Netflix dropped the teaser trailer July 30 for “Spellbound” (streaming November 22), the second animated feature from John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation (which is part of the impending Paramount-Skydance Media merger). The musical fantasy from director Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”) is a modern fairy tale that takes place in the mythical kingdom of Lumbria, where teenage princess Ellian (Rachel Zegler from “West Side Story”) must break the spell that transformed her parents (Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem) into monsters.
Boasting bright, eye-catching animation from Skydance Animation Madrid, the look of Lumbria (production designed by Brett Nystul) was influenced by the iconic architecture of ancient Spain, which was known for its domed rooftops and Moorish arches.
The rest of the voice cast includes John Lithgow (Minister Bolinar), Jenifer Lewis (Minister Nazara Prone), Nathan Lane (Sun Oracle), André De Shields (Moon Oracle), Jordan Fisher, and Tituss Burgess.
“Spellbound” is produced by Lasseter, Skydance CEO David Ellison, Skydance chief creative officer Dana Goldberg, and Skydance Animation head of production Bruce Anderson. The script is from Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin (“Mulan”) and Julia Miranda (“Alexa & Katie”). The project originally began as “Split” from screenwriter Linda Woolverton (“Beauty and the Beast”).
There is a decidedly Disney-esque musical spectacle propelling this modern fairy tale, led by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (“The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin”) composing the score and writing the original songs with lyricist Glenn Slater (“Tangled”). Among the highlights are Ellian’s opening lament about the monstrous spell that has been cast on her parents, and Kidman and Bardem’s spellbound royal couple singing in a forest.
After moving its Skydance Animation slate from Apple Studios to Netflix in 2023, the multi-year streaming deal commenced with “Spellbound.” Set for release in 2025 is “Pookoo,” a buddy comedy about two enemies — a woodland creature and a majestic bird — who magically trade places. It’s helmed by former Disney director Nathan Greno (“Tangled”), with original music composed by Siddhartha Khosla.
Also in the works are Brad Bird’s sci-fi passion project “Ray Gunn” and an untitled “Jack and the Beanstalk” feature from Rich Moore (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph”). In addition, former Disney director Don Hall (“Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Moana,” and “Big Hero 6”) recently came to Skydance to direct an untitled feature.
Of course, it remains to be determined how the Paramount-Skydance merger will impact the current Netflix deal. However, according to Ellison, Skydance plans to make two animated features per year starting in 2026 as part of its Netflix arrangement.
