Animation News: Looney Tunes Reboot, Lego Film Rights, and Frozen's Early Development

Animation Industry Updates

• 💡 Doc McStuffins concluded its run on Disney Junior, while a CNN/Sesame Workshop co-production, "The ABCs of COVID-19," highlights the speed advantage of puppets over animation for timely broadcasts.
• 🚀 Jim Henson content has landed on The Roku Channel, featuring a variety of shows from Henson Independent Properties, including "The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss" and "The Animal Show."
• 🎬 The trailer for HBO Max's Elmo talk show has been released, indicating continued activity for beloved characters.

The Lego Movie Franchise Moves to Universal

• 📉 The Lego film rights have shifted from Warner Bros. to Universal Pictures due to declining box office performance, with "The Lego Movie 2" being a notable bomb.
• 🚗 Universal is expected to leverage its existing franchises, such as Fast & Furious and Famous Monsters, to create new Lego-themed content.
• ❓ Questions remain about whether Animal Logic, the animation studio behind the Lego films, will continue its involvement under Universal, and if Lord and Miller will oversee future projects.

Disney's Animation Studio Landscape

• ⚠️ Concerns are raised about Disney's ability to manage three animation studios (Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Blue Sky) effectively, especially with the addition of the Lego franchise.
• ❓ The lack of awareness around the "Spies in Disguise" Blu-ray/DVD release highlights potential struggles in promoting their animated features.
• 🎯 The new Looney Tunes shorts for HBO Max are noted for their 40s-style animation and modern gags, though some online criticism exists regarding contemporary references.

Early Development of Frozen and Other Projects

• ❄️ An early version of Frozen, titled "Anna and the Snow Queen," featured a villainous Snow Queen and Olaf as her henchman, with a different cast during its initial table read.
• 🎤 Josh Gad was initially cast as Olaf but had to negotiate with DreamWorks to voice the character due to a conflict with his role in "Me and My Shadow."
• 🎭 The marketing for Frozen reportedly included a guessing game about who voiced Olaf, a tactic seen as characteristic of Disney.

The Rise and Fall of Themed Entertainment

• 🍽️ The podcast introduces a new show, "Sorry You Missed It," focusing on ambitious but failed themed entertainment projects, including the underwater-themed restaurant Dive.
• 🎢 Other planned episodes will cover MGM Grand Adventures, Pleasure Island, and Heritage USA, exploring the development and downfall of these attractions.
• 🚀 Research is also underway for the Star Trek Experience in Las Vegas, another example of immersive themed entertainment.