InThis Week in Animation NewsI’ll take a look at the previous week in the world of animation 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!
This week saw the announcement that Disney’sMoanawill be returning to theaters for a special re-release in a sing-along format; details on screenings follow below. Also fromMoanacomes a bonus clip from starDwayne Johnson. Elsewhere, fans of Cartoon Network’sRegular Showwill see the animated series return briefly before a special two-part series finale next week. Fans ofMy Little Pony, however, have a new voice to look forward to hearing in the movie treatment sinceZoe Saldanahas joined the cast. There are also bonkers trailers for bothThe Jetsons & WWE: Robo-WrestleMania!andOne Piece Film: Gold, the latter of which is playing in theaters for a limited time. And if it’s anime you’re into, you might want to check out Amazon’s newest channel, Anime Strike.
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!
‘Moana’ Sing-Along Version in Theaters January 27th
The epic journey continues forMoanafans as Walt Disney Animation Studios introduces an all-new sing-along version of the hit, critically-lauded comedy-adventureMoana,coming to theaters nationwide Jul 04, 2025. Additionally, the original theatrical version of the film will release digitally February 21st and on Blu-ray March 7th.
Fans are invited to warm up those vocal cords and set sail with an all-new sing-along version ofMoanalaunching in more than 2,000 theaters nationwide on January 27th and exclusively at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre on January 20th.
Moanaaudiences were swept away by the film’s original songs and score from a dynamic team that includes Tony-, Emmy- and Grammy®-winning songwriterLin-Manuel Miranda,Mark Mancina(“Tarzan,” Broadway’s “The Lion King”) andOpetaia Foa‘i(founder and lead singer of the award-winning world music band Te Vaka).
The sing-along version ofMoanaincludes the full feature film with on-screen lyrics, so audiences can belt out the words to their favorite songs, such as the Golden Globe-nominated “How Far I’ll Go.” Moviegoers can check local listings for showtimes and theaters; the sing-along run will vary by location.
At Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre, theMoanasing-along will begin January 20th, one week prior to the nationwide opening. Daily showtimes are at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available at El Capitan Theatre (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), by calling 1-800-DISNEY6 (347-6396) or online atwww.elcapitantickets.com.
Audiences can soon enjoy the original theatrical version of the film at home and packed with a variety of bonus extras whenMoanaarrives on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) on February 21st, and on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, Digital SD, DVD and On-Demand on March 7th.
‘Moana’ Bonus Clip “Gone Fishing”
FromDwayne Johnson’sInstagramaccount.
‘The Simpsons’ 28th Season Premiere Will Be an Hour Long
Mr. Burns goes all out and spends his money on ridiculous things and good times.
EWbrought us an early sneak peek at Sunday’s episode ofThe Simpsons,the show’s 28th Season Premiere and their first-ever hourlong episode, titled “The Great Phatsby.” Clearly influenced by theF. Scott Fitzgeraldnovel, this episode will chronicle “the rise-and-fall friendship between Mr. Burns and a hip-hop mogul named Jay G.”
Taraji P. Henson, Keegan-Michael Key, Snoop Dogg, RZA, and Common join the voice cast for the special. The episode airs this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.
Cartoon Network’s ‘Regular Show’ Series Finale
After eight successful seasons, Cartoon Network’s Emmy Award-winning hit seriesRegular Show,from creator and executive producerJG Quintel, will conclude with an ultimate intergalactic battle of good versus evil this weekend.Regular ShowreturnsSaturday, January 14thwith back-to-back episodes beginning at12 p.m.(ET/PT) with “Kill ‘Em with Kindness,” leading into the hour-long, out-of-this-world series finale premieringMonday, January 16th at 6 p.m.(ET/PT).
Here’s the upcoming schedule:
Regular Show’s series finale features series regularsJG Quintel(Creator, Voice of Mordecai and High Five Ghost),William Salyers(Voice of Rigby),Sam Marin(Voice of Muscle Man, Benson and Pops),Mark Hamill(Voice of Skips) and guest starsRobert Englund(A Nightmare On Elm Street) as Anti-Pops.
Zoe Saldana Joins ‘My Little Pony: The Movie’
Varietyreports thatStar Trek,AvatarandGuardians of the GalaxystarZoe Saldanais the latest addition to theMy Little Pony: The Moviefeature. She’ll joinSia,Liev Schreiber,Taye Diggs,Emily Blunt,Kristin Chenoweth,Uzo Aduba, andMichael Peñawhen directorJayson Thiessen’s film opens October 6th. The regular television voice cast ofTara Strong,Ashleigh Ball,Andrea Libman,Tabitha St. Germain, andCathy Weseluckalso star.
Meghan McCarthy, writer and producer of the “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic” animated series, wrote the feature screenplay about the “Mane 6” characters — Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity — who embark on a journey full of new friends and challenges while on a quest to use the magic of friendship and ultimately save their home.
Plus, check out the movie’s new logo below:
‘One Piece Film: Gold’ in Theaters Until January 17th
Here’s the official synopsis forOne Piece Film: Gold:
The Straw Hat pirates are hitting the big screen once again in an all-new high-flying adventure! The popular series that has captivated fans all over the world unfolds a new saga in the highly anticipated movie,One Piece Film: Gold.
The glittering Gran Tesoro, a city of entertainment beyond the laws of the government, is a sanctuary for the world’s most infamous pirates, Marines, and filthy rich millionaires. Drawn by dreams of hitting the jackpot, Captain Luffy and his crew sail straight for the gold. But behind the gilded curtains lies a powerful king whose deep pockets and deeper ambitions spell disaster for the Straw Hats and the New World alike.
‘The Jetsons & WWE: Robo-WrestleMania!’ Trailer
IGNhad the debut of a bonkers first trailer forThe Jetsons & WWE: Robo-WrestleMania!The crazy crossover special will arrive on Tuesday, February 28th for Digital HD and on Tuesday, March 14th on DVD.
In this movie, “it’s up to George and the Jetsons to travel back in time and enlist WWE SuperstarsRoman Reigns,Seth Rollins,Alicia Fox, andSheamusto help defeat theBig Showand save the future.“Jeff Bergmanlends his voice to George Jetson and Mr. Spacely whileGrey DeLislevoice both Jane and Judy Jetson.Frank Welkerreturns to voice Astro.
Amazon Launches Anime Strike Channel
Varietyreports that Amazon has launched a new anime channel, the company’s first branded on-demand subscription service under its Amazon Channels offerings. Anime Strike will offer classic titles and current broadcasts on Japanese TV, with more than 1,000 series episodes and movies available. U.S. Amazon Prime members can pay for $4.99 per month (after a seven-day free trial), for ad-free programming; content will be refreshed weekly.
Series includeThe Great Passage; same-day-as-broadcast series from Japan includingScum’s Wish(“Kuzu no Honkai”) andBlue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga(“Ao No Exorcist: Kyoto Fujouou-hen”); and classic hits likePaprika,Tokyo GodfathersandMagical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS. Anime Strike’s programming will feature a mix of adult-themed, romance and action titles designed to appeal across all age ranges.
Time will tell how well Amazon’s Anime Strike channel competes with the selection of anime content already available on providers like Netflix and Hulu, and anime-focused platforms Crunchyroll and Funimation. Are you going to check it out? Let us know in the comments!
Mike Judge Is Bringing an Animated Country Music Series to Cinemax
Deadlinereports that Cinemax has picked up an animated series fromMike Judge, the mind behindIdiocracyandSilicon Valley,among others.Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Buswill have an eight-episode run on the premium network; production is currently underway on the half-hour episodes for a debut later this year.
Co-created by Judge,Richard Mullins, andThe Last Rideco-writerDub Cornett,Mike Judge Presents: Tales From The Tour Busfollows the tales of some of Country Music’s most eccentric characters. If it’s remotely likeBeavis and Butt-HeadorKing of the Hill, Judge fans should be in for a treat.
