Kim Possible Live-Action Movie in the Works at Disney

InÂThis Week in Animation News, I’ll take a look at the previous week in the world of animation in order to get you caught up on everything you might have missed. It’s your one-stop shop for news regarding cartoons, anime, and animated web series. We’re talking movies, TV shows, digital shorts, and everything in between!For the latest animation stories we’ve already covered on the site this week, take a look at the following links. Then, check out a selection of new stories below. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Are You Disney’s Live-Action ‘Kim Possible’?

Casting has begun on a live-actionKim Possiblemovie for the Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, 16 years after the popular character – a typical high school girl who, in her spare time, saves the world from evil villains – debuted in the animated comedy/adventure series that became a global hit. The series was lauded for its empowered female role model who uses her brain, heart and expertise to save the day. Throughout 87 episodes and two original animated movies, Kim Possible traversed the social hierarchy of high school and, with her hapless sidekick Ron Stoppable and his naked mole-rat Rufus by her side, thwarted power-hungry villains Drakken and Shego, among others.

The live-action movie script writers are the creators of the animated series – Emmy Award-winning creators/executive producersMark McCorkleandRobert Schooley – andJosh Cagan(The DUFF, Bandslam). The movie is co-directed and co-produced byAdam B. SteinandZach Lipovsky.ÂBlyth Nailling is the casting director.

Adam Bonnett, executive vice president, Original Programming, Disney Channels Worldwide, said:

“Mark and Bob created an enduring character and kids all over the world found a friend in her, an average girl who just happens to spend her off-school hours thwarting evil villains. Although Kim Possible ‘can do anything,’ kids and tweens found that this animated redhead was just like them. As we embark on the fun challenge of making Kim and Ron fully dimensional, I’m thrilled to be working again with Mark and Bob and to welcome the addition of a dynamic creative team – Josh, Zanne, Adam and Zach – into a world where anything is indeed possible.”

The original animated series, launched in 2002, inspired two hugely popular animated original movies,Kim Possible Movie: So the Dramain 2005, which was the first animated title in the Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, andKim Possible: A Stitch in Timein 2003.

In addition to its Emmy Award and eight nominations, the series' other accolades are from the Parents' Choice Foundation, the International Animated Film Society’s Annie Awards and Italy’s Pulcinella Award for Best Program and Best TV Series for Children.

‘Coco’ Deleted Scenes Include Commentary from Co-Directors Adrian Molina and Lee Unkrich

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and winner of 11 Annie Awards, Disney•Pixar’sÂCoco also finds its way onto 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand onÂFebruary 27th.

Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Animated Bob Marley Film In the Works with Fox and Universal

Well here’s a weird one. AsVarietyreports, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Universal’s music banner Polygram Entertainment are teaming up for aBob Marleyproject that’s described as “an animated musical love letter to the late Marley’s legendary music and to the people of Jamaica”Kenya Barris(Black-ish, Girls Trip) is writing and producing the project.

Cedella Marley, daughter ofBob and Rita Marley, produces along with Polygram Entertainment chiefDavid BlackmanandE. Brian Dobbinsof Principato-Young. Fox Animation Co-Presidents,Andrea MiloroandRobert Baird said of the project:

“We not only have the opportunity to build new relationships for the studio, but we get to tell a story, inspired by the music of Bob Marley, one of the greatest music legends of our time.”

Marley added:

“My father has inspired art and artists around the world and I’m excited to embark on a new creative venture that highlights his incredible music. We are thrilled to work with Kenya Barris and David Blackman on this project as well as a Fox Animation who gave us this platform to introduce a new generation to my father’s music.”

‘My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic’ Season 8 Release Date Revealed

On Saturday, March 24th at 11:30a/10:30c, Discovery Family premieres the eighth season ofÂMy Little Pony: Friendship Is Magicwith 26 half hour episodes complete with seven original songs, new characters and tons of friendship! New episodes of the Hasbro Studios’ produced animated series will also stream live and on demand on Discovery Family GO, the network’s TV Everywhere app.

Following the events ofMy Little Pony: The Movie, in the back-to-back season premiere episodes titled “School Daze Part 1” and “School Daze Part 2,” the Mane 6 discovers that the Friendship Map has expanded to show the world outside Equestria. Through two exciting original songs, Twilight Sparkle learns that friendship needs to spread beyond the limits of the kingdom and decides to open her very own School of Friendship. But things come to a head when the new non-pony students ditch class on Friends and Family day, putting the entire school in jeopardy!

This season, viewers will witness major milestones featuring the introduction of Starlight Glimmer’s parents, Princess Celestia’s big acting debut and Spike’s journey to adulthood – getting his wings. Additionally, the Mane 6’s Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are accompanied by six new creatures including Ocellus the Changeling, Silverstream the Hippogriff/Seapony, Smolder the Dragon, Gallus the Griffin, Yona the Yak and Sandbar the Pony, joining them on epic adventures throughout new and familiar lands such as Mount Aris, Everfree Forest, Las Pegasus and more. Fan-favorite characters Maud Pie, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Queen Chrysalis and Discord return with exciting storylines and a whole lot of magic!

Leading up to the season eight premiere, Discovery Family celebrates all things pony by binging the most magical episodes from the past seven seasons during the PONY PALOOZA takeover beginning bright and early at 6a/5c on Saturday, March 17th and running all week long during the day up to the season premiere on Saturday, March 24th at 11:30a/10:30c. Revisit legendary moments throughout the series including the royal wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor, the crowning of Twilight Sparkle as a princess, the birth and “Crystalling” of Baby Flurry Heart, the origin of the Mane 6 cutie marks and classic guest appearances from“Weird Al” Yankovicas Cheese Sandwich,Patton Oswaltas Daring Do super fan Quibble Pants andWilliam Shatneras Grand Pear.

‘Batman: Gotham by Gaslight’ Clip Shows Off a Stunning Fight Sequence

This is an all-new clip featuring Batman and Jack the Ripper in hand-to-hand combat atop a dirigible flying high over the streets of turn-of-the-century Gotham City.

Batman: Gotham By Gaslightis now available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital.

Go Behind the Scenes of ‘The Star’ for the Blu-ray Release

Sony Pictures Animation’sÂThe Stararrives on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital February 20th from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The heartwarming animated comedy follows a small but brave donkey named Bo (voiced bySteven Yeun), who yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth (voiced byAidy Bryant), a lovable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave (voiced byKeegan-Michael Key), a dove with lofty aspirations, along with three wisecracking camels voiced byTracy Morgan,Tyler PerryandOprah Winfrey. Bo and his new friends follow the star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told.

Rounding out the all-star voice cast includingGina Rodriguezas Mary,Zachary LeviÂas Joseph, Grammy Award-WinnerKelly Clarksonas Leah the horse,Anthony Andersonas Zach the goat,Ving Rhamesas Thaddeus the dog,Gabriel Iglesiasas Rufus the dog,Patricia HeatonÂas Edith the cow, Emmy and Tony Award-WinnerKristin Chenowethas Abby the mouse, andChristopher Plummer as King Herod.

Bonus Materials Include:

Crunchyroll Expo 2018 Arrives September 1st!

The Crunchyroll Expo returnsÂSeptember 1-3, 2018 at the San Jose Convention Center. Tickets went on sale on February 8th, but we’ll have more information for you as it becomes available. Last year’s event drew more than 16,000 attendees for three days of featured guest speakers, artists, and exhibitions, premiers of multiple anime series, a massive costume contest, and more!

See How ‘Early Man’ Was Made in 12-Minute Video with Animation Director Will Becher

EARLY MAN is the new prehistoric comedy adventure from four-time Academy Award® -winning director Nick Park and AARDMAN, the creators of WALLACE AND GROMIT and SHAUN THE SHEEP. Shot in Aardman’s own distinctive style, the film will take audiences on an extraordinary journey into an exciting new world unleashing an unforgettable tribe of unique and funny new characters voiced by an all-star British cast.

Set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures roamed the earth, EARLY MAN tells the story of courageous caveman hero Dug (Eddie Redmayne) and his best friend Hognob as they unite his tribe against a mighty enemy Lord Nooth (Tom Hiddleston) and his Bronze Age City to save their home. Hiddleston and Maisie Williams (Goona) will be joined by additional voice cast playing characters from the Bronze Age city to be announced in the coming weeks.

‘Usagi Yojimbo’ Animated Series in the Works with James Wan Producing

Usagi Yojimbo, the famous rabbit Samurai most commonly associated with theÂTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, will be getting his own animated series at long last.BCreports that the animated adaptation ofÂStan Sakai’s comic book creation will be co-produced by Gaumont, Sakai,ÂJames Wan’s Atomic Monster, and Dark Horse Entertainment’sÂMike RichardsonÂandÂKeith Goldberg. Gaumont’s President of Animation,ÂNicolas Atlanrecently made the announcement.

Envisioned as a CG-animated series, the plan is to begin production in 2018; Gaumont is currently seeking a broadcaster to get involved with the development process.ÂUsagi Yojimbo takes place in 17th century feudal Japan in which anthropomorphic characters–like the title hero himself–populate the world. Miyamoto Usagi, a.k.a. Usagi Yojimbo, is a ronin warrior, a skilled swordsrabbit, and one-time bodyguard for a Japanese War Lord. Now masterless, he wanders a “world of immense castles and humble villages, encountering dinosaurs, Yokai, cats, bats, bounty hunters, giant snakes, and even aliens, facing exciting adventures at every turn, always ready to help.”

Here’s what Atlan had to say about the project:

“Usagi Yojimbo has been much sought after for many years, and we are honored to work with Stan Sakai to translate his multi-generational stories into the first ever TV series. Usagi Yojimbo’s blend of history and mythology, clever balance between action and comedy, and real-world touchpoints combined with the supernatural, together with the passionate fan base that Stan has already amassed, makes this an incredibly exciting property to develop with our partners Atomic Monster and Dark Horse Entertainment.”

Sakai also commented:

“We get fan mail from readers of all ages across the globe who have been asking to see Usagi Yojimbo in his own TV series. With Gaumont, James Wan and his team at Atomic Monster, and Dark Horse Entertainment, we have the best creative talent on board to bring the adventures I have been creating for over 30 years to life.”

Oscar-Nominated Animator Glen Keane to Direct ‘Over the Moon’ for Netflix and Pearl Studio

Legendary Academy Award-nominated animatorGlen Keanewill direct Pearl Studio’sÂOver the Moonas a world premiere animated film exclusively for Netflix. The news was jointly announced byPeilin Chou, Chief Creative Officer of Pearl Studio andMelissa Cobb, Vice President of Kids & Family for Netflix.

Over the Moon is an animated musical adventure feature film about a girl who builds a rocket ship and blasts off to the moon in hopes of meeting a legendary Moon Goddess. The film will be released in 2020, theatrically in China, and to Netflix members around the world.

Keane most recently directed the acclaimed Academy Award® nominated animated short filmDear Basketball, which won Best Animated Short this past weekend at the 45th Annual Annie Awards honoring the best in Animation. He is a multi-award winning distinguished veteran of Walt Disney Feature Animation who trained under Walt Disney’s legendary “9 Old Men.” In 2012, he left Disney to form Glen Keane Productions as a way to further his artistic explorations in animation, design, and film.

ForÂOver the Moon he will bring his considerable talent, artistry and experience to this modern-day retelling of the classic Chinese myth. The film is written byAudrey Wells, produced byGennie Rim and executive produced byJanet Yang. Songs will be written byChristopher Curtis,Marjorie Duffield, andHelen Park.

“I am powerfully drawn to characters who believe the impossible is possible,” said Keane. “Over the Moonhas just such a heroine as its centerpiece. The compelling script by Audrey Wells has tremendous heart and humor that called to me and I had to respond. I’m honored to bring this story to life alongside my producer Gennie Rim. We are both looking forward to creating a wonderful film and partnership with Melissa Cobb at Netflix and Peilin Chou at Pearl Studio.”