature cartoon as "a madcap fairy tale musical" inspired by William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night's Dream.” Pop songs plucked from "the last six decades" will tell the tale of "a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion." Which...
- 11/11/2014
- by Matt Patches
- Hitfix
An animated musical inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream with a story from George Lucas is headed to theaters this coming January, Disney announced Tuesday. Touchstone Pictures will release Lucasfilm's Strange Magic Jan. 23, 2015. The film's musical qualities are Moulin Rouge-like, as it features pop songs from the "past six decades," and features the voices of some musical theater heavyweights like Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth. Evan Rachel Wood, Maya Rudolph, and Alfred Molina are among the others in the cast. Though Lucas conceived the story, the movie is directed by Gary Rydstrom, who wrote the screenplay with David Berenbaum of Elf and Irene Mecchi,...
- 11/11/2014
- by Esther Zuckerman
- EW - Inside Movies
Move over, Luke Skywalker. It turns out that the first Lucasfilm movie to be released under the auspices of parent company Disney won’t be Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but a far-less-known animated musical written by George Lucas himself. Lucasfilm announced Tuesday that Touchstone Pictures will be releasing Strange Magic, a collaboration between Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic. The movie, directed by Gary Rydstrom from a story by Lucas and screenplay by Elf’s David Berenbaum, Brave’s Irene Mecchi and Rydstrom, is inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream and features “popular songs from the past six
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- 11/11/2014
- by Graeme McMillan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We can put the web rumors to rest. There was buzz that this film was going to be Frozen 2, but it’s clearly not. Disney has slotted January 23 for the release of Lucasfilm’s new animated pic Strange Magic. Described as a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Strange Magic will be released via Touchstone Pictures. Helped by popular songs from the past six decades, it tells a story of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.
All-star voice cast includes Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph and Sam Palladio. Gary Rydstrom directs a story by George Lucas. Rydstrom also co-wrote the screenplay with David Berenbaum (Elf),and Irene Mecchi (Brave, The Lion King). Mark S. Miller is producing and Lucas is executive producing. Right now Strange Magic...
All-star voice cast includes Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph and Sam Palladio. Gary Rydstrom directs a story by George Lucas. Rydstrom also co-wrote the screenplay with David Berenbaum (Elf),and Irene Mecchi (Brave, The Lion King). Mark S. Miller is producing and Lucas is executive producing. Right now Strange Magic...
- 11/11/2014
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline
Here’s something of a surprise – an animated film from a well-known company (Lucasfilm) based on an idea by a well-known filmmaker (George Lucas) that has somehow made it as far as two months from release without much exposure at all. Prepare, then, for Strange Magic.Based on a story by Lucas, turned into a script by legendary sound designer and director of Pixar short Lifted, Gary Rydstrom, alongside Irene Mecchi and David Berenbaum, Strange Magic is described as a fairy tale inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. There will be a musical element too, as songs from the last 60 years help to bring to life the story of a cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps who are all trying to get hold of a magic potion.Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Sam Palladio, Alfred Molina and Peter Stomare are on tap...
- 11/11/2014
- EmpireOnline
While we're all so transfixed by what Lucasfilm is doing with Star Wars now that the production company is under the banner of Disney, that's not the only thing they've been working on. In fact, Lucasfilm has an animated movie called Strange Magic that has just been given a release date of January 23rd, 2015 by Touchstone Pictures, one of Disney's distribution arms. The film is described as a "madcap fairy tale musical" inspired by the classic tale A Midsummer Night's Dream, so no, that's not a weird variation of Groot in the image above. Instead, that's our first look at the Bog King (voiced by Alan Cumming), Griselda (Maya Rudolph) and Marianne (Evan Rachel Wood) in the computer animated film. Look! Here's the first image from Gary Rydstrom's Strange Magic from Lucasfilm: Strange Magic is directed by Gary Rydstrom (of the Pixar shorts Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation and...
- 11/11/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
After years of development, Lucasfilm's animated musical "Strange Magic" finally has a release date.
The film, based on a story by none other than "Star Wars" mastermind and onetime Lucasfilm head George Lucas, is set for release on January 23, 2015. Per Variety, "Strange Magic" is "a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' with popular songs from the past six decades used to help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion."
And Lucas isn't the only big name attached to the project. The star-studded cast is stacked with Broadway and Hollywood heavyweights, including Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Sam Palladio, Alfred Molina, Elijah Kelley, Bob Einstein, Peter Stormare, and newcomer Meredith Anne Bull.
"Strange Magic" has actually been in production since Disney purchased Lucasfilm...
The film, based on a story by none other than "Star Wars" mastermind and onetime Lucasfilm head George Lucas, is set for release on January 23, 2015. Per Variety, "Strange Magic" is "a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' with popular songs from the past six decades used to help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion."
And Lucas isn't the only big name attached to the project. The star-studded cast is stacked with Broadway and Hollywood heavyweights, including Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Sam Palladio, Alfred Molina, Elijah Kelley, Bob Einstein, Peter Stormare, and newcomer Meredith Anne Bull.
"Strange Magic" has actually been in production since Disney purchased Lucasfilm...
- 11/11/2014
- by Katie Roberts
- Moviefone
Robin Williams’ death has, most likely, put an end to the potential sequel to his 1993 hit Mrs. Doubtfire.
Mrs. Doubtfire Sequel Likely Cancelled
Mrs. Doubtfire, one of Williams’ most beloved roles, is a family classic, and talk of a sequel has been around for years. Mrs. Doubtfire 2 was reportedly in early stages of development, with director Chris Columbus tied to the project. Elf screenwriter David Berenbaum was working on the script for Fox, but neither Williams nor Columbus had officially signed on to the project. However, the film is reportedly unlikely to get made in light of Williams’ passing. Fox has yet to make an official decision regarding the project, but it’s unclear whether or not Columbus would return to the story without his star.
Following Williams’ death, Columbus released a statement calling Williams “one of this generation’s greatest actors.”
Columbus went on to praise Williams as a true comedic genius,...
Mrs. Doubtfire Sequel Likely Cancelled
Mrs. Doubtfire, one of Williams’ most beloved roles, is a family classic, and talk of a sequel has been around for years. Mrs. Doubtfire 2 was reportedly in early stages of development, with director Chris Columbus tied to the project. Elf screenwriter David Berenbaum was working on the script for Fox, but neither Williams nor Columbus had officially signed on to the project. However, the film is reportedly unlikely to get made in light of Williams’ passing. Fox has yet to make an official decision regarding the project, but it’s unclear whether or not Columbus would return to the story without his star.
Following Williams’ death, Columbus released a statement calling Williams “one of this generation’s greatest actors.”
Columbus went on to praise Williams as a true comedic genius,...
- 8/15/2014
- Uinterview
After committing suicide on Monday, Robin Williams left us with four yet-to-be-released films, including "Night at the Museum 3." But there was one high-profile sequel that the actor was attached to star in. That sequel is "Mrs. Doubtfire 2." The script has been written by David Berenbaum and Chris Columbus was set to return as director. It looked like the movie was all set to go into production soon, but now it seems that nobody is willing to proceed without Williams. Berenbaum had reportedly met with Williams in recent months and was working on a second draft of the script. It's still possible that the film may get a reboot with a different actor, but those decisions won't be made any time soon.
- 8/13/2014
- WorstPreviews.com
The untimely death of Robin Williams has certainly been felt, and will continue to reverberate in our minds and hearts, and on our screens, for years to come. Williams was at work on a number of projects before he died, four of which are films that are already in the can and will be seen this year and next.
The first project is Merry Friggin’ Christmas, an indie comedy with a November 7th release date, which also stars Joel McHale and Wendy McLendon-Covey. Williams plays McHale’s father, who joins his son on a road trip to retrieve some forgotten gifts. This sounds a little bit too close to some of Williams’s later film roles (like Rv), which left a little something to be desired, but just the presence of the comedian on screen will be enough to get me to give it a chance.
The actor will then...
The first project is Merry Friggin’ Christmas, an indie comedy with a November 7th release date, which also stars Joel McHale and Wendy McLendon-Covey. Williams plays McHale’s father, who joins his son on a road trip to retrieve some forgotten gifts. This sounds a little bit too close to some of Williams’s later film roles (like Rv), which left a little something to be desired, but just the presence of the comedian on screen will be enough to get me to give it a chance.
The actor will then...
- 8/12/2014
- by Lauren Humphries-Brooks
- We Got This Covered
What will happen to Robin Williams' unreleased films?
When Robin Williams was found dead on August 11, he left behind an amazing library of films, but he also had several projects in the works that audiences have yet to see.
Pics: Robin Williams Through The Years
The most visible would likely be the sequel to 1993 hit Mrs. Doubtfire, which hadn't begun filming. It's hard to imagine anyone filling Robin's shoes in that role, and Variety indeed reports that the sequel is unlikely to go forward, though screenwriter David Berenbaum reportedly met recently with Williams to go over the script.
Williams also had several projects in the can, with Night at the Museum: Secrets of the Tomb, set to be released December 19, and Merry Friggin' Christmas scheduled to arrive November 7.
News: Remembering Robin Williams: His 7 Best Films
He also starred in Boulevard, which has yet to be picked up by a distributer, and voices...
When Robin Williams was found dead on August 11, he left behind an amazing library of films, but he also had several projects in the works that audiences have yet to see.
Pics: Robin Williams Through The Years
The most visible would likely be the sequel to 1993 hit Mrs. Doubtfire, which hadn't begun filming. It's hard to imagine anyone filling Robin's shoes in that role, and Variety indeed reports that the sequel is unlikely to go forward, though screenwriter David Berenbaum reportedly met recently with Williams to go over the script.
Williams also had several projects in the can, with Night at the Museum: Secrets of the Tomb, set to be released December 19, and Merry Friggin' Christmas scheduled to arrive November 7.
News: Remembering Robin Williams: His 7 Best Films
He also starred in Boulevard, which has yet to be picked up by a distributer, and voices...
- 8/12/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
Robin Williams always seemed to have a busy career and it shows with four unreleased movies still yet to come from the star. This ensures that people will still have a chance to watch him in a few new movies onscreen.
He will next appear in Merry Friggin’ Christmas, an indie comedy set for November 7, 2014. In the movie Williams and Joel McHale play a father and son who hit the road to retrieve some forgotten gifts in time for the holidays. Wendi McLendon-Covey, Lauren Graham, and Oliver Platt also star. Another holiday release this year is on December 19th with Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. Williams reprises his role as Teddy Roosevelt.
Next year he has the movie Absolutely Anything, in which Williams voices the animated character of Dennis the Dog. Kate Beckinsale and Simon Pegg lead the non-animated cast. Finally, he stars in the drama Boulevard,...
He will next appear in Merry Friggin’ Christmas, an indie comedy set for November 7, 2014. In the movie Williams and Joel McHale play a father and son who hit the road to retrieve some forgotten gifts in time for the holidays. Wendi McLendon-Covey, Lauren Graham, and Oliver Platt also star. Another holiday release this year is on December 19th with Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. Williams reprises his role as Teddy Roosevelt.
Next year he has the movie Absolutely Anything, in which Williams voices the animated character of Dennis the Dog. Kate Beckinsale and Simon Pegg lead the non-animated cast. Finally, he stars in the drama Boulevard,...
- 8/12/2014
- by Graham McMorrow
- City of Films
Robin Williams died suddenly Monday, leaving behind a still-active film career. This holiday season, moviegoers will be able to see him reprise his role as Teddy Roosevelt in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. The sequel wrapped production in May, according to Twentieth Century Fox, and will bow on Dec. 19th.
Williams’ other holiday flick is the indie family comedy Merry Friggin’ Christmas, co-starring Wendi McLendon-Covey, Lauren Graham and Oliver Platt. Phase 4 will release the movie, produced by Captain America directors Joe and Anthony Russo on November 7.
He also recently starred opposite Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad) in the Dito Montiel drama Boulevard,...
Williams’ other holiday flick is the indie family comedy Merry Friggin’ Christmas, co-starring Wendi McLendon-Covey, Lauren Graham and Oliver Platt. Phase 4 will release the movie, produced by Captain America directors Joe and Anthony Russo on November 7.
He also recently starred opposite Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad) in the Dito Montiel drama Boulevard,...
- 8/12/2014
- by Nicole Sperling
- EW - Inside Movies
"But Seriously, How Would You Make a ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ Sequel?" was originally published on Film School Rejects for our wonderful readers to enjoy. It is not intended to be reproduced on other websites. If you aren't reading this in your favorite RSS reader or on Film School Rejects, you're being bamboozled. We hope you'll come find us and enjoy the best articles about movies, television and culture right from the source.
As we all know too well, Mrs. Doubtfire – the seminal Robin Williams-wearing-women’s-clothing comedy — has been officially given a sequel by Fox 2000. Both Williams and the original’s director, Chris Columbus, are on board in the same positions they held last time around. Screenwriter Bonnie Hunt, however, has been replaced with David Berenbaum, of Elf fame (also Zoom, The Haunted Mansion and The Spiderwick Chronicles fame, which might seem a little less impressive). We all know the decades-later sequel drill. Some...
As we all know too well, Mrs. Doubtfire – the seminal Robin Williams-wearing-women’s-clothing comedy — has been officially given a sequel by Fox 2000. Both Williams and the original’s director, Chris Columbus, are on board in the same positions they held last time around. Screenwriter Bonnie Hunt, however, has been replaced with David Berenbaum, of Elf fame (also Zoom, The Haunted Mansion and The Spiderwick Chronicles fame, which might seem a little less impressive). We all know the decades-later sequel drill. Some...
- 4/21/2014
- by Adam Bellotto
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Should Robin Williams’ Mrs. Doubtfire sequel become a reality, there is one actress who will definitely not be reprising her role in the classic 90s comedy: Mara Wilson.
Wilson, now 26, was just five years old when she got her breakout role in Mrs. Doubtfire as the youngest of three children, Natalie Hillard. Wilsen went on to earn a place in pop culture history when she played Susan Walker in the 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street, and is perhaps most beloved for her starring turn in Matilda (1996) After the 90s came to a close, Wilson left professional acting behind, and says she has no intention of picking up where she left off in Hollywood should she be asked to participate in a Mrs. Doubtfire sequel.
“For the record, no, I do not have anything to do with the Mrs. Doubtfire sequel, nor will I,” Wilson proclaimed on Twitter Thursday, April...
Wilson, now 26, was just five years old when she got her breakout role in Mrs. Doubtfire as the youngest of three children, Natalie Hillard. Wilsen went on to earn a place in pop culture history when she played Susan Walker in the 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street, and is perhaps most beloved for her starring turn in Matilda (1996) After the 90s came to a close, Wilson left professional acting behind, and says she has no intention of picking up where she left off in Hollywood should she be asked to participate in a Mrs. Doubtfire sequel.
“For the record, no, I do not have anything to do with the Mrs. Doubtfire sequel, nor will I,” Wilson proclaimed on Twitter Thursday, April...
- 4/18/2014
- Uinterview
A sequel to the 1993 box office hit Mrs. Doubtfire has been talked about for over a decade, so what’s the latest you and or your mom might be asking? Well, after Robin Williams reportedly rejected a script in 2006, and the project has remained dead, the actor noted in a recent interview, “They kept trying and it doesn’t work… because at the end of the first one they reveal who [Mrs. Doubtfire] is.”
Fast forward a few years and David Berenbaum (Elf) may have found a way to make it work, because The Wrap reports Fox 2000 has revived Mrs. Doubtfire 2 with a script by Berenbaum. Williams is on board and Chris Columbus will return to direct. The report does not specify where Mrs. Doubtfire 2 will pick up or who else will return; but we know Mara Wilson won’t be:
For the record, no, I do not have anything to do with the Mrs. Doubtfire sequel,...
Fast forward a few years and David Berenbaum (Elf) may have found a way to make it work, because The Wrap reports Fox 2000 has revived Mrs. Doubtfire 2 with a script by Berenbaum. Williams is on board and Chris Columbus will return to direct. The report does not specify where Mrs. Doubtfire 2 will pick up or who else will return; but we know Mara Wilson won’t be:
For the record, no, I do not have anything to do with the Mrs. Doubtfire sequel,...
- 4/17/2014
- by Graham McMorrow
- City of Films
Widely recognized as one of the beloved films of the 1990s (with $440 million worldwide box office), “Mrs. Doubtfire” has waited decades to get the sequel it so rightly deserves.
And according to Fox 2000, director Chris Columbus and star Robin Williams are already hard at work on a second installment.
“Elf” writer David Berenbaum has been charged with writing the script, though there’s no telling what misadventures Daniel Hillard will get up to this time around.
Back in 2001, producers began working on a sequel to “Mrs. Doubtfire,” but due to multiple circumstances it was put on hold until now.
And according to Fox 2000, director Chris Columbus and star Robin Williams are already hard at work on a second installment.
“Elf” writer David Berenbaum has been charged with writing the script, though there’s no telling what misadventures Daniel Hillard will get up to this time around.
Back in 2001, producers began working on a sequel to “Mrs. Doubtfire,” but due to multiple circumstances it was put on hold until now.
- 4/17/2014
- GossipCenter
Update: Mara Wilson, the actress who played the adorable Natalie Hillard in the first movie, has just tweeted out saying that "sequels generally suck unless they were planned..." We're sad to hear that it's unlikely she'll return, but we're still excited for the show to go on!
April 17, 2014 - It's been 21 years since Robin Williams put on a wig, dress, and some makeup, and he's ready to bring one of our favorite little old ladies is out from retirement!
If we had to describe Mrs. Doubtfire in just one word, we'd have to say "charming." The 1993 movie is about a man going through a divorce and, as a way to see his kids more often, dresses up as a feisty old nanny! It's a movie we still come back to - even to this day!
When we heard the news that Mrs. Doubtfire would be getting a sequel, there was...
April 17, 2014 - It's been 21 years since Robin Williams put on a wig, dress, and some makeup, and he's ready to bring one of our favorite little old ladies is out from retirement!
If we had to describe Mrs. Doubtfire in just one word, we'd have to say "charming." The 1993 movie is about a man going through a divorce and, as a way to see his kids more often, dresses up as a feisty old nanny! It's a movie we still come back to - even to this day!
When we heard the news that Mrs. Doubtfire would be getting a sequel, there was...
- 4/17/2014
- by dbethke@fanlala.com (Dave B.)
- kidspickflicks
Jupiter Ascending: The next sci-fi movie from the Wachowskis is heading to theaters on July 18, and a new image from Jupiter Ascending confirms it can't come soon enough. Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis are featured, ready to fly, thanks to a pair of antigravity boots. [Total Film] Mrs. Doubtfire: A sequel to the 1993 smash hit comedy Mrs. Doubtfire is moving forward (again). The original, directed by Chris Columbus, starred Robin Williams as a recently divorced father who dresses up as a woman to get a job as a housekeeper so he can spend more time with his children. A sequel has been in development since 2001; David Berenbaum (Elf) is writing a new script, and both Columbus and Williams are returning. [The Hollywood Reporter] The Hobbit:...
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- 4/17/2014
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
Get those dinner reservations in order - a sequel to Mrs. Doubtfire is in the works. Robin Williams and director Chris Columbus are attached to the 1993 family comedy's sequel, which is in development at Fox 2000. Elf screenwriter David Berenbaum is writing the script, which means you can possibly expect a scene where Mrs. Doubtfire's engines are revived by the power of Christmas. As the project appears to be very early in the development process, there is no word on a release date, nor which children Williams will need to pose as an elderly Scottish woman caring for them. Mara Wilson,...
- 4/17/2014
- by Nate Jones
- PEOPLE.com
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