Latest news with #DisneyAnimation
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'It took a big hit for the studio': How dark and daring gamble The Black Cauldron became a notorious Disney flop
Disney Animation's ambitious and innovative 1985 film The Black Cauldron was an experiment that dramatically failed, arguably putting the future of the studio in question. Disney Animation was on the lookout for a new identity in the 1980s. After half-a-century of success, this decade of the company's history is commonly referred to as the "Bronze" or "Dark Age", neither exactly a ringing endorsement of its films. Hope came in the form of The Black Cauldron, which seemed like the perfect way to announce a new kind of Disney animation. It was the studio's first foray into high fantasy, a PG-rated film about a young boy trying to stop a mythical cauldron that can create an army of undead soldiers (the so-called "Cauldron-Born" scene, in which an undead army emerges from a boiling pot is still terrifying, 40 years on). It signalled that Disney was ready to appeal to a new audience. Instead, The Black Cauldron was a disaster for the studio. A box office failure, it earned $21m (£15.6m) less than half of its $44m (£32.7m) budget. It came in fourth on its opening weekend, behind National Lampoon's European Vacation, a re-release of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, and Back to the Future, already a month into its theatrical run. At the time of its release in 1985, it was the most expensive animated film ever made. Instead of being the film that would take Disney to new heights, The Black Cauldron has become known as the film that nearly took down the company. That perception seems to have first emerged in a 2010 Slate article, which stated that the film "almost killed Disney animation". In 2025, it's hard to have a conversation about The Black Cauldron without it being mentioned that it almost shut down the animation department. But is that a justified claim, or is it merely a myth that's lingered for decades?
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Zootopia 2 release date: Cast, plot, and everything else you need to know about the animated film
Zootopia 2 release date Zootopia trailer: What is the movie about? Fill 1 Tap to unmute 00:08 Playing in picture-in-picture What to expect from the movie Hopps & Wilde are BACK 🦊🐰 Get ready for #Zootopia2, only in theaters November 26! — Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) July 30, 2025 Jared Bush and Byron Howard say they are 'beyond excited' Zootopia's popularity FAQs When is Zootopia 2 releasing? Who are the main characters? What's the plot? Disney has unveiled the trailer for Zootopia 2, sparking excitement among fans. The beloved original film won hearts globally, and the sequel looks set to deliver another thrilling journey through the bustling animal metropolis. With Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde back in action, here's a breakdown of the release date, story details, cast, and 2, the eagerly awaited follow-up to Disney's Academy Award-winning 2016 animated hit Zootopia, is set to premiere in theaters on November 28, 2025. The original film, known for its stunning animation and compelling storytelling, won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and left a lasting impact on audiences trailer reintroduces Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) as full-time partners at the Zootopia Police Department, though cracks are starting to show in their teamwork. They end up in therapy with Dr. Fuzzby, a straightforward quokka voiced by Quinta Brunson, as Nick's trust issues clash with Judy's strong-willed personal struggles are put on hold when they're assigned to track Gary De'Snake, a mysterious pit viper voiced by Ke Huy Quan, the first reptile to appear in Zootopia in years. His arrival stirs panic, despite his claims of visiting for family reasons. Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) makes it clear: if they fail, their partnership is 2 is expected to further explore the bustling world of Zootopia, possibly unveiling new neighborhoods, featuring new animal characters, and addressing contemporary social themes with the same humour and emotional depth that made the first film a Bush and Byron Howard, who were part of the original Zootopia team, return as co-directors for the sequel. In a previous interview with People, Bush shared his excitement about revisiting the vibrant and unpredictable world of Zootopia and welcoming audiences back into its unique in 2016, Zootopia was a huge hit for Disney, raking in over $1.02 billion globally and ranking among its most successful animated films. Critics praised its stunning animation and story earning it a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film also took home major honours, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Its widespread popularity sparked spin-offs, merchandise, and now an eagerly awaited film hits theaters on November 28, Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) return as partners in the Zootopia Police and Nick's partnership is under strain, leading them to therapy. They're soon tasked with tracking a mysterious pit viper, Gary De'Snake (voiced by Ke Huy Quan), whose arrival stirs chaos in the city.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Disney unveils Zootopia 2 trailer: Check release date, cast, plot and other details
Walt Disney Animation Studios has released the official trailer for Zootopia 2 , revealing a thrilling new chapter in the beloved franchise. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman are back as the voices of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde , now navigating their evolving partnership both on and off the police force. The animated sequel is set to hit theaters on November 26. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MBA Data Science healthcare Leadership Management Product Management Public Policy Technology Finance Digital Marketing Artificial Intelligence Others CXO Degree Design Thinking others Project Management Data Analytics Data Science PGDM MCA Cybersecurity Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, Zootopia 2 introduces an all-new villain: a menacing snake named Gary De'Snake, voiced by Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan. As snakes are rarely seen in the mammal-dominated metropolis, his arrival throws Zootopia into chaos. The trailer teases Judy and Nick in partners' counseling, only to be thrust into a high-stakes mission that takes them deep into unfamiliar corners of the city. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The 87¢ Viagra Trick Especially for Men on Social Security. fridayplans Learn More Undo — DisneyAnimation (@DisneyAnimation) Joining the returning cast are Quinta Brunson as Dr. Fuzzby, a quirky quokka therapist, and Fortune Feimster as Nibbles Maplestick, a spirited beaver. Fan-favorite characters are also making a comeback: Shakira returns as Gazelle, Idris Elba as Chief Bogo, Bonnie Hunt and Don Lake as Judy's parents Bonnie and Stu Hopps, Nate Torrence as Clawhauser, Jenny Slate as Bellwether, Alan Tudyk as Duke Weaselton, Maurice LaMarche as Mr. Big, Leah Latham as Fru Fru, Josh Dallas as Frantic Pig, Tommy Chong as Yax, Mark Rhino Smith as Officer McHorn, and Raymond Persi as Flash. The official synopsis teases a mystery that sends Judy and Nick undercover in parts of Zootopia they've never explored before, challenging their dynamic and pushing their teamwork to the limit. 'They find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who turns the mammal metropolis upside down,' it reads. Live Events Producer Yvett Merino joins directors Bush and Howard in bringing the sequel to life. In a statement, Bush said, 'We're beyond thrilled to return to Zootopia and take audiences on a hilarious, wild ride through uncharted territories of the city. It's been an absolute joy reuniting with our original cast and expanding the world with some phenomenal new additions.' He added, 'Whether it's marshlands filled with semi-aquatic mammals, vast desert dunes, or other mysteries, Judy and Nick will meet new allies and confront personal truths—while dealing with a very unwelcome snake in town.' The original Zootopia, released in 2016, was a massive hit, earning over $1 billion globally and holding a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With Zootopia 2, Disney promises another heartwarming, action-packed, and hilarious ride through its vibrant animal world when it hits theaters this November.
Gizmodo
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
The New ‘Zootopia 2' Trailer Puts Nick and Judy Through Therapy
Walt Disney Animation Studios has released a closer look at its upcoming animated sequel film, Zootopia 2. While this isn't our first look at the sequel to the 2016 Academy Award-winning film, the latest Zootopia 2 trailer offers more than just a catchy beat and character concepts. We now have a glimpse of the story. This time, rookie cop Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) are fresh off solving the biggest case in Zootopia history. Their next adventure leads them directly into a partner counseling program. Contrary to the internet's immediate speculation about the previously released image of Judy and Nick in therapy—suggesting it stemmed from meme-driven romantic troubles and a craving for Arby's (if you know, you know)—the real reason for their therapy sessions was an order from Chief Bogo (Idris Elba). Chief Bogo believed that the buddy cop duo still had some improvements to make before they could become a solid team. A stepping stone toward increasing their synchronization is a therapy session officiated by a quokka named Dr. Fuzzby (Quinta Brunson). It doesn't take long for the trailer to gain some momentum, showcasing that the ultimate test of their teamwork isn't set in a therapy room but out on the field in the heat of another dangerous mystery waiting to be solved. This time, Zootopia 2's central enigma revolves around the arrival of a venomous snake named Gary De'Snake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan. Throughout the trailer, Nick and Judy are seen following Gary as he claims he needs help to reunite with his family. The duo will likely face the challenge of defending the city while assisting the anxious snake in reconnecting with his relatives, all while trying to avoid conflicts along the way. Just in case you needed a reminder of who else from Hollywood will be reprising their roles in the film, here's a quick rundown of the who's who in Zootopia 2, including the actors returning alongside the likes of Goodwin, Bateman, Elba, and songstress Shakira. Zootopia 2 is the latest installment in Disney's 2023-era strategy to produce sequels to its most successful projects. Outside of Zootopia 2, other film projects in the works include a new Toy Story movie and additional Frozen sequel films. 'It's been an absolute joy to reteam with so many actors who made the first film so special, and exciting to expand the world with our phenomenal new cast members,' director/writer Jared Bush and chief creative officer for Walt Disney Animation Studios wrote in a press release. 'I can't wait for audiences to see what other surprises we have in store in this brand-new adventure.' Zootopia 2 releases in theaters on November 26. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
USA Today
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Disney World just announced a new attraction that will make fans feel like kids again
If you visited Disney's Hollywood Studios back in its Disney MGM Studios days, you may remember The Magic of Disney Animation. The attraction opened with the park in 1989 and invited guests to witness Disney's animation process firsthand, peering into a working studio, where films like 'Lilo & Stitch' came to life. It wasn't quite the same after Disney shuttered its Florida-based animation operations in the early 2000s, but the attraction evolved and continued to celebrate Disney Animation until 2015, when it was closed and replaced by Star Wars Launch Bay. Now a decade later, Disney has announced a new Magic of Disney Animation is in the works for a new generation of guests. Here's what fans should know. When is The Magic of Disney Animation opening? The new Magic of Disney Animation will open at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2026. Disney hasn't shared an exact date. Where will The Magic of Disney Animation be located? The attraction will be located in Animation Courtyard, which will be reimagined as The Walt Disney Studios. It will be where Star Wars Launch Bay is now. The Sorcerer's Hat is coming back The Star Wars Launch Bay building will be transformed to look like the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California, where Walt Disney Animation Studios is based. Like that building, it will be topped with a huge Sorcerer's Hat. For years, a massive Sorcerer Mickey Hat served as the symbol of Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney-MGM Studios, and was a popular photo backdrop for guests. This one won't be the same, but the nostalgia factor is notable for fans who've said goodbye to longtime staples like Muppet*Vision 3D, Tom Sawyer Island, and parts of DinoLand U.S.A this year. Many fans have already expressed their excitement on social media. What to expect from The Magic of Disney Animation "Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away... but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they're ready to play!' Disney shared on its official Disney Parks Blog. It's unclear how the experience will unfold, but Disney says the characters will be part of 'playful and interactive moments,' like in the Emmy-winning short film 'Once Upon a Studio' created for Disney's 100th anniversary. There will also be a short film, drawing lessons (which the previous Magic of Disney Animation also offered), and for young guests, a Drawn to Wonderland playground inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair's concept art for 'Alice in Wonderland.' What else is coming? The new Walt Disney Studios space will host a new Disney Jr. show, character greetings and trees offering shade to guests. 'And make sure to look around, too,' Disney's blog post said. 'You never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun or digging in the grass.' What's closing at Disney's Hollywood Studios? Star Wars Launch Bay and the live show Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will permanently close this September. Their last day of operation will be Sept. 24. The recently reimagined Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will remain.
