InThis 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 big screen, we saw the arrival of a new poster forThe LEGO Ninjago Movie, heralding a new trailer that’s sure to come before the fall release date. And althoughBatman and Harley Quinnis coming to home video, it’s getting a big-screen world premiere at Comic-Con this summer followed by a one-night-only theatrical release! Oh andBatman: Mask of the Phantasmwill be getting a remastered edition on Blu-ray, if that interests you (and it should).
On the small screen, Nickelodeon announced two specials: A stop-motion Halloween special titledSpongeBob SquarePants: The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottomand the nostalgia-fest that isRocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling, which will reunite the original 1990s series cast. Joining the cast of Disney Junior’sThe Lion Guardwill be the Golden Globe-nominatedDavid Oyelowo, taking on an iconic villainous role. And a stellar cast has been assembled for the new Amazon Original series,Danger & Eggs, which makes its debut next Friday.
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!
‘The LEGO Ninjago Movie’ Poster Debuts
Here’s the official synopsis forThe LEGO Ninjago Movie:
In this big-screen NINJAGO adventure, the battle for NINJAGO City calls to action young Master Builder Lloyd, aka the Green Ninja, along with his friends, who are all secret ninja warriors. Led by Master Wu, as wise-cracking as he is wise, they must defeat evil warlord Garmadon, The Worst Guy Ever, who also happens to be Lloyd’s dad. Pitting mech against mech and father against son, the epic showdown will test this fierce but undisciplined team of modern-day ninjas who must learn to check their egos and pull together to unleash their inner power of Spinjitzu.
Jackie Chan (“Kung Fu Panda,” The Karate Kid”) stars as Master Wu; Justin Theroux (“Megamind 2,” “The Leftovers”) is Garmadon; Dave Franco (“Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising”) plays Lloyd; and Olivia Munn (“X-Men: Apocalypse”) is Lloyd’s mom, Koko. Making up the secret ninja crew, Michael Peña (“Ant-Man,” “The Martian”) is Kai; Fred Armisen (“The Jim Gaffigan Show,” “SNL”) voices Cole; Kumail Nanjiani (“Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates”) is Jay; Abbi Jacobson (“Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising”) plays Nya; and Zach Woods (“Silicon Valley”) voices Zane.
David Oyelowo Joins Season 2 of Disney Junior’s ‘The Lion Guard’ as Scar
Acclaimed film, television and stage actorDavid Oyelowowill voice the iconic role of Scar, the villainous younger brother to Mufasa, in Disney Junior’sThe Lion Guard, an animated series that continues the epic storytelling of Disney’s acclaimed feature film,The Lion King. Scar will appear in the flames of a volcano after Simba and Nala’s young son, Kion, unwittingly summons him by using the Roar of the Elders in anger. Season two of the hit series will premiereFRIDAY, JULY 7th(8:00 a.m. EDT), with two back-to-back episodes on Disney Channel. Scar will first appear in the series during a special extended episode titled “The Rise of Scar,” premieringSATURDAY, JULY 29th(9:00 a.m. EDT).
Additional guest stars for the new season include Tony Award-winning actressRenée Elise Goldsberryas Dhahabu, a charismatic golden zebra; Academy and Grammy Award-winning rapper, actor, producer and poetCommonas Kiburi, an arrogant crocodile;Kristofer Hivjuas Kenge, a ferocious monitor lizard;AJ Mcleanas Kuchimba, an adorable golden mole;Carla Hallas Mpishi, a “foodie” African harrier hawk;Christopher Jacksonas Shujaa, a massively strong gorilla;CCH Pounderas Kongwe, a wise old turtle;Rico RodriguezandRaini Rodriguezas Raha and Starahe, a brother and sister zebra duo;Sinbadas Uroho, a comedic baboon;Michael Dornas Bupu, a large sable antelope;Justin Hiresas Hodari, a tiny gecko;Jacob Bertrand,Mekai CurtisandCade Suttonas Chama the elephant, Furaha the monkey and Mzaha the antelope, respectively; andLandry Benderas Makini, Rafiki’s spirited young mandrill apprentice.
‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Halloween Special Gets the Stop-Motion Treatment
Nickelodeon will take viewers on a spooky Halloween adventure throughout Bikini Bottom with the brand-new, stop-motion special,SpongeBob SquarePants: The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottom. In the visual style of classic stop-motion animation TV specials,The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottomtells the story of the Flying Dutchman (Brian Doyle Murray) who wants to make sure everyone in town is scared, especially SpongeBob, who thinks scary things are funny. The special will premiere in October 2017 on Nickelodeon.
Bikini Bottom is decked out for Halloween and features Sandy’s treedome as a mad scientist’s lab, including a giant remotely operated Acorn Monster; Mr. Krabs’ restaurant as “The Horrors of the Chum Bucket,” displaying scenes of Plankton torturing food; and Plankton’s restaurant as “The Horrors of the Krusty Krab,” telling the story of Mr. Krabs turning customers into Krabby Patties and more.
The characters don Halloween costumes, with SpongeBob as a flower, Patrick as a knight, Sandy as a mad scientist, Mr. Krabs as a dollar bill, Plankton as a devil, Squidward as himself, and Karen as a cat.SpongeBob SquarePants: The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottomfeatures an original song, “The Scare Song,” written byMr. Lawrence, music byEban Schletterand performed by the Flying Dutchman’s crew of pirate ghosts.
The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottomis being produced at Screen Novelties, a Los Angeles-based stop-motion animation production company, where miniature puppets and sets bring Bikini Bottom to life in three dimensions. The production features 27 unique sets, across five stages, where 15 boxes of breakfast cereal were used to create texture on Bikini Bottom’s coral reefs; eight pounds of glitter were used to decorate SpongeBob’s Halloween pineapple house; hundreds of popsicle sticks created the planks of the rollercoaster track that Patrick and SpongeBob ride; and “black lights” were used to create a fluorescent glow across the puppets and sets.
Marc CeccarelliandVincent Wallerare the supervising producers onSpongeBob SquarePants. The special was written by Mr. Lawrence, withBrian Moranteserving as the storyboard director. The special is being directed byMark CaballeroandSeamus Walsh, and produced byChris Finneganof Screen Novelties.
‘Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling’ to Reunite the Original Voice Cast
Nickelodeon announced that its brand-new, original one-hour TV specialRocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling, based on the classic ‘90s hit seriesRocko’s Modern Life, will reunite the original voice cast members who will bring their iconic characters back to life. The special is written and executive produced by the series’ original creatorJoe Murrayand will premiere on Nickelodeon in 2018.
The voice actors reprising their famed roles include:Carlos Alazraquias Rocko, Spunky, and Leon;Tom Kennyas Heffer Wolfe, Chuck, and Really Really Big Man;Mr. Lawrenceas Filburt Turtle and Maitre D’;Charlie Adleras Ed Bighead, Bev Bighead, Mr. Dupette, Grandpa Wolfe, and Mrs. Fathead;Linda Wallemas Aunt Gretchen and Dr. Hutchinson;Jill Talleyas Nosey andJoe Murrayas Ralph. Additionally,Steve Littlejoins the cast as Cowboy andCosmo Segurson, who’s also the director, will voice Pillow Salesman.
Just like the original ‘90s series, this hand-drawn special stars Rocko, a wallaby who emigrated from Australia to the United States and enjoys the simple things in life; Heffer, Rocko’s best friend; Filburt, Rocko’s other best friend; and Ed Bighead and Bev Bighead, Rocko’s neighbors; as well as the other colorful characters.
Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Clingbrings the characters back to Earth after being lost in outer space since 1996. Rocko has trouble accepting this 21st century modern life, while Heffer and Filburt embrace every aspect of new technology, social media and the endless diversity of food trucks. Rocko whole-heartedly believes that his nostalgia for the past can save him from the tortures of the modern world.
The Rocko’s Modern Life: Static ClingTV special is one of Nickelodeon’s three animated properties from its rich library reimagined for today’s audience, including the upcoming TV moviesHey Arnold!: The Jungle Movieset to premiere this fall, featuring a storyline that picks up from where the original series ended in 2004; andInvader Zim, following the perpetually desperate and delusional Zim as he creates a new and potentially Earth-destroying plan to finally get the attention he deserves from his Irken leaders, the Almighty Tallest.
‘Batman and Harley Quinn’ to World Premiere at Comic-Con before One-Night Only Theatrical Release
Celebrating a decade of DC Universe Original Movie world premieres in San Diego, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will once again give fans their first look at an all-new animated feature with the presentation ofBatman and Harley Quinnon Friday night July 24, 2025 at Comic-Con International.
InBatman and Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy and Jason Woodrue (a.k.a. The Floronic Man) embark on an ecological quest to save the planet – and, unfortunately, eliminate most of humankind along the way. To save humanity, Batman and Nightwing are forced to enlist Harley Quinn to catch Poison Ivy, Harley’s BFF and frequent partner-in-crime. But Batman’s patience is put to the test by the unpredictable and untrustworthy Harley during the twists and turns the reluctant companions face during their bumpy road trip. The result is a thrill ride of action, adventure and comedy no Batman fan has seen before.
The world premiere ofBatman and Harley Quinnwill include a post-screening panel discussion among available members of the core cast and filmmaking team. The latest DC animated film features a stellar voice cast led byKevin Conroyreprising his role as the Dark Knight, alongsideMelissa Rauchmaking her debut as the irrepressible Harley Quinn.Loren Lester, the voice of Robin inBatman: The Animated Series, returns as Nightwing.Paget BrewsterandKevin Michael Richardsonprovide the voices of the villainous duo Poison Ivy & Jason Woodrue, respectively.
Warner Bros. Studios, DC Entertainment and Fathom Events will then hold a special, one-night cinema event for the latest DC Universe Original Movie on July 27, 2025 in movie theaters nationwide. One night prior to the Digital release and 15 days in advance of its arrival on Blu-ray and DVD,Batman and Harley Quinnwill screen Monday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. local time. In addition to seeing the film, audiences at the one-night screening will be the first to experience an exclusive featurette spotlighting the film’s star character, Harley Quinn.
Tickets for “Batman and Harley Quinn” can be purchased beginning Friday, June 04, 2025 online by visitingwww.FathomEvents.comor at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). A complete list of theater locations will be available June 30 on the Fathom Eventswebsite(theaters and participants are subject to change).
GKIDS, Annecy, and Variety Team for ‘Animation Is Film’ Festival Launch
GKIDS, the acclaimed producer and distributor of animation for adult and family audiences, Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the world’s leading animation Festival and Market, and Variety magazine, have announced the launch of ANIMATION IS FILM, an annual animation film festival in Los Angeles. The first edition will run October 20th-22nd at the TCL Chinese 6 Theater in Hollywood (Mann’s Chinese Theater) with a showcase of 20 programs including feature films in competition, special presentations, retrospectives and short film programs.
ANIMATION IS FILM aims to fill a gap in the US market by establishing a world class animation festival on par with the major events in Europe and Asia - and locating it in the world capital of animated filmmaking. The Festival will be a vocal advocate, in the heart of Hollywood, for excellence in animation, and for filmmakers who push the boundaries of their art to the fullest range of expression that the medium is capable of.
The mission of the Festival is to:
The Festival Organizing Committee includes:
Rooster Teeth’s Summer of Animation Continues with ‘Camp Camp’, ‘RWBY Chibi’ and ‘Red vs Blue’
In Camp Camp, Max, a jaded ten-year-old, finds himself stuck at the most dysfunctional summer camp known to man. The new season kicks off with Camp Campbell putting out an ad for a new camp counselor, but there seems to be something off about the new hire…
RWBY Chibi lets you be a fly on the wall in the exciting World of Remnant. This week we learn the only thing worse than Yang’s puns…are her dad’s dad jokes!
In the 15th season of Red vs Blue, the Reds and Blues battle for control of the least desirable piece of land in the known universe. In the latest episode we find out what the missing freelancers have been up to, hint: malarkey.
‘Batman: Mask of the Phantasm’ Gets Remastered on Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection announced this most excellent news onFacebook:
When the city’s most feared gangsters are systematically eliminated, the Caped Crusader is blamed. But prowling the Gotham night is a shadowy new villain, the Phantasm, a sinister figure with some link to Batman’s past. Can the Dark Knight elude the police, capture the Phantasm and clear his own name?
Unmasking the Phantasm is just one of the twists in this dazzling animated feature. Discover revelations about Batman’s past, his archrival the Joker and Batman’s most grueling battle ever — the choice between his love for a beautiful woman and his vow to be the defender of right. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is “a mystery that is genuinely absorbing, suspenseful and moving” (Cincinnati Enquirer).
BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM(1993) (BD) NEW 2017 1080p HD REMASTER
New Images from ‘Tom and Jerry: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ Arrive
We posted a handful of exclusive images from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s upcoming releaseTom and Jerry: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factoryin an earlier article this week, but nowKidzworldhas a few new ones as well! Check them out below:
In this entertaining new film, Tom and Jerry meet Charlie Bucket, a young boy who finds one of five golden tickets, hidden inside the wrappers of Wonka chocolate bars. The lucky few who find a golden ticket are invited to visit Willy Wonka’s world famous chocolate factory and win a lifetime supply of chocolate.
As Charlie sets out to meet Willy Wonka, Tom and Jerry secretly accompany him. Along the way, they help him steer clear of the evil Arthur Slugworth, who tries to talk Charlie into bringing him Willy Wonka’s latest creation, the Everlasting Gobstopper. They also meet Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teevee, the four other kids who also find golden tickets and are invited to tour the chocolate factory with Charlie.
Favorite Tom and Jerry cartoon characters, including Tuffy, Spike and Droopy also join in the fun. A fresh take on the classic story, Tom and Jerry: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is an action-packed family film filled with laugh-out-loud moments and fur-flying exploits that only our favorite cat and mouse duo can deliver!
Amazon Original Series ‘Danger & Eggs’ Trailer
Bleeding Coolhad the inside scoop on Amazon’s latest animated series,Danger & Eggs. Though the new series premieres on the massive content provider on June 30th in the U.S. and U.K., its original short debuted back in 2015; you canwatch it on Amazon for free. All 13 episodes of Season 1 ofDanger & Eggswill be part of Amazon Prime, as well.
Featuring the voicework ofAidy BryantandEric Knobel, with guest starsMary Elizabeth Winstead, Chris Hardwick, Jonah Ray, Kate Micucci, Stephanie Beatriz, Angelica Ross, Jazz Jennings,andJasika Nicole, the Season 1 synopsis is as follows:
In this new Amazon Original Series, Danger & Eggs, fearless D.D. Danger is always chasing her next big thrill but luckily for her, Phillip, her giant talking egg friend, is always there by her side with his jerry-rigged safety mechanisms to make her daring dreams come true. Together, they go in search of new adventures at their favorite spot, Chicken Paw Park.
