A shattered hero must overcome battle-inflicted blindness and seemingly insurmountable odds to save his village and, ultimately all of Earthrealm in Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind, an all-new, feature-length film produced by Warner Bros. Animation in coordination with NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Games. The film arrives from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital on October 9, and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack and Blu-ray on October 11.
The 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (U.S. $29.99 SRP; Canada $34.99 SRP) features an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc in 4K with HDR, a Blu-ray disc featuring the film in hi-definition, and a digital version of the movie. The Digital version will be priced at $19.99. Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind will also be available on Movies Anywhere.
Inspired by the worldwide video game sensation now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind finds vicious, power mad Kano determined to take over Earthrealm, one soul at a time. Assisted by a trio of cold Black Dragon mercenaries, he embarks on a brutal assault from town to defenseless town. The choice is simple: Kneel or be annihilated. But when the cocky and talented but undisciplined Kenshi doesn’t take a knee, Kano and his clan destroy the young warrior, taking his eyesight and his confidence. Under the tutelage of reluctant, retired Kuai Liang, the only one powerful enough to challenge the malevolent Kano, Kenshi finds renewed hope and a clear path to redemption. But will it be enough to stop Kano from decimating all of Earthrealm?
Manny Jacinto (Top Gun: Maverick, The Good Place) and David Wenham (Elvis, 300, The Lord of the Rings franchise) lead a terrific voice cast as Kenshi Takahashi and Kano, respectively. Returning from previous installments of the film series are Patrick Seitz (Mortal Kombat X, Aggretsuko, Naruto: Shippuden) as Scorpion, Artt Butler (Her, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as Shang Tsung and Debra Wilson (World of Warcraft: Shadowlands, MADtv) as Graji.
New to the Mortal Kombat Legends films are Ron Yuan (Mortal Kombat 11, Mulan) as Kuai Liang, Imari Williams (Transformers: Rescue Bots) as Tremor, Yuri Lowenthal (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe) as Kobra, Courtenay Taylor (Regular Show, OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes) as Kira, Keith Silverstein (Overwatch, Genshin Impact) as Kabal, Sumalee Montano (The Lost Symbol, Transformers Prime) as Kindra and Lei Yin (Saint’s Row) as Peter & Sento.
Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind is produced and directed by Rick Morales (Mortal Kombat Legends franchise, Injustice) from a script by Jeremy Adams (Supernatural, Justice Society: World War II), who also penned the screenplays for the series’ first two films. All three films are based on the video game created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) is producer. Sam Register and NetherRealm Studios’ Ed Boon are executive producers.
Special Features
● Kenshi: From the Video Game to Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind(Featurette) — An in- depth exploration of fan favorite Kenshi Takahashi from his video game origins to his first sword-wielding animated appearance.
● Adapting Evil: Building the Black Dragon Clan (Featurette) — From King Kano to the evil ensemble of Mortal Kombat’s deep cut characters, the filmmakers reveal the approach to bringing the sinister Black Dragon Clan to life.
● Deleted Animatics — Get a behind-the-scenes look at a few intriguing scenes that were included in the initial assembly of the film, but didn’t quite make it to the final cut.
● Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind Audio Commentary (Audio Only) — Join producer/director Rick Morales and screenwriter Jeremy Adams for a feature-length audio commentary revealing the creative choices used to bring the all-new animated feature to the
screen.
Adult Swim has beamed in the official trailer for Rick and Morty Season 6, and this one is for the ‘Die Hards’. Coming at you Sunday, September 4 at 11 p.m., the new adventures of everyone’s favorite misanthropic mad scientist and the family towed in his chaotic wake will pick up where we last left our heroes: worse for wear and down on their luck. Family drama, intrigue, dinosaurs and more bodily fluids than we are frankly comfortable with await!
https://youtu.be/WOkeB4ZTjFM
Created and executive produced by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, Rick and Morty was the #1 comedy across all U.S. cable in 2017, 2019 and 2021. Since launch, the show ranks as one of the top series for HBO Max, both domestically and globally. Lifetime to date, Rick and Morty has been viewed over 10 billion times globally, across linear, digital and streaming.
The half-hour animated hit comedy series follows a sociopathic genius scientist who drags his inherently timid grandson on insanely dangerous adventures across the universe. Rick Sanchez (voiced by Justin Roiland) is living with his daughter Beth’s (Sarah Challke) family and constantly bringing her, his son-in-law Jerry (Chris Parnell), granddaughter Summer (Spencer Grammer) and grandson Morty (also Roiland) into intergalactic escapades.
SoCal skateboarding legend Tony Hawk still rocks the ramp all over the human world, but this week he’s grinding through the animated wonderland of Mt. Middlemost! Premiering Thursday, August 11 on Nickelodeon, the newest episode of Middlemost Post, “Hawk Man” guest stars Hawk as the a daring stuntman who has hung up his proverbial cape after an extreme jump gone wrong.
Hawk Man is Mt. Middlemost’s resident daredevil … or at least was before one of his stunts went sideways. Now, with Parker’s help, this Evil Knievel will find the courage to face his fears and regain the fire to attempt his biggest jump ever!
“I’m excited to be voicing the character Hawk Man in Middlemost Post! It’s important to share that not everyone can be perfect all the time, and I hope that Hawk Man can inspire kids to face their fears and challenges through perseverance and determination,” said Hawk.
In addition to his appearances as a speaker and celebrity guest in live-action projects (as well as starring in his own video game series), Tony Hawk has made voiceover appearance on a number of toons, both as himself in Max Steel, Rocket Power, The Cleveland Show, The Simpsons and most recently The Casagrandes, and as new characters in shows like Cyberchase, Johnny Test, Kick Buttowski and The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange.
Middlemost Post follows a former rain cloud, a brawny mailman and their magical pet walrus as they deliver packages to the unusual inhabitants of Mount Middlemost.
Middlemost Post – Hawk Man
The regular voice cast includes Becky Robinson as Parker J. Cloud (an exuberant, relentlessly kind, overly eager, and most of all, pliable cloud who’s desire is to spread cheer) and John DiMaggio as Angus Roy Shackelton (Parker’s boss and proprietor of the Middlemost Post).
Middlemost Post is created and co-executive produced by John Trabbic III. Dave Johnson serves as co-executive producer and story editor.
M2 Animation (m2animation.com) has brought on Owen Hurley as Head of Studio, leading the outposts in Bangkok, with 280 employees, and the newly-built studio in Mumbai, which already employs 70 people after just four months of operation. He will report to CEO and partner, Torsten Jakobsen.
Hurley is former Head of Studio for Technicolor’s Animation and Games division, and worked for the company for over a decade before joniing M2. He held posts as VP in charge of Studio Transformation & Global Integration and as Vice President – Technicolor Games. Prior, he held executive positions at animation studios including WildBrain, Relic Entertainment and Mainframe Entertainment.
M2 Animation is an industry frontrunner, having worked closely with LEGO Group for more than 20 years, and is constantly implementing new technologies into its productions, such as Unreal Engine in collaboration with Epic Games. Check out M2’s showreel here.
The studio has also made a shift into more original content and is also working on its own IP, and has three concepts in development. One fully created by M2, and two in joint-venture between M2 Animation and L.A.-based studio Tremblay Bros (SWAT-KATS Revolution). One of these projects has already created interest by toy companies.
Inigo Quilez
Adobe (adobe.com) has grown its 3D Innovation team with the hiring of Inigo Quilez as Principal Engineer for Adobe 3D & Immersive Labs.
Quilez brings nearly two decades of experience in the 3D and VR technology spaces, including his work on Pixar’s beloved films Brave and The Good Dinosaur in addition to the development of the Quill VR product for Oculus and the co-creation of shadertoy.com.
Adobe stated on the hire: “With his exceptional technical skills and brilliant sense of color and 3D design, Quilez is a welcome addition to the 3D & Immersive Labs team. We look forward to working with him and others who may want to join Adobe’s mission to provide ground-breaking 3D tools for creators.”
Chris Sonnenburg
Conservative news service The Daily Wire has hired on Emmy-winning Disney showrunner Chris Sonnenburg (Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure) as Senior Vice President of Animation Development & Production, Deadline reports. The emerging kids’ division is tasked with countering what the outlet terms “woke” programming, with the newly launched DailyWire+ streaming platform and a $100 million budget for children’s content.
Sonnenburg said the move was “an incredible honor” and will focus on gathering top talents to “create timeless stories for our kids and their families for generations to come.” He will oversee a team of animation creatives that already includes Eric Branscum and Ethan Nicolle, working alongside EVP of Kids Content, David ‘Kentucky’ Coleman, who joins from Pure Imagination Studidos.
The Daily Wire was founded by Ben Shapiro and filmmaker Jeremy Boreing, and is known to draw the attention of fact checkers for sharing unverified stories and misstatements of fact, relating to issues like climate change and COVID-19 vaccination. The kids’ animation division is currently in production on the series Chip Chilla, about a family of homeschooled chinchillas, due in Spring 2023.
British author-illustrator Raymond Briggs, who created numerous works which inspired animated classics such as The Snowman and Ethel & Ernest, died Tuesday, August 9 from pneumonia at age 88. “We know that Raymond’s books were loved by and touched millions of people around the world, who will be sad to hear this news,” his family shared in a statement today, in which they also thanked the staff of the Overton Ward at Royal Sussex County Hopsital, where Briggs spent his final weeks.
Lupus Films, which has adapted Briggs’ works to animation, shared condolences on Twitter:
We are very sad to hear that Raymond Briggs died yesterday. He was such a wonderful inspiration to us and so encouraging when we produced The Snowman and The Snowdog and Ethel & Ernest. He was a kind and generous person with a playful sense of humour. RIP Raymond. pic.twitter.com/s6JeFzQ2xY
Born January 18, 1934 in Wimbledon, Briggs began cartooning at an early age and went on to study painting at the Wimbledon School of Art and typography at the Central School of Art and Design in London. Conscripted into National Service as a Signals corps draughtsman in the early 1950s, Briggs aftward continued his painting studies at the Slade School of Fine Art at University College London, graduating in 1957.
‘The Snowman’ animated special
Soon, he was working as a children’s book illustrator, notably on the 1958 Cornish fairytale anthology Peter and the Piskies (by Ruth Manning-Sanders), and gained notoriety with a runner-up commendation for the 1964 Kate Greenway Medal (for the nursery rhyme colleciton Fee Fi Fo Fum) and a win in 1966 for The Mother Goose Treasury, which featured over 800 color illustrations by Briggs. During this time, he also began teaching illustration part time at Brighton School of Art, where he taught until 1986.
Briggs’ first big break as an author-illustrator were two holiday titles published by Hamish Hamilton featuring a curmudgeonly St. Nick published in 1973 and ’75, which were later combined into the 1991 Channel 4 animated special Father Christmas, produced by John Coates. Another of Briggs’ Hamilton picture books, Fungus the Bogeyman (1977) about a working class monster, was adapted into two different three-part hybrid specials; the first in 2004 (BBC) and the latest for Sky1 in 2015, narrated by Andy Serkis an dproduced by his mo-cap studio The Imaginarium.
Perhaps the artist’s best-known work, The Snowman was published in 1978 (Hamilton / Random House in the U.S.) Briggs said that after working “amongst muck, slime and words” for Fungus, he wanted to so something “clean, pleasant, fresh and wordless and quick.” The books’ distinctive pencil crayon illustrations were faithfully adapted into a BAFTA-winning, Oscar-nominated half-hour TV movie in 1982. The film was produced by Coates for TVC and directed by Dianne Jackson, with supervision by Jimmy T. Murakami.
The Snowman remains a beloved holiday classic in both its print and animated forms, and made the BFI’s 100 Greatest British Television Programs list in 2000. The 25-minute Channel 4 special The Snowman and the Snowdog, produced by Lupus Films, was released in 2012 to celebrate the original film’s 30th anniversary, and was dedicated to the memory of Coates, who passed away just months before its premiere.
Into the 1980s, Briggs began to expand his work into more adult themes, as seen in Gentleman Jim (1980) and its follow-up, When the Wind Blows (1982), which imagines a Soviet nuclear strike through the eyes of a retired couple in rural England and was made into an animated film in 1986, directed by Murakami, produced by Coates and starring the voiced of Peggy Ashcroft and John Mills.
In 1998, Briggs published Ethel & Ernest: A True Story through Jomnathan Cape. The poignant graphic novel tells the life story of Briggs’ parents — Ernest, a milkman, and Ethel, a former lady’s maid — by collecting the memorable moments of their years together from their first meeting in 1928 until their deaths in 1971. The illustrated biography won a British Book Award and was made into the hand-drawn animated feature Ethel & Ernest in 2016, produced by Lupus Films, Melusine and Cloth Cat, directed by Roger Mainwood and starring Brenda Blethyn and Jim Broadbent.
Briggs’ childrens books The Bear and Ivor the Invisible were also adapted as animated television specials, in 1998 and 2001, respectively. His last published book, Notes from the Sofa, was released by crowdfunded label Unbound in 2015. Over the course of his career, Briggs won two Kate Greenaway Medals (plus two runners-up commendations), two British Book Awards and several other honors. He was inducted into the British Comic Awards Hall of Fame in 2012, and appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2017.
The late author was predeceased by his wife, Jean (1973), and his long-term partner, Liz (2015). At the time of his death, he was residing in Westmeston, Sussex.
Critically-acclaimed recording artist and producerBig Wild (a.k.a. Jackson Stell) has released an effervescent new single, “OMGarden,” with an enchanting music video created collaboration with design-driven animator group Deep Sky.
The record sees Big Wild experimenting with vocal manipulation and atmospheric production to recapture a feeling of childlike wonder, ‘the best of times, when your heart is light and mind is utterly free.’ The video’s animation reflects this with a vision of rural nostalgia filled with adventure, joy and glitter. Viewers follow a brown and white bunny as it finds a sense of unbridled freedom and unlimited possibilities in a shining, worry-free plane.
Big Wild “OMGarden”
“As fans ourselves, collaborating with Big Wild was an incredibly fun and inspiring experience. They approached us with a uniquely personal idea and concept for the music video, which gave us a creative pathway to explore the characters, the environments, and the magical realism of Mopsy’s forest party,” said the videos’ director, Barret Thomson. “It is always such a gratifying experience to be able to work so closely with other artists to build and expand upon their vision.”
The single and music video tease the sound of Big Wild’s forthcoming sophomore album, The Efferusphere, due out September 9. The full-length project ’embodies openness, honesty, balance and color. An empathetic new world that encourages the listener to sit with themselves and explore; a safe space to dive into their inner depths.’ The artist recently announced a new 21-date tour with North American support from Biig Piig, set to kick off September 14 in Philadelphia.
Big Wild “OMGarden”
Big Wild is one of the most sought-after progressive rising acts on the circuit. Backed by a full-live band, his live show has him switching between multiple instruments (drums, synths, keyboards and live vocals) to deliver a jaw-droppingly energetic, hybrid set infused with high-octane pop, indie, dance and disco elements, distinguishing himself as a standout artist. Getting his start in electronic music, Big Wild has gained global, chart-topping traction, and his music has featured in brand campaigns for Apple, The Olympics, American Eagle and more.
In 2022, he has entered a new creative phase born out of pandemic isolation. For The Efferusphere, the Portland-based producer has departed from the electronic textures of his past for something more homespun, acoustic and introspective. This parallel dimension he discovered in his two year seclusion was one in which emotional energy defined the laws of what you see, of what you hear, based on how you feel. Follow Big Wild on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube or Spotify.
Big Wild “OMGarden”
Deep Sky is a premier design-driven animation studio in Portland, Oregon. The Emmy-winning studio partners with top creators to produce narrative content for a global audience. Deep Sky is best known for producing The Smashing Pumpkins’ five-part animated series In Ashes as well as many other short films, music videos and series. (deepskystudios.com)
Streamland Media has announced that award-winning Ingenuity Studios is now part of its global post-production offerings. With four locations in the U.S. and Canada, Ingenuity Studios further expands Streamland Media’s offerings to content creators worldwide, which include customized services from its picture division, Picture Shop; visual effects division, Ghost VFX; sound division, Formosa Group; and marketing division, Picture Head.
Ingenuity Studios is a full-service visual effects studio serving feature film, episodic television, music video and advertising clients, producing content for all forms of delivery. The Ingenuity team has worked alongside the industry’s top creative visionaries, seamlessly integrating visual effects to advance their stories. Their work can be seen in acclaimed feature films including Many Saints of Newark, A Star Is Born, Get Out, and Booksmart, and in Emmy-nominated series such as Hacks, The Walking Dead, Cowboy Bebop and Euphoria and the newly released Paper Girls.
Founded in 2004 as a studio born out of music video visual effects, Ingenuity quickly became the go-to facility for top artists and directors with collaborations with Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Imagine Dragons and Lady Gaga and more recently Billie Eilish, BTS and Shawn Mendes. Using skills developed in the trenches of short-form content, the company later shifted into high-end offerings in the film and episodic space.
“There is no limit to what we can do together,” says Streamland Media CEO Bill Romeo. “Streamland Media and Ingenuity Studios are aligned in our creative-driven philosophy and dedication to our extraordinary teams. We are all committed to facilitating powerful, creative and connected collaboration to advance the vision of storytellers.”
(L-R) Grant Miller & David Lebensfield, Ingenuity Studios
David Lebensfeld, founding partner of Ingenuity Studios, noted, “From the beginning, we have been committed to building a studio that serves our clients at the highest level possible and we are able to do that with a team of incredible artists and technologists. The team at Streamland Media shares our passion for storytelling while creating a service level second to none, and we look forward to being part of a community that supports our vision and provides our clients an innovative global network of talent and technology.”
Ingenuity Studios, headquartered in Los Angeles, has offices in New York, Vancouver and Atlanta.
Trive Capital and Five Crowns Capital supported the deal. David Stinnett, Partner at Trive Capital, says, “Streamland and Trive are strategically acquiring industry leading businesses centered around unparalleled creative talent and integrating into a single, global platform to continuously enhance the value proposition we offer our customers. Further, as VFX services are becoming increasingly important to post-production, we look forward to leveraging Ingenuity’s stellar reputation as we continue providing state-of-the-art VFX work in support of new and existing customers’ high-quality content offerings.”
A plucky new heroine is here to flip the script on the ol’ fairy tale rescue in Pil’s Adventures, the new CG animated family feature just launched in the U.S. by Viva Kids (vivafilmco.com). To celebrate Pil’s latest adventure, Animation Magazine is unveiling an exclusive clip featuring Pil, her jester companion and one ornery unicorn
Featuring the voices of Dalila Bela (Anne with an E) and Carlos Mencia (The Proud Family) and written & directed by Julien Fournet (The Jungle Bunch 2), the movie stars Pil, a spunky vagabond girl living in the medieval city of Foggyborough.
One day, while sneaking into the castle, Pil witnesses the sinister Regent Tristain casting a spell on Roland, the heir to the throne. Pil realizes it is now up to her to find a way to reverse the spell and save the prince’s life. This daring adventure will turn the entire kingdom upside down and teach Pil that nobility can be found in all of us.
Pil’s Adventures is produced by Toulouse, France-based TAT Productions, in co-production with SND Groupe M6 and France 3 Cinéma. The film received the Audience Award for Best Animated Feature for Children at the Anima festival in Brussels, and was nominated for Best Animated Film at the Lumiere Awards in France.
Pil’s Adventures is now available to buy or rent from Google Play, YouTube, Redbox and more.
Animation studio Six Point Harness is heeding the call of the wild with a new film and series of shorts for leading indoor waterpark and resort company Great Wolf Resorts.
The film, The Great Wolf Pack: A Call to Adventure, is directed by acclaimed animation director Chris Bailey, and will debut September 3 in all 19 Great Wolf Lodge resort locations across North America and will also be available for a limited time on Great Wolf Entertainment’s new YouTube channel, the company’s entertainment umbrella, beginning September 5. It will also be available for Great Wolf Lodge guests to view in-room.
The Great Wolf Pack is the enchanting story of five unlikely woodland friends who form an unbreakable Pack while venturing out on adventures to help others in need.
Julia Pistor (The Rugrats film franchise, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie) and Kent Redeker (Doc McStuffins, Spirit Rangers) serve as executive producers on the project. Director Bailey led a team of animators at L.A.-based Six Point Harness on developing and producing The Great Wolf Pack: A Call to Adventure, which will launch Labor Day weekend.
“The Great Wolf Lodge are wonderful family resorts, with a popular cast of diverse animal characters,” said Bailey, whose credits include Alvin and the Chipmunks, Kim Possible and Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem 3D. “It’s an exciting challenge to give the Great Wolf Pack a new look for animation and create a rich world for them to explore. Our entire team was awesome as we worked together to create these films that will add to the Great Wolf Lodge experience.”
The hand-drawn look and angular style of the production both update characters like Wiley Wolf, Violet Wolf, Oliver Raccoon, Sammy Squirrel and Brinley Bear, and also place them into new and whimsical worlds. With the help of the Great Wolf Geyser, the characters come together as an adventurous pack whose exploits will continue to be told in upcoming animated shorts, as well as books and immersive entertainment offerings at Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park resorts.
With The Great Wolf Pack: A Call to Adventure, Six Point Harness continues building on a boldly creative slate of projects, that has recently also included a much-talked-about, lauded sequence for The Boys on Prime Video; animated segments and character work for Waffles + Mochi on Netflix; and the groundbreaking hourlong animated standup special Tig Notaro: Drawn for HBO Max. The studio has also created animated campaigns for New Balance and Mattel’s Hot Wheels, and produced animation for the Oscar-winning animated short Hair Love, as well as Adult Swim’s Lazor Wulf and Amazon’s Guava Island.
Coming off of a successful festival run, including a premiere at Fantasia ’21 and an award for Best Artistry at Fantastic Fest ’21, End Cue, Nice Try and Encyclopedia Pictura have released their animated short film Sunbelly on science fiction platform Dust, with the trailer available on Adult Swim’s Toonami digital platforms.
Written, directed, and created by Jordan Speer with a lively score by composer Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Sunbelly features a space-faring dog who investigates the surface of a dead planet in the distant future — leading to a dangerous encounter and the discovery of her own kind’s tragic forgotten history — ultimately revealing a hopeful path forward.
Jordan Speer is an artist and animator based in Louisville, Kentucky. He has honed and trailblazed a unique visual style through his animated 3D work, which can be seen in a wide array of media from music videos to poster designs to art direction for SpongeBob SquarePants to websites like Adult Swim, Vice and Bloomberg. His work has also appeared on Brain Dead’s Mutant Sequencer program. For more of his work, visit www.beef.zone.
End Cue is a film production company located in Culver City, Calif., founded by Andrew and Walter Kostchak. Recent development and production projects with rising filmmakers include The Art of Self-Defense and Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project. (endcue.com)
Nice Try. is the production banner of film/TV producer and writer Alex Plapinger, who specializes in collaborating with emerging artists working at the intersection of animation, comedy and indie film. Plapinger recently produced multiple projects for FXX’s Cake, showran the SyFy/Peacock animated series Wild Life and is currently producing and writing multiple series through a first look deal at FX as well as a variety of features and series with partners including Amazon, Adult Swim and A24. (nicetry.co)
Encyclopedia Pictura is a film and animation studio in Glassell Park, Los Angeles led by directors Isaiah Saxon, Daren Rabinovitch and Sean Hellfritsch. Having worked with Bjork, Dan Deacon, Dirty Projectors, Kanye West, MTV and Cartoon Network, they are currently working on a live-action feature for A24 and an animated preschool series with Apple. (encyclopediapictura.com)
For Marvel Studios’ latest episodic series, Ms. Marvel, the production faced an interesting, and somewhat rare challenge, revealed today in a new breakdown video from Digtal Domain, which you can watch below. Unlike some of the characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that are firmly established through decades of exposure, the titular character in the Disney+ exclusive series is a relatively new creation. That gave the production a little more flexibility when adapting her powers for a live-action audience, and allowed the showrunners to work with the Oscar- and Emmy-winning VFX studio to reinvent Ms. Marvel’s powers for a new audience.
“From the start, we knew that Ms. Marvel’s abilities were going to change for her live-action debut, but everyone involved still wanted to honor the comics,” said Aladino Debert, VFX supervisor for Digital Domain. “We went through several iterations with the production to find a balance that will impress people watching on TV, and still look great when the character makes the jump to the big screen.”
Marvel Studios’ ‘Ms. Marvel’ (courtesy of Digital Domain)
The All-New Ms. Marvel
Debuting in 2013, the character of Ms. Marvel, a.k.a. Kamala Khan, has quickly become a fan-favorite, making her a natural choice to join the MCU. But rather than simply adapting her powers from the comics — which include physical elongation, growth and body morphing — the production reinterpreted her abilities to involve the generation and manipulation of a cosmic “Noor” energy, or “hard light.” That gave the team at Digital Domain a starting point.
Marvel Studios’ ‘Ms. Marvel’ (courtesy of Digital Domain)
Building on the new origins, the team at Digital Domain went through several iterations of Kamala Khan’s (played by Iman Vellani) powers to offer a look that would suggest an “otherworldly” source, while still honoring the comic history. The result was a crystalline manifestation that radiated energy, highlighted by an internal luminescence, created in Houdini. The team then began experimenting with color schemes, settling on a blue-ish purple base, which highlighted Kamala’s idolization of the character CaptainMarvel, while still being unique.
As Kamala fully embraces her potential, artists refined and smoothed the look of her powers to suggest that they had become an extension of her. In a nod to her comic counterpart, she discovers the ability to shape the hard light to enlarge (or “embiggen”) herself, using light constructs to create the sense of stretching and expanding her limbs and hands. To depict the larger-than-life Ms. Marvel, Digital Domain created a giant version of the character in Maya, then finished the scene by encasing her in the glow of hard light using Houdini.
Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel (courtesy of Digital Domain)
There and Back Again
Digital Domain also handled several environments in Ms. Marvel, including a pivotal location. In the closing moments of episode four, “Seeing Red,” Kamala is accidentally transported back in time. Finding herself somewhere new, she climbs onto a nearby structure. The camera then pulls back to reveal that she is in a crowded rail station decades in the past, surrounded by dozens of trains and thousands of desperate refugees on the eve of the infamous Partition of India.
To create the multi-shot sequence, Digital Domain began with real footage of a modern-day train station with a small group of extras. Using that as a template, artists then extended the scene to create a massive sense of scale, including buildings for the station and background, and dozens of additional train cars and steam locomotives, all art directed to look at home in 1947. To create the crowds, Digital Domain used scans of a handful of actors in period-appropriate clothing, which they ran through Houdini’s crowd tool to add people to nearly every open space. Artists then added steam from the engines, before rendering everything in Mantra.
Marvel Studios’ ‘Ms. Marvel’ (courtesy of Digital Domain)
Marvel Studios’ ‘Ms. Marvel’ (courtesy of Digital Domain)
Marvel Studios’ ‘Ms. Marvel’ (courtesy of Digital Domain)
Duplicates and Destruction
While Digital Domain contributed shots to all six episodes, the bulk of its work appears in the final one, “No Normal.” After a chase through Jersey City, Ms. Marvel’s hometown, the episode culminates in a superpowered finale that required several VFX tricks, including shape-changing characters, digidoubles, violent explosions and more.
With heavily armed agents from the Department of Damage Control closing in on Ms. Marvel and her friends, the group decides to make a last stand at the local high school and set several traps. Along with an onslaught of softballs and smokescreens, the group unleashes a devastating trap based on a famous chemistry experiment known as “elephant toothpaste .” In a real high school lab, responsible teachers tend to ensure a moderate reaction, but for the episode the heroes go bigger — much, much bigger. That led artists to create an expanding gray, bubbling CG foam substance, then animate it as it expands through the lab, through hallways and down staircases, knocking over the pursuing agents as it goes.
Rish Shah as Kamran in Marvel Studios’ ‘Ms. Marvel’ (courtesy of Digital Domain)
The confrontation soon comes down to a three-sided fight, with government agents against the similarly light-powered character Kamran (played by Rish Shah) and Ms. Marvel trying to keep them both in check to protect the crowd of onlookers. With Kamran beginning to lose control, Digital Domain was tasked with showing the damaging effects of his powers. Artists began by depicting a pulsating shockwave of energy, causing a combination of digital debris and CG damage to nearby objects. With each new pulse, his hard light powers send craggy tentacles in every direction, featuring an amber/gold coloration to differentiate them from Kamala’s powers. With Kamran at the epicenter of a growing disaster, Ms. Marvel takes the brunt of the onslaught while defending the crowd. For both visual cohesion and safety, both performers were digitally augmented with partial digidoubles.
Working from full-body scans of Vellani, artists at Digital Domain created a full-body duplicate. The photorealistic doubles allowed the showrunners to place the characters in dangerous situations, while eliminating any distractions from the live-action footage — including wrinkled fabric, exposed seams and any other imperfections that might have taken away from the actual performances.
Marvel Studios’ ‘Ms. Marvel’ (courtesy of Digital Domain)
The team at Digital Domain also used digidoubles for Ms. Marvel earlier in the series, including a memorable training montage on a roof where she jumped from one floating platform to another. Artists used the technique again in the finale to depict her running above the streets of Jersey City on hard-light platforms (while obeying all traffic laws). The sequence also features a combination of clean plates and digitally-generated backgrounds to bring Kamala’s home to life.
A digidouble was also used during the closing moments of the season, in what would become one of the defining images of the show. Shortly after the final confrontation, Ms. Marvel sits on a lamppost and looks out over the city as her hair blows in the wind. To create the iconic shot, Vellani was filmed sitting on a physical light post prop surrounded entirely by greenscreens, while a wind machine blew. The water, dock and cars are all purely digital, along with the buildings on the Jersey City shoreline, which were created using LiDAR scans of physical locations in Atlanta. A plate of New York City was then added before the full sequence was rendered in V-Ray.
Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel is now streaming exclusively on Disney+.
Marvel Studios’ ‘Ms. Marvel’ (courtesy of Digital Domain)
Over the last quarter of a century, Digital Domain has established itself as a leader in film VFX and expanded into episodics, commercials, games, previs and virtual production. The studio’s artistic and technological mastery have helped bring films like Titanic, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Ready Player One, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame to screens. Staff artists have won more than 100 major awards, including Academy Awards, Clios, BAFTAs and Cannes Lions. Digital Domain has locations in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Montreal, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Taipei and Hyderabad.
The Pokémon Company International unveiled a new animated special, Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles, which is inspired by the popular Pokémon Legends: Arceus video game and follows Ash, his Pikachu and friends on exciting adventures through the Sinnoh region.
The English-language version of Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles will premiere at a screening event at the 2022 Pokémon World Championships in London around 6 p.m. BST on August 19, available on a first come first served basis. Outside of the 2022 Pokémon World Championships, fans around the world (excluding Asia) will be able to watch Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicle” exclusively on Netflix on September 23.
Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles
Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles
In anticipation of the Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles premiere, The Pokémon Company International offered fans a sneak peek at the upcoming animated special by unveiling first-look screenshots and an official synopsis, as well as debuting the trailer on the Pokémon YouTube channel.
Synopsis: A visit to the Sinnoh region turns into a high-stakes adventure when Ash, Pikachu, and friends join forces with powerful Pokémon to confront a looming threat! When Ash, Goh, and Dawn receive a mysterious message from the Mythical Pokémon Arceus, they meet up with Brock and head to Mount Coronet to investigate. There, they find a rampaging Heatran and the commanders of Team Galactic, who are determined to find their missing leader by opening a gate between dimensions. With a trio of Legendary Pokémon and Sinnoh Champion Cynthia on their side, our heroes have lots of help, but they’ll need all they can get to save Sinnoh from being destroyed!
Adult Swim marked its successful return to live-events with the Adult Swim Festival Block Party in Philadelphia last weekend. The three-day series of events included sold out show panels and house-packed performances by top musicians and comedians including Jo Firestone, Hannibal Buress as Esha Tune, Snacktime and Ana Fabrega, in addition to energized capacity crowds for headliners Run The Jewels, Tierra Whack and Dethklok.
In a surprise to fans, attendees were treated to exclusive screenings of a new episodes from season six of the Emmy-winning series Rick and Morty and hit animated series SMILING FRIENDS.
Nick Rutherford and Spencer Grammer at the ‘Rick and Morty’ panel
Featuring surprise appearances from Spencer Grammer (voice of Summer) and series writer/producer NickRutherford, the Rick and Morty panel featured a screening of a full episode from the newest season. Check out a clip from the panel here. New key art for Season 6 was unveiled:
‘Rick and Morty’ S7
‘Rick and Morty’ S7
Fans were also shown a brief animation [A Citadel Secret], hinting at a new Rick and Morty adventure to come ahead of the Season 6 global debut starting on Sunday, September 4.
‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force’ panel, on couch L-R Dave Willis, Dana Snyder & Carey Means
Aqua Teen Hunger Force creator Dave Willis (voice of Meatwad), and voice actors Dana Snyder (Master Shake) and Carey Means (Frylock) introduced a sneak peek at the forthcoming film Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm during their panel, and officially announced the film’s debut on Digital, 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray on November 8, from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. A clip from the Aqua Teen Hunger Force panel is available here.
Plus, SMILING FRIENDScreators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel hosted an advance screening of the forthcoming episode “The Smiling Friends Go to Brazil” ahead of its debut on Adult Swim and HBO Max. See more from their panel here.
‘Smiling Friends’ creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel
In partnership with Live Nation, the Adult Swim Festival Block Party was a curated series of individually ticketed events across four famed venues in Philadelphia’s colorful Fishtown neighborhood, all within an ongoing outdoor celebration that included watch parties, beer gardens, food trucks and fun fan attractions. Find a full list of performers and additional details at adultswimfestival.com.
Adulst Swim Festival Block Party 2022 – Smling Friends Inflatable
Point Grey Pictures and Nickelodeon announced the highly anticipated feature film reimagining of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise back in 2021, and today announced the onboarding of award-winning global animation studio Mikros Animation to bring the fully CGI-animated production to life.
Set to premiere August 4, 2023, the recently titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is well underway, and Mikros Animation is on the lookout for seasoned and budding animators to join its ranks and be a part of the epic production.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Mikros Animation on the next-level reimagining of the franchise,” says Mark Bakshi, EVP of Paramount Pictures Animation.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is directed by Jeff Rowe (The Mitchells vs. TheMachines), co-directed by Kyler Spears (Amphibia) and produced by Point Grey’s Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver.
“We are excited to join forces with Nickelodeon on this theatrical release,” says Adrianna Cohen, Global Head of Production at Mikros Animation. “The Ninja Turtles franchise is edgy, offbeat, and humorous and the Mikros Animation team is ensuring we were doing justice to bringing the beloved turtles to big screens. The filmmaker’s vision was to introduce the characters through modern animation that maintains the fine balance between visually appealing and realistic. Focusing not just on craft, but also performance, it’s our job to develop the unique personalities of each of these iconic characters, whilst staying true to the 1990s nostalgia that the franchise holds”
Mikros Animation is actively recruiting animation, anim-fix, character surfacing artists in Montreal, FX & lighting supervisors, compositing supervisors, production managers and more roles.
Artists and animators interested in working on Mutant Mayhem can view and apply for open roles across Mikros Animation here.
Mikros Animation is a global CGI animation studio located in Paris, Montreal, Los Angeles, Bangalore and London, offering front-end services through to final picture for feature, long-form episodic, and traditional episodic animation. Leveraging its global capacity to adaptably scale for every project, the studio seeks to connect with clients’ creative ideas, define and develop their vision and deliver striking CG animation and authentic characters.
In less than 10 years, Mikros Animation has contributed to 10 released feature animations (including PAW Patrol: The Movie,The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run and Captain Underpants) and numerous episodic shows (Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight, Star Trek: Prodigy,Dragons: The Nine Realms) for the world’s best-known animation studios, either as a creative studio, line producer or executive producer. Mikros Animation has also produced more than 250 hours of programming, broadcast by notable channels including Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, TF1, France TV, Gulli, M6, Gloob and Super RTL. The studio’s episodic content airs and streams globally, in over 180 countries.
Nickelodeon has launched a new Content Accelerator Program, designed to reach BIPOC and underrepresented emerging professionals to pitch new kid-focused content ideas for Nick’s platforms across big kids animation, preschool and live action. In collaboration with Rise Up Animation and Ghetto Film School, the mission of the inaugural program is to find and bring in original project ideas from creative visionaries, while fostering relationships between emerging talent and Nickelodeon’s development teams.
Nickelodeon development executives will review submissions and top entries will move forward to a Pitch Day. On Pitch Day, the top applicants will meet with Nickelodeon development executives to present their ideas. The top pitch in each category (big kids animation, preschool animation and live action) will move into a preliminary phase of development at Nickelodeon. The selected creators will work directly with development executives and a creative mentor to hone their pitch presentations.
“The launch of Nickelodeon’s Content Accelerator Program is a way to reach aspiring, underrepresented creatives to tell stories reflective of today’s kids,” said Eryk Casemiro, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon Animation, Global Series Content. “By working with Rise Up Animation and Ghetto Film School, we are eager to hear from storytellers and spotlight content that is inclusive for everyone.”
Rise Up Animation (riseupanimation.org) is dedicated to increasing diverse talent in the animation industry by providing BIPOC with industry advice, portfolio feedback, resume feedback and the tools needed to turn their dreams into reality.
Monica Lago-Kaytis, Rise Up Animation Co-Founder, CFO & Mentor, said, “Rise Up Animation is thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon on their Content Accelerator Program. We believe that creating these opportunities for young artists and professionals aligns with our mission to bring more inclusion and diversity to an ever evolving animation community.”
Ghetto Film School (GFS; ghettofilm.org) is an award-winning nonprofit founded in 2000 to educate, develop and celebrate the next generation of great storytellers. GFS annually serves 8,000 individuals, 14-34 years of age.
“Our partnership with Nickelodeon on the Content Accelerator Program, will provide professional development for our Roster members, and a crucial opportunity for emerging storytellers to get their foot in the door, and pitch their stories to industry leaders,” said Yuby Hernandez, Global Roster Director at Ghetto Film School. “Programs like these are truly representative of our mission to educate, develop, and celebrate the next generation of great storytellers, and we look forward to building out this relationship for years to come.”
The submission period is open from August 8 – September 30, 2022 at nca.nick.com. The program is virtual and open to participants 21 years of age and older. The site includes a “How to Pitch” resource guide to provide tips and tricks as well as guidelines.
Submissions should be anywhere from 2-7 pages and include a mix of text and reference images or designs.
The program is part of Paramount’s company-wide Content for Change initiative (see website) that seeks to apply scientific research, rigor, and data to transform the entire creative ecosystem across three pillars:
1) the content the company produces
2) the creative supply chain that powers it, and
3) the culture that underpins everything Paramount does.
Learn more about the Nickelodeon Content Accelerator Program and how to pitch your project at nicknca.nick.com.
Sony Pictures Animation’s first-ever animated musical adventure, featuring original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is ready to take the home video stage after its exclusive Netflix run. Fans can bring home Vivoon Blu-ray, DVD and Digital this Tuesday, August 9 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, with an all-new Sing Along Edition.
Synopsis: From the studio that brought you Oscar winner Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018, Best Animated Feature Film) and the critically acclaimed The Mitchells vs. The Machines comes Vivo, an animated musical adventure featuring all-new songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Vivo, a one-of-a kind kinkajou, spends his days playing music with his beloved owner Andrés. But when tragedy strikes, it’s up to Vivo to deliver a message that Andrés never could: A love letter to his old partner, the famous Marta Sandoval, in the form of a song. Yet in order to get to Marta, who lives a world apart, Vivo will need the help of Gabi — an energetic tween who bounces to the beat of her own offbeat drum — to fulfill his owner’s wishes.
The film features the voices of Lin-Manuel Miranda as Vivo, Ynairaly Simo as Gabi, Zoe Saldana as Rosa, Juan de Marcos González as Andrés, Gloria Estefan, Brian Tyree Henry, Michael Rooker and Nicole Byer.
Vivo is directed by Kirk DeMicco (TheCroods), co-directed by Brandon Jeffords (upcoming Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical) and produced by Lisa Stewart, Michelle L.M. Wong and Rich Moore.
Following the success of last year’s release of ALab, billed as the first open-sourced USD shot context from a studio with 4,000 downloads to date, Animal Logic has revealed the next enhanced iteration of the project. ALab “Phase 2” provides a view of a full production scene with over 300 production quality assets, two animated characters with looping animation and baked procedural fur and fabric.
The wider community can now create their own magic with access to the expanded open-source digital production set, including cameras, lights and two rigged CG characters, Goggles and her offsider Hinge. The new release aims to foster further exploration and adoption of the open-source USD ecosystem while promoting the talent at Animal Logic. ALab has provided an accessible platform for artists and practitioners to develop their individual aesthetics and encourage collaboration across the wider 3D community.
“This asset set provides another key piece in encouraging the wider industry adoption of Pixar’s USD,” said Aidan Sarsfield, Head of Production Technology. “We look forward to seeing it used as an exemplar by individuals, vendors and studios alike.”
ALab ‘Unhinged’
In addition to releasing the USD files and textures from the production shot, Animal Logic has created a lit and rendered sequence, directed by Grant Freckelton, who also led the team that designed the ALab assets. The sequence highlights the asset suite’s complexity and quality while introducing the two new characters found in the scene.
“Goggles is puppet-like and cute but also decked out with scientific observation equipment like the little critter was constantly recording and observing whatever experiments were going on in the lab,” said Freckelton. “Hinge was made from found objects in the environment with a head inspired by the concept of pareidolia. We ended up with our own version of a homemade robot.”
The new ALab data set inspired the team to begin production on a short film that showcases the beautiful characters, assets, and overall production design. Directed by David Peers and created in Unreal Engine, Unhinged follows Goggles and Hinge in the abandoned workshop and provides insight into Animal Logic’s unique style, innovative nature and playful approach to storytelling.
“It was an amazing head start to have all the beautiful assets to draw on. So much love went into the designs and creation of everything in ALab,” said Peers. “Our first foray into the world of Unreal Engine was a challenge, but we all collaborated and solved any issues together. Our crew were incredible, we’re all so proud of what we’ve achieved.”
ALab ‘Unhinged’
The ALab data set is supplied as three separate downloads: the full production scene, high-quality textures, and baked procedural fur and fabric for the animated characters.
The Animal Logic ALab data set is one of the first digital assets adopted by the Academy Software Foundation’s Digital Production Example Library and is now available to access via animallogic.com/alab.
IDW has struck a development deal with Ánima (Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires, Legend Quest, Space Chickens in Space), the leading animation studio in Latin America, with operations based in Mexico City, Madrid, Canary Islands and Buenos Aires. Under the partnership, the collaborators will develop and produce an adult animated series based on IDW Publishing’s Brutal Nature comic books.
“We’ve always been big fans of what Ánima has been doing in the animation space, so we are thrilled with their passion for partnering on Brutal Nature,” said Paul Davidson, Executive Vice President of IDW Entertainment (IDWE). “Their sensibilities will truly expand the amazing world that Luciano Saracino and Ariel Olivetti created.”
“Working with IDW to develop such a unique project is really exciting,” added José C. García de Letona, COO at Ánima. “Brutal Nature will help us keep building up high quality stories with a Latin sensibility that can be enjoyed all over the world and we can’t think of a better partner to achieve it.”
Created by Saracino and Olivetti and produced by Fernando De Fuentes S. and José C. García de Letona, alongside the IDW team, Brutal Nature is about a collection of masks that transforms a young man into innumerable beasts and monsters.
With a growing slate of projects in development for 2022, IDWE continues to produce the Netflix hit Locke & Key; its third and final season drops August 10. In addition, IDWE’s newest Apple TV+ series, Surfside Girls (based on the Kim Dwinell Top Shelf graphic novels) debuts on August 19.
Currently celebrating its 20th year in business as a leading animation studio in Latin America and recognized as a global player in the animation industry, Ánima creates, produces, and manages high-quality entertainment brands and develops original projects for kids and the entire family. It’s latest project, Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires was announced in partnership with HBO Max and WB Animation while others like Cleo & Cuquin, Brave Bunnies and Space Chickens in Space keep entertaining audiences around the world.
Leading kids’ entertainment specialist CAKE has announced its partnership with DCM Pictures and Boulder Media on 2D adventure comedy series Amelia Fang, aimed at six- to nine-year olds. The series is inspired by the fang-tastic books written and illustrated by Laura Ellen
Anderson, which have sold over half a million copies in the U.K. and have been translated into 24 languages.
“Amelia Fang is full of heart, warmth and big adventure and we are thrilled to be working with DCM Pictures and Boulder Media in bringing her to the screen,” said series exec prodcuer and CEO of CAKE Ed Galton
Amelia Fang will be produced by DCM Pictures (Bibi & Tina) with animation led by Boulder Media in Dublin and directed by Robert Cullen (The Amazing World of Gumball, Danger Mouse, My Little Pony). The writing team is led by Elly Brewer (Shaun The Sheep, Postman Pat, Thunderbirds, The Story of Tracy Beaker, Tracy Beaker Returns). Executive producer CAKE will handle all international distribution.
Amelia Fang exec producers, DCM Pictures’ Philippa Tsang, Marc Schmidheiny and Christoph Daniels, commented, “Amelia Fang is joyful, funny and at its heart, it is a show about embracing difference in our society. We’re so lucky to be working with Elly Brewer, Boulder Media and CAKE who have been drawn to the rich world and great characters that Laura Ellen Anderson has created.”
Set in an unusual world full of eccentric characters, the series follows the wonderfully funny adventures of a young vampire with a big heart, Amelia Fang, and her diverse gang of friends. Here, there are always wrongs that need righting, mysteries that need solving and creatures who need rescuing — but whatever the adventure, Amelia and her pals always manage to save the day in their own uniquely quirky way! 48 x 11 minute episodes and 2 x 22 minute specials will be produced.
“Bursting with charm, comedy and adventure, Amelia Fang also carries a wonderful message of acceptance at its heart. I’m delighted to work with the fabulous Elly Brewer and the great folks at CAKE and DCM,” said Cullen.
Celebrating all things anime with attendees at the 6th Annual Crunchyroll Expo this weekend in San Jose, California, Crunchyroll, the global leader in bringing the ultimate anime experience to audiences around the world, shared many exciting announcements during its Industry Panel on Saturday, which included announcements of new show acquisitions, exclusive first looks, fan favorite movies coming to the streaming service, and more.
Announcements kicked off with a thrilling update that Crunchyroll will be rolling out the red carpet to welcome some of the most beloved anime in cinema history to its platform, including the sci-fi cult classic Akira directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, the fantastical modern romance Your Name. from director Makoto Shinkai (Suzume no Tojimari,Weathering With You), as well as director Mamoru Hosoda’s critically acclaimed catalog The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Wolf Children and The Boy and the Beast. Fans will start to see new movies launching on Crunchyroll every Thursday, starting August 11 through October.
Other eagerly awaited titles include Afro Samurai: Resurrection starring Samuel L. Jackson, the storybook tale of Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, the dramatic romance The Stranger by the Shore, and the sci-fi coming-of-age story Sing a Bit of Harmony, among many others, including those from popular anime franchises Free!, Fairy Tail, PSYCHO-PASS, Code Geass and Black Butler.
Additionally, the blockbuster film JUJUTSU KAISEN 0 will also be making its premiere on Crunchyroll starting on September 21. The prequel movie to the critically acclaimed anime series JUJUTSU KAISEN from TOHO Animation released outside Japan, across the globe, earlier this year. The film is based on the prequel manga (JUMP COMICS / Shueisha) to the smash hit supernatural adventure series written and illustrated by creator Gege Akutami.
New title acquisitions announced during the Crunchyroll Industry Panel include:
My Hero Academia Season 6 – Fans can dive back into Izuku’s quest to become a super hero (despite his lack of a super power) in the hit show’s latest season, slated to join the Crunchyroll lineup in October. BONES studio’s President, Masahiko Minami, shared the news with panel attendees on Friday. It was also revealed that the studio’s Mob Psycho 100 III (Oct. 2022) and Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 (Jan. 2023) are heading to the platform. A new trailer for MHA S6 was unveiled for Crunchyroll Expo.
In S6, with Bakugo and Todoroki, Deku is doing his work-study at the office of the number one hero, Endeavor. Working hard in the best possible environment, he is growing as a hero and using Blackwhip, a new Quirk that was hiding in One For All. Meanwhile, Tomura Shigaraki from the League of Villains clashes against the Metahuman Liberation Army led by Re-Destro. While he’s being driven into a corner fighting Re-Destro, he recovers forgotten memories of his terrible childhood and is awakened. He seizes the Metahuman Liberation Army, expands its influence and now desires a new power for himself to destroy everything.
Tower of God Season 2 – The long-awaited second season of the celebrated anime series, based on SIU’s sensational webcomic on WEBTOON — the world’s largest digital comics platform home to 82 million monthly users — where it has over 4.8 billion views online, will also be debuting its first volume of the upcoming graphic novel edition from WEBTOON Unscrolled on November 22. S2 of the dark fantasy series will follow Bam as he continues his journey through the mysterious tower. A new recap trailer and key visual were also shared in anticipation of the upcoming anime sequel. SIU also shared the following message:
“It seems like season 1 of the animation just came out yesterday, but now I’ll have a chance to see all of you again through season 2! I’m so grateful to all of the anime production staff as well as the readers, and I can’t wait to see how season 2 turns out. Thank you as always for all your support!”
My One-Hit Kill Sister – Based on the web novel and manga Isekai One Turn Kill Nee-san: Ane Dо̄han no Isekai Seikatsu Hajimemashita, written by Konoe.
Reborn to Master the Blade_ From Hero-King to Extraordinary Squire
Reborn to Master the Blade: From Hero-King to Extraordinary Squire – Adapted from the light novel and manga written by Hayaken, the anime series from Studio Comet finds Inglis, who is reborn into a beautiful girl, now free from a king’s burden and is being raised by renowned knights and begins focusing on mastering the martial arts.
A new trailer and key visual for Reborn to Master the Blade: From Hero-King to Extraordinary Squire has debuted, and the series will arrive on Crunchyroll this January.
The Human Crazy University– Coming this October, Crunchyroll will take audiences to the The Human Crazy University, where Satake Hirofumi, an “Undeadman” on death row, is sent for the murder of his fiancée and who has survived many desperate situations. Truth of his immortal life will be revealed that will unveil a much bigger conspiracy, which was teased in a new trailer and key visual.
The Fruit of Evolution 2
The Fruit of Evolution 2: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made – Hiiragi Seiichi’s new life of success continues in the world of swords and sorcery he was transported with the second season of The Fruit of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made comes to Crunchyroll in January 2023. The anime adaptation from the studio Hotline, based on the light novel series written by Miku, revealed a new teaser trailer and key visual in celebration.
The Aristocrat’s Otherworldly Adventure: Serving Gods Who Go Too Far – After being reincarnated as Cain von Silford, the third son of an aristocratic family, Shiina Kazuya finds himself in chaotic new beginnings when the gods grant him several divine blessings on his fifth birthday that could only be described as a little overkill. A teaser key visual was shared for The Aristocrat’s Otherworldly Adventure: Serving Gods Who Go Too Far, which will make its way onto Crunchyroll in 2023.
The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World –The story of an unrivaled genius exorcist, Haruyoshi Kuga, begins as he seeks to find happiness in a new fantasy world he reincarnates himself into. Adapted from the light novel and manga series written by Kiichi Kosuzu, the new anime series from Studio Blanc has released a new teaser trailer and key visual, as it’s set to release on Crunchyroll this January.
Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon – What would you do if you couldn’t move or speak and were stuck in a dungeon, only to find out you’ve been turned into a vending machine? This anime series adaptation of the work by writer Hirukuma comes to Crunchyroll to answer that question. Discover the world of Boxxo in the brand new teaser trailer.
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale – In a world unkind to fae folk, Anne Halford seeks to spark a friendship with her new fairy bodyguard, Chalie. Based on the light novel and manga series of the same name, written by Miri Mikawa, Sugar Apple Fairy Tale will be coming to Crunchyroll.
Key art were revealed that shows off the character designs for Chalie and Anne
Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World Season 2 – The much anticipated sequel from studio Silver Link is coming to Crunchyroll. A Season 1 recap trailer was shared during the panel with the English dub actors along with a new teaser video. A message from the Season 2 director, Yasufumi Soejima was also shared:
“Alice and Iska. They are the best rivals who respect each other and improve each other, and the ‘tension and tenderness’ of their relationship is an irresistible attraction! The delicate yet bold drama and worldview that unfolds from there! I am very happy to be involved in the creation of the anime Our Last Crusade. We have been communicating with the original author, Sazane-sensei, and have carefully and meticulously worked out the details of the project to produce a film that will be enhanced as a visual work. Please look forward to it!”
I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss – Arriving this fall to Crunchyroll, from Maho Film and directed by Kumiko Habara, the anime adaptation of the series written by Sarasa Nagase, follows Aileen Lauren Dautriche who recalls her previous life and discovers she’s in an otome game entitled, “Regalia of Saints, Demons and Maidens,” where she is the villainess who gets in the way of the main character’s romance. But Aileen, knowing the outcome of the game, has other plans for her fate. A new key visual and trailer were unveiled for this title.
The tale of outcasts recently announced that it would be heading to Crunchyroll and now a release date of January 2023 has been revealed along with a brand new trailer debut as well as staff and cast details:
Chief Animation Supervisors: Mina Osawa, Hikaru Suzuki
Music: Hiroaki Tsutsumi, Kana Hashiguchi
Music Production: PONY CANYON
Sound: STUDIO MAUSU
Animation: Ashi Productions
Main Cast
Wisteria: Ayana Taketatsu
Marbas: Katsuyuki Konishi
Snow: Ryota Osaka
Those who can’t make it to the panels or attend Crunchyroll Expo can watch the livestream on CrunchyrollExpo.com, catch up on panels through the Video on Demand section, and follow all of the exciting highlights on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, as well as Crunchyroll News where fans can expect to find all the great announcements from each day and so much more.
