As the year winds down, Netflix is gearing up to bring us a delightful treat that promises to enchant viewers of all ages. If you’re a fan of animated fantasies like me, you’re in for a real gem. The director who brought us “Shrek”, Vicky Jenson, is back with a brand-new animated adventure set to premiere on Netflix this December.
A Busy End of Year for Netflix
Netflix is pulling out all the stops this holiday season. Alongside the much-anticipated return of “Squid Game” and a slew of new series, the streaming giant is focusing on family-friendly entertainment to close out the year. It’s the perfect time for animated films to shine, and industry leaders are seizing the moment both in theaters and on our home screens.
Introducing “Ellian and the Cursed Spell”
Skydance Animation is releasing its second feature film, “Ellian and the Cursed Spell”, a project that’s been years in the making. After their initial offering, “Luck”, Skydance is aiming to establish itself as a major player in the animation world with this ambitious fantasy epic. The film tells the story of Ellian, the daughter of the rulers of Lumbria. When a curse turns her parents into voiceless monsters, Ellian embarks on a quest to find a counter-spell and save them.
A Stellar Team Behind the Scenes
What makes this film particularly exciting is the talent involved. Director Vicky Jenson, known for co-directing the Oscar-winning “Shrek”, brings her expertise in crafting rich, immersive worlds. In an interview, Jenson mentioned drawing inspiration from traditional fairy tales while adding fresh twists. “Starting with something familiar—a kingdom and a princess—allowed us to delve deeper into the family’s story,” she said.
A Star-Studded Cast
The voice cast is nothing short of impressive. Rachel Zegler, who wowed audiences in “West Side Story”, lends her voice to the protagonist, Ellian. The roles of her parents are voiced by none other than Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem. Kidman recently appeared in “The Perfect Couple”, while Bardem portrayed the father in the second season of “Monsters”. Additional voices include talents like Nathan Lane and Jenifer Lewis, adding even more depth to the character lineup.
Music by a Legendary Composer
Adding to the film’s allure is the musical genius of Alan Menken, the composer behind classics like “The Little Mermaid”, “Aladdin”, “Beauty and the Beast”, and “Tangled”. His involvement signals a return to the grand musical numbers that have become rare in recent animated features from studios like Disney and Pixar. As someone who grew up humming Menken’s tunes, I’m thrilled to see Netflix embracing this tradition.
Mark Your Calendars
“Ellian and the Cursed Spell” is set to premiere on November 22 on Netflix. Just in time for the holiday season, it’s poised to offer a magical escape for families and animation enthusiasts alike. So gather your loved ones, prepare some popcorn, and get ready to be transported to the enchanting world of Lumbria.
Final Thoughts
In a time when animated musicals are becoming a rarity, this film feels like a refreshing throwback with a modern twist. With a compelling story, an all-star cast, and the creative minds behind some of our favorite animated adventures, “Ellian and the Cursed Spell” is shaping up to be a must-watch. I, for one, can’t wait to dive into this new world and see what magic awaits.
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