Animation News: Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney's Pinocchio, Laika Festival & More

Warner Bros. Discovery & Animated Features

• ⚠️ Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav denied rumors of selling the company, stating they have "the strongest hand in the industry."
• 💔 Despite assurances, the company is still seeking homes for multiple animated features, including the previously shelved "The Day the World Blew Up."
• 🎨 The clip released for "The Day the World Blew Up" showcased a classic animation style reminiscent of Bob Clampett, featuring Daffy Duck and Porky Pig.

Netflix Animation and Disney's Pinocchio

• 🎬 Netflix's animated film "My Father's Dragon" is set to release on November 11th, with a special screening at the Animation is Film Festival.
• 👎 The live-action/CG "Pinocchio" directed by Robert Zemeckis was described as a "terrible movie" despite Tom Hanks' performance.
• ✨ Guillermo del Toro's stop-motion "Pinocchio" for Netflix is highly anticipated, with early screenings suggesting it could be an Oscar contender.

Animation Festivals and New Releases

• 🎬 The Animation is Film Festival in Hollywood will feature work-in-progress screenings of Disney's "Strange World" and DreamWorks' "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish."
• 🎃 Henry Selick's "Wendell & Wild" will have its US premiere at the festival before its Netflix release on October 28th, described as a "really fun little movie" perfect for Halloween.
• 👻 "Hocus Pocus 2" was surprisingly enjoyable, with a touching ending that sets up a potential "Hocus Pocus 3."

Mike Moon Joins Illumination & Laika Celebrations

• 🌟 Mike Moon, formerly of Disney and Sony Animation, is launching an adult-only shingle called Moonlight at Illumination.
• 🎬 Laika is being celebrated with a festival at the Academy Museum in LA, featuring screenings of "Missing Link," "Kubo and the Two Strings," "Box Trolls," "Coraline," and "ParaNorman."
• 🌟 "ParaNorman" is celebrating its 10th anniversary with screenings and Q&As with the filmmakers, praised for its accurate depiction of a small, historic town.

Jodie Benson's Memoir and The Little Mermaid

• 📖 Jodie Benson's memoir, "Part of My World," is highly recommended, offering an entertaining look back at her career.
• 🎤 Benson's story includes her journey to becoming an honorary Disneyland citizen and the coaching she received to adjust her performance of "Part of Your World" for "The Little Mermaid."
• 🌟 The live-action "The Little Mermaid" trailer features Halle Bailey's performance of "Part of Your World," which was described as "amazing" and emotionally powerful.
• 🗣️ The memoir also touches on Benson's private life and faith without being overly preachy.