While we had some idea what DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming slate might look like (we knew, for example, that there were two How To Train Your Dragon sequels on the way and a Seth Rogen vehicle initially titled Boo-U), it’s safe to say that no-one was quite prepared for yesterday’s announcement.
Having recently sold their domestic and international distribution rights to 20th Century Fox for the next five years, DreamWorks Animation have now outlined an ambitious 12 picture deal that will see three movies released each year (and an unprecedented four in 2015). In an interview with THR, the studio’s chief creative officer Bill Damaschke explained:
“Everyone of the movies in our lineup – whether it is an original film or a sequel to one of our beloved franchises – comes from the unique and special vision of our filmmakers, and we look forward to joining together with Fox to make them available to family audiences starting next year.”
Over the next few years, then, audiences can expect to see: caveman caper The Croods (March 22, 2013), Turbo (July 19, 2013), Mr. Peabody & Sherman (Nov. 1, 2013), Me and My Shadow (March 14, 2014), How to Train Your Dragon 2 (June 20, 2014), Happy Smekday! (Nov. 26, 2014), spin-off The Penguins of Madagascar (March 27, 2015), Trolls (working title, June 5, 2015), Tony Leondis’ newly re-titled B.O.O: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations (November 6, 2015), Mumbai Musical (working title, Dec. 19, 2015), Kung Fu Panda 3 (March 18, 2016) and How To Train Your Dragon 3 (June 18, 2016).
This is in addition to Fox’s own previously announced animations, Epic (May 24, 2013) and Rio 2 (April 14, 2014).
First, however, DreamWorks have one final movie to release through Paramount: November’s rather brilliant-looking Rise of the Guardians. Come on Pixar, it’s time to up your game!
