Check out this brilliant first trailer for MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE.
I’m sold!
In MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, director Travis Knight brings the legendary franchise back to the big screen in this epic live-action adventure. After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe.
Exclusively in theaters June 5, 2026 in U.S. theaters on June 5, 2026 by Amazon MGM Studios and internationally this June, by Sony Pictures International Releasing.
Nicholas Galitzine stars in MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE
Okay, now just a couple of days ago, one of the year’s most anticipated sequels (54 years in the making) was released. So, while Ms. P is soaring through the skies, how about a change of pace? Who’s up for a “prequel”? You know, a story before the story you’ve already seen. This past Summer not very many (for this lucrative franchise) turned out for the much-hyped character rather than story prequel SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY. Sure, it’s settled into this year’s top ten box officer grosser at number eight, but the franchise entries of the last few years have climbed into the top three (often in the top spot). That’s not of concern to the folks over at Paramount Studios. For the last eleven years, they’ve sent out five live-action feature films (of varying quality and profitability) all spawned from a very beloved line of toys (yes, not a TV series or comic book, but toys). Oh, and they’ve all been helmed by the same director. Now a new talent takes the reigns for the first “spin-off’ prequel” in the TRANSFORMERS franchise, focused on a “fan favorite’ supporting player in the series, the yellow-hued “Autobot” nicknamed BUMBLEBEE.
Being a prequel, this has to be set in the past, right? Just how far back do we set the “Waybac” machine? 1987, thirty-one years ago (and twenty years before the first big flick) is the year when the “good guy” Autobots are scattered across the galaxy after they are attacked by the ruthless Decepticons trying to dominate their homeworld of Cybertron. Optimus Prime sends the smaller Autobot, Bumblebee, to Earth as a scout (hopefully the Autobots will later re-group on a “safe” world). The plucky robot crashes to our planet, narrowly avoiding a special forces team, headed by Burns (John Cena), who are engaged in combat exercises in the wooded locale. The troops aren’t so lucky when a Decepticon arrives in pursuit. Burns and his troops are injured, as is Bumblebee (the “bad bot” disables his “voice box” and memory systems). Luckily BB gets the upper hand, destroying his foe, and escaping after mimicking a nearby Volkswagen “bug”. Not far away, in a small ocean-side town, we meet soon to be eighteen-year-old Charlie Watson (Hailee Steinfeld). She’s had a rough couple of years after losing her adored father. Her kid brother’s a karate-loving pain, Mom (Pamela Adlon) is too “hovering” and her new hubby is kind of a doofus. While working her Summer job at a nearby amusement park (“hot dog on a stick”, yummy), a smitten co-worker Memo (Jorge Lendeborg) tries to connect as the rich popular kids put down the both of them. Ah, but more than popularity, Charlie, a “gear-head” whiz, wants a car. And when she sees the beaten-up yellow VW (there’s a hive inside) at Uncle Hank’s (Len Cariou) salvage yard, it’s love at first sight. Turns out the grumbly Hank has a heart of gold and gives the car to her as a birthday present. Alone in the garage with her prize, Charlie begins tinkering under the chassis. Then two pupil-like eye beams flash on. Bumblebee reveals his true form to her, transforming from auto to hulking ten-foot-tall android. Though he has a new friend, BB is not out of danger. Two more Decepticons, the assassins Shatter (voice of Angela Bassett) and Dropkick (vo: Justin Theroux), arrive on Earth and make contact with Burns and the officers and scientists at his remote desert military outpost. The two “bad bots” offer their advance tech in exchange for communications access. While they say they wish to help mankind, the two are actually using the satellites to track the Autobot scout. Can Charlie keep the secret of Bumblebee hidden from her family and friends, while avoiding the battle-scarred Burns, his heavily-armed squadron and the two Decepticons out for his blood…er..oil?
Since the story mainly focuses on one Autobot, the cast is not as large as the previous Transformers flicks (fewer ‘bots, fewer humans, I guess that’s logical). Steinfeld plays the human heroine of the tale with great energy and humor. Her Charlie is more complex than the misfit tough gals in any uninspired high school “coming of age” dramedy. Steinfeld shows us her longing and urgency coupled with a sadness for the father figure she’s lost (I’m guessing that she was his second set of hands in the garage). Plus we see that this new friendship has reignited her sense of adventure and her desire to stand up for herself. Charlie’s main adversary (aside from the “mean girls” and the Decepticons) is Cena as the gregarious macho dude who is changed physically and mentally by his “close encounter”. With the jagged scar stretching from forehead to jaw Burns becomes a turbo-charged captain Ahab, obsessed with revenge against these Alien devices. Even as his superiors agree to join forces with the deceitful duo, he voices his extreme reservations (“They call themselves Decepticons! Hello?!”). There’s great comic relief provided by Lendeborg’s Memo who alternates between adoration and terror in his pursuit of Charlie. And Adlon’s is great as the tough and tender matriarch, though it’s not as complex as her usual gig on TV’s “Better Things”.
Replacing Michael Bay in the director’s chair (he made the first five franchise flicks) is live-action feature film newcomer Travis Knight (He directed the wonderful stop-motion animated feature KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS in 2016). Knight brings an epic feel to the opening battle sequence on Cybertron, though the rapid angle tilts can seem disorienting amongst the sparks and cannon flares (and the swooshing and clanging audio track). Thankfully he calms things down back on this planet as the story shifts its focus on Charlie and family. The script often overdoses on 80’s nostalgia with boxes full of cassettes, VHS tapes, Mt. T cereal at the breakfast table and “Alf” and the game “Pong” on the big 19 inch TV. When Charlie gets to know BB, it almost shifts into ET meets THE IRON GIANT mode, then busts off a few teen angst bits right from the John Hughes playbook. Luckily Knight can cut to the sinister campy villainy of the “bad bots” who bring a nice twist to the “friendly aliens” of that era. There’s too much time devoted to teen class conflict, but the story soon gets back on track as it gears up for a midnight rumble on the docks. One welcome change from the other films is the slicker, more simplified design of the Autobots and their enemies. Perhaps since it’s set at the time of their original TV cartoon series, they resemble the look from those and the old Marvel Comics, without the multitude of distracting gizmos and gears over every inch of the CGI cast. Speaking of, kudos for the animators for making the main character so expressive, from his tiny “headlight’ eyes to the radio that “dials” up his dialogue. It’s a nice change from the barrage of noise and the constant sensory assault of the other movies (particularly the last headache-inducing one). Basically this is a high-tech, sci-fi, pop culture cluttered take on the girl and her horse films of long ago (NATIONAL VELVET). If this is the new direction for the series, then this “origin” of BUMBLEBEE is a welcome first step.
Earlier this month, Paramount Pictures released the first trailer for one of the most anticipated films of 2018, BUMBLEBEE. In case you missed it, watch the terrific first trailer.
Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Travis Knight brings his expertise in the world of stop-motion animation to Transformers with BUMBLEBEE. By combining meticulous craft skills with cutting edge technology, Travis showcases his ability to develop characters and inspire emotions through a unique storytelling vision that brings fan favorite Bumblebee to life.
Listen as the filmmaker and actors Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena discuss the origin story of the loveable Autobot.
On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug.
The film opens in theatres December 21st, 2018.
BUMBLEBEE is produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto & Don Murphy, Michael Bay. Steven Spielberg is one of the Executive Producers.
“A driver don’t pick the car. The car pick the driver.”
Hitting theater Christmas 2018 is Paramount Pictures’ BUMBLEBEE starring Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena. Check out the first trailer from the upcoming movie.
There’s a lot going on in this sentimental and nicely cut trailer, including the shot of what appears to be Decepticon Starscream (G1). The voiceover of Bernie Mac as Bobby Bolivia (TRANSFORMERS 2007) at the start of the trailer was a nice emotional touch.
Transformer fans have been waiting a long time for a stand-alone Bumblebee movie and from this first trailer for the prequel, director Travis Knight (KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS, CORALINE) looks like he’ll deliver an emotional story of a girl and her Autobot. I can’t wait for December!
Additionally the film’s score is composed by Dario Marianelli. The previous TRANSFORMER movies were from composer Steve Jablonsky.
On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug.
The film opens in theatres December 21st, 2018.
BUMBLEBEE is produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto & Don Murphy, Michael Bay. Steven Spielberg is one of the Executive Producers.
Bumblebee in TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT, from Paramount Pictures.
Paramount Pictures, in association with HASBRO, announced today that principal photography has commenced on BUMBLEBEE.
The film’s shoot will take place entirely in California, including in Southern and Northern California.
Directed by Travis Knight (“KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS,” “CORALINE”), the film stars Hailee Steinfeld (“EDGE OF SEVENTEEN”), Pamela Adlon (“BETTER THINGS,””LOUIE”), John Cena (“DADDY’S HOME 2,” “TRAINWRECK”), Stephen Schneider (Comedy Central’s “BROAD CITY”), Jorge Lendeborg Jr. (“SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING”), Jason Drucker (“DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL”), Kenneth Choi (“AMERICAN CRIME STORY”), Ricardo Hoyos (“DEGRASSI: NEXT CLASS”), Abby Quinn (“LANDLINE,” “THE SISTERHOOD OF THE NIGHT”), Rachel Crow (“DEIDRA & LANEY ROB A TRAIN”), and Grace Dzienny (“ZOO”).
On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug.
The film is produced by “TRANSFORMERS” franchise veterans Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Michael Bay, along with executive producers Steven Spielberg, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. Chris Brigham (“ARGO,” “INCEPTION”) will also executive produce. The screenplay is written by Christina Hodson (“UNFORGETTABLE”).
Paramount Pictures will release BUMBLEBEE On DECEMBER 21, 2018.
LAIKA’s new film, KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS opens tomorrow… but does it live up to their innovative reputation? It certainly does, with one slight (Eh… big. It’s pretty big…) problem.
KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS is the story of a magical young boy who finds himself on a mission to solve the mystery of his fallen warrior of a father, while avoiding evil spirits that will do anything to stop him. Along the way, young Kubo encounters Monkey (Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Matthew McConaughey) who help guide him on his journey. Together, the three of them set out to find out just what happened to the greatest samurai who ever lived, and finally find an end to his tale.
Let me start off by saying that the story of KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS is incredible. Set in Japan, the film honors the heritage and culture of the country in a magical and enchanting way. LAIKA never disappoints when it comes to story. The same can be said for the look of the film. The rich colors, details in emotions, hair, the elements, etc. are all breathtaking, and draw the audience in. It’s hard not to get lost in the beauty. I can’t say enough great things about Travis Knight. He always picks incredible stories that are original, layered, and saturated with issues that are pertinent to humanity.
Art Parkinson from ‘Game of Thrones’ is the voice of young KUBO, and he does an incredible job. His sort spoken voice and incredible laughter bring life to the character. I could tell you how incredible Theron and McConaughey are as Monkey and Beetle, but you already know that, because they are incredible actors. This, however, leads me to the part where I talk about my one big problem with the film…
It’s the blatant Hollywood ‘white-washing.’ Really? All three of the main characters are white? In a Japanese film? It’s 2016… This has been a major issue with films in the past couple of years. It’s been all over the media. It was a huge scandal with the Oscars. Someone had to think that this would be a slight problem. I’m just saying, maybe they should have gone back and corrected this… Or at least included a person of color in one of the three main roles.
I can’t end this review without mentioning Regina Spektor and her incredible rendition of The Beatles song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” I normally hate Beatles covers because I am a HUGE Beatles fan, but she did a phenomenal job. I love it!
OVERALL RATING : 4 out of 5 stars
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KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGSis an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Akihiro (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Academy Award® nominee Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Recently, I got the chance to sit down with stars Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey, along with director Travis Knight, who also happens to be the President and CEO of LAIKA. Check out some of the highlights below!
Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award® winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award® winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award® nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award® nominee Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.
Travis, what was it about the screenplay that fell into your goals of LAIKA from the very beginning?
KNIGHT : Well, we started LAIKA about ten years ago, and we had a pretty simple mandate which was make movies that matter… To tell stories that were rich… that were provocative… that were thematically challenging, and that had info to say about what it’s like to be human. We always want to do new, interesting stories. We want to explore aspects of the human condition this story really spoke to me because when I was a kid I love the big, epic fantasies with this film was. At the same time, when I was eight years old I went to Japan for the first time. I was a kid who grew up in Portland, Oregon so being in Japan was unlike anything else I’d ever experienced. It was a real revelation for me. It’s a kind of art that’s lived with me for my entire life. So, this film really ticked those boxes for me.
‘The Great Jang-Gemu’ filmaker said that every boy wants either wants a train set or to make a martial arts movie. I didn’t have a train set so this is my martial arts movie.
I know that there’s a lot of influence here… Not just Akira Kurosawa, but also Hayao Miyazaki .. How much did those influences way on you while making the film?
KNIGHT : Well, we draw inspiration from a lot of different places, and, you know, probably the two biggest filmmaker- influences were Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki. For Kurosawa, it was the way he made films, which was, you know, this incredible composition, and cutting, and staging, and lighting and his work with shapes. But it was not just the way he made films, it was what he made films about. He always explored something really meaningful… things like existentialism and humanism. He’d really explore different aspects of what it means to be human in the human society… in the human family that we live in. That was an important aspect of what we did in this movie. For Hayao Miyazaki, I think, you know… I’ve been a fan of his for 20 years. The interesting thing for me is… Miyazaki has a half a dozen films that were either inspired by or set in Europe, and I love the way he internalizes, and synthesizes, and then weaves into his own art, different cultural influences. The same kind of prism that Miyazaki applied to Europe was what we wanted to apply to Japan. That same vitality and love for this incredible culture, we tried to apply to Japan in this movie.
For Art, Charlize, and Matthew… You’ve seen the film. I’d love to know what you thought?
PARKINSON : I loved the film. I just thought it was really, really beautiful. It was a very detailed film. Some of the key moments that stood out to me were the relationships that Kubo had with his mother, and the way he, sort of brought characters to life with his music and his origami. I like to think that I bring characters to life with what I do. It was really, sort of, cool to see, and to have something in common with the character.
THERON : I absolutely loved it! I feel terrible that I haven’t had a moment to talk to Travis about this. This is literally the fist time, so this is kind of my love song to you. [She looks at Travis] The first moment that I met Travis… when we started having a conversation about this, there was something very clear about what he was trying to set out to do. I think it was finding a way to, kind of, tell a story through great character, but also through a real sense of the world. It was very hard for him to talk about character without talking about world. And to see the film finally, and see the celebration of both of those things so beautifully and seamlessly done, I was so inspired by it, really. I have such admiration for the time, and the patience, and the passion that has to go into that. You know, as actors, we step in and the embodiment is in broad strokes. With this, it’s painted with such a small brush. It’s such a find brush. I sit here today in just complete awe of what that is. Of course, on top of all of that, the story, to me, is incredibly moving, and really layered and conflicted, and covers a lot of things that I think we are sometimes scared to address with children. I think it’s so true to what LAIKA stands for and what their films have represented. And that thematically, there really isn’t anything that you can’t explore, in an interesting way, through children’s eyes, and tell and teach the children. Yeah! I’m so happy to be a part of it. I never thought I would get to do something like this.
MCCONAUGHEY : Yeah. LAIKA before LAIKA, before, and with this, has not really ever made material that pandered to kids. It’s never been like, “Oh, that’s just a kids’ movie with kids’ themes.” There always considered adult themes, but things that every child can understand and digest. I got to watch it with my wife and my two eldest children, who are seven and five. There were tears. I think my wife said she cried about nine times. And then there was also laughter. And then there was something that the kids saw. The had tough questions afterward. They enjoyed the ride, but they came and asked. They were scared at the right times. They saw someone overcome fears. We got to talk about that. They got to equate that to things in their own life. You don’t get that in every animated film. So, we adults, we quite enjoyed it, and the kids loved it… and they’re 7 and 5. So, I think it’s a very impressive piece of work. It was obviously impressive when I met with Travis, we met for the first time for lunch to see how they do what they do, and I think it’s fully realized in the final film. I really enjoyed it.
Kubo has two very special special mentors helping him on his journey. Can you share any special mentors that you’ve had helping you on your life journey?
PARKINSON : For me very special mentor to me is my mother,and she’s right in the back there. She brought me up, and whenever I was coming up, working in this industry, on film and TV, she was my mentor because there was no one else really to teach me how to handle things. My mom was a very special mentor in every aspect of life, whether it be sports, or school, or acting. She’s always very supportive. I think the maternal instincts of a character like Monkey… I can relate that to my mother. Yeah. I also have a mentor in my father because he’s a little bit more fun, and a little less strict… like Matthew’s character Beetle. Yeah, he actually… he was the one in the film… whenever Beetle let him use the bow and stuff… my father let me try it out, and things like that. I can relate ti the film very well, and the mentors.
KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS hits theaters August 19, 2016
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Prepare for Kubo’s epic quest with an all-new motion poster.
Take a sneak peek at the magical adventure by watching a recently released clip that showcases the bravery of Beetle, voiced by Matthew McConaughey.
Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Hashi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Academy Award nominee Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.
Director: Travis Knight
Writers: Marc Haimes and Chris Butler (“ParaNorman”)
Voice Cast: Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Ralph Fiennes, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Vaccaro, Rooney Mara, and Matthew McConaughey
Kubo’s quest begins nationwide August 19, 2016 from animation studio LAIKA and Focus Features.
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Here’s your first look at the new poster for the epic action-adventure KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS.
The movie is directed by Travis Knight and written by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler (PARANORMAN).
Focus Features will release the new movie from animation studio LAIKA nationwide on August 19, 2016.
Synopsis:
Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling fantastical stories to the people of his seaside town. But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a mythical spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta.
Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family and his heroic destiny.
The all-star cast also includes George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Brenda Vaccaro.
Tune in on Friday, December 11th at 10AM PST for the exclusive debut of the teaser trailer on Fandango/MovieClips.
LAIKA and Focus Features, the two companies behind the Academy Award-nominated Coraline and ParaNorman and the current Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe Award-nominated release The Boxtrolls, today announced production on their fourth collaboration, KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS.
LAIKA President & CEO Travis Knight and Focus CEO Peter Schlessel made the announcement today. Knight, an Annie Award-winning animator, is making his directorial debut on KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS.
The new movie, from an original screenplay by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler (ParaNorman) is a sweeping, swashbuckling adventure set in a mythical ancient Japan. It is being brought to life at LAIKA’s Oregon studios via the company’s innovative 3D stop-motion and CG hybrid technique. In addition to directing, Knight is producing KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS with Arianne Sutner (ParaNorman).
The all-star voice cast includes Academy Award winners Matthew McConaughey and Charlize Theron; Academy Award nominees Rooney Mara, Ralph Fiennes, and Brenda Vaccaro; and Art Parkinson, who plays Rickon Stark on Game of Thrones and who is providing the voice for the title character of Kubo.
In the epic fantasy, scruffy, kindhearted Kubo ekes out a humble living while devotedly caring for his mother in their sleepy shoreside village. It is a quiet existence – until a spirit from the past catches up with him to enforce an age-old vendetta. Suddenly on the run from gods and monsters, Kubo’s chance for survival rests on finding the magical suit of armor once worn by his fallen father, the greatest samurai the world has ever known. Summoning courage, Kubo embarks on a thrilling odyssey as he faces his family’s history, navigates the elements, and bravely fights for the earth and the stars.
The movie will open in theaters nationwide domestically on August 19th, 2016. It is the first movie in the new three-picture partnership between LAIKA and Focus.
“Kubo and the Two Strings is a rare gem,” said Mr. Knight. “It’s a gripping yarn woven from Japanese folktales and mythology, with lost civilizations, mystical origami, noble heroes, star-crossed lovers, and blood-curdling monsters. At once epic and intimate, Kubo is a funny, intense, and ultimately uplifting fairy tale draped in some of the most bizarre and exciting imagery I’ve ever seen. Most importantly, it’s deeply moving. It’s a story that means something, a story that deserves to be told. In short, it’s a LAIKA movie. And with a poetic script, sublime cast, and our freakishly talented artists and craftspeople, Kubo will be a strange, stirring, and altogether stunning film. I can’t wait to share it with the world.”
“LAIKA raises the bar on animated movies as a creative art,” said Mr. Schlessel. “Each picture Focus does with them is unique yet identifiably theirs. Travis and Arianne have convened a wonderful group of animators, actors, and artisans to tell a story that moviegoers of all ages will be transported by.”
Coraline (2009) earned Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, PGA, and Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature Film; and was named one of the year’s 10 Best Films by the American Film Institute (AFI). ParaNorman (2012) garnered BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, GLAAD Media Award, PGA, and Academy Award nominations, won two Annie Awards (the animation community’s Oscars equivalent) and was cited as the year’s best animated film by 14 critics’ groups. The Boxtrolls has earned Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and 13 Annie Award nominations, more than any other film this year.
