Spin Master Corp. announced today it has greenlit an animated, four-quadrant film directed by BAFTA and Annie Award nominee David Soren. This is the first original film by Spin Master’s entertainment studio, signifying a major milestone for the company behind some of the world’s most popular kids’ television series.
“The announcement of this original film showcases our ambition to expand our foothold in the family animated theatrical business,” said Jennifer Dodge, President of Spin Master Entertainment. “As we broaden our content portfolio, we’re partnering with leaders in the industry to tell original, engaging stories, while also leveraging our established catalogue of IP. With David’s well-earned reputation in family entertainment, we believe this feature film will inspire and entertain audiences around the globe.”
The film is written by Ian Southwood, based on a story by award-winning veteran animation creator Chris Dicker (Jessy and Nessy, Becca’s Bunch) for his first big-screen project. Spin Master’s Jennifer Dodge, Laura Clunie and Toni Stevens, previously at the helm for the studio’s PAW Patrol theatrical features, are producing the film. Spin Master is financing the production, with plans for a 2029 release.
Soren directed and co-wrote Turbo, the BAFTA Award-nominated DreamWorks Animation feature film starring Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti and Samuel L. Jackson, as well as directing Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, starring Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Nick Kroll and Jordan Peele. He also directed and co-wrote Under the Boardwalk, starring Keke Palmer, Michael Cera and Bobby Cannavale; served as story artist and head of story on hit films including Academy Award winner Shrek, Shark Tale, Chicken Run and Over the Hedge, and was a key contributor on the Madagascar franchise.
Southwood is known for contributing to the script of Netflix’s Nimona, which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Film. Prior to his work with Spin Master, he served as a screenwriter for DreamWorks Animation, before which he was with Blue Sky Studios, the 20th Century Animation company behind the Ice Age franchise.
This project adds to Spin Master’s ever-expanding content universe, which includes upcoming films PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie (July 24, 2026), featuring the voices of EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson, Emmy nominee Mckenna Grace and Fortune Feimster; and a live-action Bakugan film currently in development, to be directed by blockbuster filmmaker Brad Peyton, based on the global toy line that has generated over $1 billion in sales since its launch.
Soren is represented by Verve and WME Books. Southwood is represented by Culture Creative, Adrian Garcia at Recon Literary, and Emily Downs at Meyer & Downs, LLP.
