DreamWorks Animation

In a thrilling announcement that has warmed the hearts of "How to Train Your Dragon" fans globally, Scottish actor Gerard Butler who has won the hearts of cinema lovers over the years with his quintessential performances, has confirmed reprising his role in the much beloved animation series. This momentous confirmation follows a series of speculations surrounding the actor's involvement in the continuation of the successful franchise."How to Train Your Dragon", based on the children's novel series by British author Cressida Cowell, is an animated action-fantasy film series produced by DreamWorks Animation. The series has three main films: "How to Train Your Dragon" (2010), "How to Train Your Dragon 2" (2014), and "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" (2019). These films follow the captivating adventures of a young Viking chief named Hiccup and his loyal dragon companion, Toothless.Gerard Butler, an accomplished actor with more than two decades of experience in the industry, added life and intensity to the character of Stoick the Vast, Hiccup's demanding, but caring, Viking chief father. Fans of the franchise admired Butler’s distinct and deep Scottish accent, perfect for the role's rousing speeches and battle cries. He made the character endearing and memorable by infusing an irresistible blend of courage, caring love, and the touch of a mentor.Even in death, Stoick’s character emanates influence and guidance in Hiccup's life, which Butler's voice acting made all the more powerful. This keeps fans wrapped in the captivating folds of the series, waiting eagerly for each release.Butler’s reprisal for his role in "How to Train Your Dragon" comes as no surprise. For years, Gerard Butler has demonstrated a unique knack for breathing life into various characters, making it impossible to imagine another filling these roles. This confirmed comeback has produced more than a ripple of excitement as dedicated fans can look forward to experiencing more of the characteristic energy, grit, and thrilling delivery that Butler infuses into his roles. This announcement fuels the anticipation for the upcoming spinoff series titled, “How to Train Your Dragon: The Nine Realms.” DreamWorks Animation and Hulu are collaborating on this highly anticipated series, promising to take viewers back to the world of Vikings and dragons. The series will materialize under the expert direction of Mystery Science Theatre 3000's Joel Hodgson.This project, however, is just another feather in Butler’s cap. The actor, who mastered the art of screen presence in high-grossing films like “300” and “P.S. I Love You”, has been busy with a series of projects. From the apocalyptic film “Greenland” to the action-thriller “Copshop”, Butler continues to demonstrate his acting prowess and diversity in roles.While fans of the "How to Train Your Dragon" series eagerly await the reunion with Gerard Butler and his larger-than-life character, it's essential to honor and celebrate the actor's diligence, dedication, and commitment to his craft. His unwavering work ethic and passion have made storytelling an immersive experience, impacting audiences in significant ways.In conclusion, Gerard Butler's recent confirmation to reprise his role as Stoick the Vast is undoubtedly exciting news for fans. Butler, whose impact on the series cannot be overstated, will bring back the spirit and soul of the beloved Viking chief in "How to Train Your Dragon: The Nine Realms". This news braces the anticipation for the upcoming series, promising an immersive viewing experience filled with action, emotion, and adventure, along with the iconic presence of Butler's stirring performance. There's no doubt that with Butler reprising his role, the series is slated for monumental success, further cementing its place in the hearts of its audience.

Legendary actor Jackie Chan is set to dazzle audiences once again, this time in the upcoming action-comedy film "Panda Plan." The announcement, which came during the last day of Tokyo's TIFFCOM content market, has generated significant buzz in the entertainment industry. Key Takeaways: Jackie Chan stars in a new action-comedy titled "Panda Plan." The film revolves around a unique baby panda and an international rescue mission. Directed by Zhang Luan and produced by Mandarin Motion Pictures and Wishart Media Co. The film will be showcased at the American Film Market in Los Angeles. Jackie Chan's recent projects and upcoming ventures highlight his continued prominence in the film industry. A Unique Panda Sparks an International Adventure The film's plot centers on a rare baby panda born with a dark circle around just one of its eyes. This unique feature catapults the panda to global fame after its birth at China's Noah Zoo. However, the panda's popularity also attracts unwanted attention. A wealthy Middle Eastern tycoon sends mercenaries to kidnap the zoo's baby pandas, prompting Jackie Chan's character, portrayed as an international action star, to embark on a thrilling rescue mission. A Star-Studded Cast and Crew Directed by mainland Chinese filmmaker Zhang Luan, known for his works "Song of Youth" and "Give Me Five," "Panda Plan" promises to be a cinematic treat. The film is produced by Mandarin Motion Pictures and Wishart Media Co. Alongside Jackie Chan, the movie features Shi Ce from "Hi, Mom," Wei Xiang of "Full River Red," and Han Yanbo from "The Super Family." Chan's Continued Cinematic Dominance Jackie Chan's decision to take on "Panda Plan" comes on the heels of his recent film "Ride On," which garnered over $30 million in China earlier this year. Despite a few hiccups, such as the limited U.S. theatrical release of "Hidden Strike" which didn't perform as expected, Chan's international appeal remains undiminished. His voice role as Splinter in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" contributed to the film's impressive $180.5 million worldwide earnings for Paramount Pictures. Furthermore, the iconic actor has several exciting projects lined up. Fans eagerly await DreamWorks Animation's "Kung Fu Panda 4" sequel, where Chan reprises his role as Master Monkey. Rumors also swirl around a potential "Rush Hour 4" film currently in development. Conclusion "Panda Plan" is poised to be another feather in Jackie Chan's illustrious cap. With its intriguing plot, stellar cast, and the unmatched charisma of Chan, the film is set to be a must-watch. As the entertainment world awaits its release, one thing is certain: Jackie Chan's cinematic magic is far from over. More Project Casting Entertainment News: Studios Re-Engage with SAG-AFTRA Amid Ongoing Actors Strike In a recent development that has caught the attention of the entertainment industry, top studio executives have returned to the negotiation table with the Scree... Will the End of the WGA-Strike Help the Actors Strike Deal The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) are ... Post-WGA Strike: Hollywood's Fast-Track List of TV Shows and Movies Hollywood Studios Prioritize Key Projects Post WGA Strike: A Glimpse into the Revival In the wake of the recently concluded Writers Guild of America (WGA) strik...

Illumination's Chris Meledandri Excites Fans with Announcement of Upcoming Projects, Including 'Shrek 5' Featuring the Original Cast, a Donkey Spinoff Starring Eddie Murphy, and 'Sing 3', in an Exclusive Interview. As Chris Meledandri readies to launch the much-anticipated Mario movie, he also responsibly manages a bevy of upcoming films and sequels in his flourishing animation domain. Illumination is preparing a series of films for the forthcoming months, including sequels to "Sing," “Despicable Me” and “The Secret Life of Pets" as well as original movies such as "Migration," which follows a family of ducks who doesn't have to migrate thanks to milder winters. But first up is their highly anticipated adaptation of the classic Super Mario Bros game - set to dominate box office records when it opens on April 5th! In addition to managing Illumination, Meledandri graced the cover of Variety this week when he discussed with Shigeru Miyamoto about creating "The Super Mario Bros. Movie." He also has lent his creative prowess to DreamWorks Animation as they seek to reinvent the beloved “Shrek” franchise. Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy--the original voice cast of the beloved Shrek films--are all eager to come back together for "Shrek 5," according to him. “It’s not that dissimilar to the process that we went through with ‘Mario,’ where you look at what the core elements are that audiences have loved, and you do your very best to honor those core elements,” According to Meledandri. “And then you’re working hard to build story elements and new characters that take you to new places. The original cast is a huge part of that.” Even though contracts were not finalized, he reported that the talks with the actors were progressing smoothly. “We anticipate the cast coming back. Talks are starting now, and every indication that we’ve gotten is tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return,” He emphatically declared. With the immense success of 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' - a spinoff sequel of 'Shrek 2022', Meledandri has every reason to be confident. Even Eddie Murphy, who voiced Donkey in the original movie series, declared his eagerness to reprise his role at an interview back in January; "If DreamWorks ever approached me with another Shrek project, I'd sign up right away!" I love Donkey. They did ‘Puss in Boots movies. I was like, ‘They should have done a Donkey movie.’ Donkey is funnier than Puss in Boots. I love Puss in Boots, but he ain’t funny as the Donkey.” Meledandri was ecstatic when he read Murphy's remarks, exclaiming, “It’s evidence of his strong enthusiasm for a role that he so brilliantly inhabited and created alongside the artists at DreamWorks. I found that comment to be fascinating.” In response to whether Donkey could lead his movie, similar to Antonio Banderas' feline franchises, Meledandri was certain: "Absolutely!" In his interview with Variety, Meledandri shared tantalizing details about Illumination's upcoming animated projects. He is searching for an inventive way to revisit the world of all types of domesticated animals - from dogs and cats to goldfish! “We’re developing a couple of scripts in ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ world,” he said. “While we’re not ready yet to start a film, we’re continuing to develop in that franchise.” Let us explore what a potential "Secret Life of Pets 3" might entail! “One of the stories we’re developing involves one primary character from the first two films but introduces a new set of characters,” Meledandri added. “And then another story that we’re developing is the ensemble. So we’re looking at it from different angles.” Meledandri is currently developing "Sing 3," a sequel to his successful franchise that tells the story of animals competing in an epic talent competition. “It will involve characters from the original cast, but it will take us into a new world,” he said. Although the film “Sing 2” was an immense success, grossing over $400 million at the box office, unfortunate timing meant that it was released in the wake of a rapidly-spreading omicron COVID variant, suppressing ticket sales. Yet, Meledandri insists the film was a remarkable success on streaming platforms. Its sequel ranked as the third most rushed movie in America during 2022 and acquired over 80 million views on Netflix alone! “We don’t just look at the box office,” Meledandri is enthusiastic about the choice to produce other movies in the "Sing" franchise. “We gauge the audience response in different ways. The streaming success of ‘Sing 2’ signals that fans want to stay in this world with these characters.” Audiences at "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" will be among the few lucky to have an exclusive sneak peek of Illumination's upcoming film, written by Mike White - creator of "The White Lotus" - and directed by Benjamin Renner from Disney's beloved movie, Ernest and Celestine. Only a little is known about this mysterious project titled 'Migration,' but curiosity abounds! In tandem with the launch of their Nintendo adventure, the studio will release a trailer for the upcoming film. “It represents Illumination’s ongoing commitment to telling original stories, which I think is essential to culture,” Meledandri said. In "Migration," a family of ducks encounters an internal conflict. As the weather begins to warm, the father desires them to remain in their snug New England pond while his wife longs for exploration beyond its boundaries. “The film is wonderful and has a painterly quality that is quite different from anything we’ve done at Illumination,” Meledandri said. “The story is told with humor and heart. It’s a remarkably human story with characters who are very relatable and end up wrestling with issues that we all understand, even though they are ducks. And their qualities as ducks are incredibly well executed, from the smallest detail on a feather to their movements and flight. So it’s a movie that transports you into this world up in the sky, but simultaneously, it’s very true to who we are.” Meledandri isn't just limiting himself to movies; he's expanding into short-series streaming. Additionally, he has joined forces with Pierre Coffin—the writer and director behind the beloved "Despicable Me" films—to bring two new series exclusively to TikTok in May before it makes its way over to YouTube! While one story, "Who's Who," takes you on a journey to the mysterious world of Minions, the other tale, "Bones Story," is unique. “We like to follow the creativity of our team,” Meledandri said. “Pierre wants to do this, and it’s exciting to experiment in serialized storytelling.” More Project Casting Entertainment News: Djimon Hounsou on Feeling 'Cheated' by Hollywood Djimon Hounsou Reveals Frustration Over Hollywood's Unfair Payment: 'I Only Wish That One Movie Had Paid Me Equitably' Djimon Hounsou is making his voice heard ... Ben Affleck Reveals Michael Jordan's 'Air' Requirements While directing 'Air,' Ben Affleck reveals Michael Jordan's requests. SXSW was abuzz this weekend with the star-studded premiere of Ben Affleck's eagerly awaite... Jack Black to Film 'Dear Santa' in Atlanta Jack Black and the Farrelly Brothers are again joining forces for a funny new comedy set to shoot in metro Atlanta, entitled 'Dear Santa.' Jack Black is returni...

Universal is teaming up with Dean DeBlois to bring the beloved DreamWorks movie 'How To Train Your Dragon' to life on the big screen. Get ready for a thrilling, live-action adventure! By giving the reins of this cherished DreamWorks Animation trilogy to DeBlois, Universal has taken a cue from Disney and is permitting him to enter live-action filmmaking. The legendary dragons and ferocious Vikings are set to take flight once more, this time in a thrilling live-action experience. Universal Pictures is taking a massive risk by launching a live-action movie based on How to Train Your Dragon, with Dean DeBlois returning as writer, director, and producer of the original animated trilogy. The feature project is on its way to completion, slotted for a March 14th, 2025, release. Moreover, you heard it here first: Casting has already begun! DreamWorks Animation's highly praised and acclaimed trilogy of movies will be brought to life anew with the upcoming Dragon adaptation. The first movie, released in 2010, was so beloved that it earned Academy Award nods for both best-animated film and best score! For the second and third years, an animated film was nominated for top honors at the Oscars. The trilogy was an absolute smash hit, with audiences flocking to the box office and contributing more than $1.6 billion in global ticket sales. DreamWorks Animation holds the franchise as one of their premier gems, and television series based on this have been aired across Cartoon Network, Netflix, and Hulu. Taking Cressida Cowell's books as inspiration, How to Train Your Dragon tells the story of an unlikely bond between Hiccup -a timid and unimpressive Viking boy- and Toothless, a dragon he helps nurse back to total health. Through the movies, Hiccup and Toothless illustrate their journey to fight against human bias towards dragons, helping us feel the pain of losing a parent and understanding what it is like to experience first love. What sets this series apart is how they have aged their characters in line with the story, making it an utterly believable “coming-of-age” story. Jay Baruchel lent his vocal talents to Hiccup, the Viking boy, and was joined by an impressive cast of supporting characters: Jonah Hill as Snotlout, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Fishlegs, T.J. Miller as Tuffnut and Kristen Wiig in the role of Ruffnut. DeBlois penned and helmed the initial movie with Chris Sanders before taking full responsibility for the 2014 and 2019 installments. (Sanders went on to direct DreamWorks Animation’s 2013 entry, The Croods.) DeBlois is transitioning to live-action with this feature, and veteran movie and theatre producer Marc Platt will support him. With credits ranging from Legally Blonde to La La Land to Universal’s anticipated adaptation of Wicked, Platt's experience is invaluable in aiding DeBlois's journey into new territory. Universal-based Marc Platt Productions, helmed by President Adam Siegel, is proud to announce its collaboration with award-winning producer Marc Platt. A creative problem for the filmmakers must be solved to make the dragons attractive and friendly, as in the first movie, while also appearing realistic. Universal is taking a massive gamble, and it cannot be overstated. On one level, they are walking down the same path that Disney has taken before them by creating live-action adaptations of their classic animated films as part of their overall plan for filmmaking. This road has led to a $1 billion success story featuring box-office hits such as Beauty and the Beast and intelligent or unique spins like Cinderella and Cruella. However, it has also created less appreciated pictures like Lady and the Tramp and duds like Pinocchio. The latter may diminish the beloved integrity. These, yet it cannot be easy to measure with precision. If Universal's endeavors prove successful, would they try translating other DreamWorks Animation films, such as Shrek or Po, into the live-action genre? It needs to be clarified. For the first time, a live-action remake is being directed by the same creator as the original animated films. For months, the studio diligently searched for an acceptable budget before finally giving the green light to the project. Lexi Barta, the Vice President of Production Development, is managing this project for the studio. DeBlois has enlisted WME and Lichter Grossman to represent them throughout the process.