InThis Week in Animation News,I’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!
Adventure TimeSeason 9 returns to Cartoon Network all next week, but you can watch the new episodes early over their app right now! You can watch earlier seasons of the acclaimed comedy series on Hulu, which just landed a bunch of the most popular animated shows of all time. And attempt to wrap your head around this one, but CBS is teaming up withMichael Jackson’s estate for an animated Halloween special that features the late pop star’s music. Yeah.
On the cinematic side of things, Sony’sThe Emoji Movierolled out a roll-call video to introduce their characters whileThe LEGO Ninjago Movieunveiled an interesting look at the upcoming big-screen adaptation. Returning to theaters after almost 40 years isHayao Miyazaki’sLupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro. If it’s a family-friendly film you’re looking for, the U.S. release date forGnome Alonewas just set for this October; you can watch the new trailer below.
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!
‘Adventure Time’ Season 9 Continues This Week!
Cartoon Network’s Emmy-winning hit seriesAdventure Timereturns for a five-night event this July with all-new algebraic episodes! The event kicks off Monday, July 17 at 7:45 p.m.(ET/PT) with “Abstract,” in which Jake is haunted by a mysterious dream.
Joining the lineup on Tuesday, July 18 is “Ketchup,” featuring a guest appearance fromRegular Show’sJG Quinteland guest animation byLindsay and Alex Small-Butera. Plus, fans get to see more of Fionna and Cake in “Fionna and Cake and Fionna,” premiering Wednesday, July 19!
Can’t wait until July 17? Fans can watch all five episodes Friday, July 14 via ‘See It First’ on the Cartoon Network app.
See below for full programming lineup:
Meet the Characters of Sony’s ‘The Emoji Movie’
Directed byTony Leondisfrom a screenplay he co-wrote withEricSiegel,along withMike White,The Emoji MoviestarsT.J. Milleras an unfiltered and energetic emoji named Gene, withMaya Rudolphas Smiler,James Cordenas Hi-5,Ilana Glazeras the code-breaking emoji Jailbreak,Sofia Vergaraas Flamenco Dancer,Steven Wrightas Gene’s Dad Mel Meh,Jennifer Coolidgeas Gene’s Mom Mary Meh,Jake T. Austinas Alex, andPatrick Stewartas Poop, of course.The Emoji Movieopens July 28th.
Here’s the official synopsis forThe Emoji Movie:
The Emoji Movie unlocks the never-before-seen secret world inside your smartphone. Hidden within the messaging app is Textopolis, a bustling city where all your favorite emojis live, hoping to be selected by the phone’s user. In this world, each emoji has only one facial expression – except for Gene (T.J. Miller), an exuberant emoji who was born without a filter and is bursting with multiple expressions. Determined to become “normal” like the other emojis, Gene enlists the help of his handy best friend Hi-5 (James Corden) and the notorious code breaker emoji Jailbreak (Ilana Glazer). Together, they embark on an epic “app-venture” through the apps on the phone, each its own wild and fun world, to find the Code that will fix Gene. But when a greater danger threatens the phone, the fate of all emojis depends on these three unlikely friends who must save their world before it’s deleted forever. Directed by Tony Leondis. Written by Tony Leondis & Eric Siegel and Mike White. Produced by Michelle Raimo Kouyate.
‘The LEGO Ninjago Movie’ Rolls Out a New Image
EWhad the reveal of this bonkers new image from Warner Bros.‘The LEGO Ninjago Movie. They also had the inside track on the story from directorCharlie Bean, who explains that Ninjago City isn’t in great shape. Heroic high schooler Lloyd (Dave Franco) and his fellow ninjas are tasked with defending the city from the maniacal warlord Garmadon (Justin Theroux) … who just so happens to be Lloyd’s dad. Bean explains:
“Everyone knows that he’s the son of Garmadon. They don’t know that he’s the Green Ninja, this great hero of the city, but theydoknow that he’s the son of their villain.”
You might notice that the image looks less like ninjas and decidedly more likeTransformersorPower Rangersmecha, like Lloyd’s green dragon mech. Their designs were a collaboration between the animators and LEGO creatives. The heroes use these massive vehicular weapons to protect the city. Bean says it’s about thinking outside the box:
“You have this limited palette, and that’s the design challenge that makes this so much fun. It’s about learning how to think in LEGO.”
The film’s voice cast also includesMichael Peña,Fred Armisen,Kumail Nanjiani,Abbi Jacobson,Zach Woods,Olivia Munn, andJackie Chan. The film opens in theaters on September 22nd.
Hulu Gets 20th Century Fox Animated TV Programming in New Deal
Hulu is now your one-stop shop for 20th Century Fox’s animated programming, asVarietyreports. The VOD service is now the exclusive home to the entire run ofBob’s BurgersandThe Cleveland Show, with the complete library ofMatt Groening’sFuturamaand all past seasons ofSeth MacFarlane,Mike Barker, andMike Weitzman’s co-creationAmerican Dadcoming to the platform.
They’ll join Hulu’s exclusive ranks, which includeSouth Park, Rick & Morty, The Boondocks, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Robot Chicken, Adventure Time, Squidbillies, andVenture Bros; there are also available episodes ofFamily Guy, Archer, andThe Simpsons, as well.
CBS Teams with Michael Jackson’s Estate for an Animated Halloween Special
THRhas the word on this super strange project. CBS and the lateMichael Jackson’s estate are teaming up for a new animated special featuring his discography as the soundtrack. The hour-long special, titledMichael Jackson’s Halloween,follows “millennials Vincent (Lucas Till) and Victoria (Kiersey Clemons), who meet “accidentally” on Halloween night and find themselves, along with Ichabod the dog, at a mysterious hotel located at 777 Jackson Street called This Place Hotel. Once inside, Vincent and Victoria go an unexpected, magical adventure of personal discovery, culminating in a spectacular dance finale featuring an animated Jackson.”
Christine Baranski, Alan Cumming, Jim Parsons, Lucy Liu, George EadsandBrad Garrettwill also star. There’s currently no official release date but, ya know, sometime around Halloween seems most likely.
Cartoon Network’s San Diego Comic-Con Presence Features ‘OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes’
Cartoon Network is leveling up this summer with a heroic event at San Diego Comic-Con (July 19-23) with a booth inspired by the world of the upcoming seriesOK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes. Guests can step into a booth mirrored after Gar’s Bodega, the workplace of our aspiring heroes K.O. and his friends, and immerse themselves in a setup mimicking the one-stop shop containing everyone’s hero needs. A supersized balloon of K.O. will suspend high above the can’t-miss booth (#3735) where fans can get an unforgettable shopping experience and walk away with a one-of-a-kind blind box containing a premium exclusive to Comic Con.
A panel withOK K.O.! Let’s Be HeroescreatorIan Jones-Quarteyand voice actors will precede the return of fan favoriteSteven Universeheadlined by panelists that include creatorRebecca Sugar, Grammy winnerEstelleand more. Cartoon Network’s powerful lineup also boasts the premiere panel forBen 10and the return of its annual Summertime Go! Screening and Costume Contest where fans can attend in their favorite show character costume. Exclusive Comic Con one sheets will also be available at the respective signings. Other Cartoon Network series featured at San Diego Comic-Con includeUnikitty,Teen Titans Go!andJustice League Action.
Steven Universeenthusiasts can also attend the first-ever intimate conversation with Sugar as she discusses the making of the official behind-the-scenes art book, “The Art of Steven Universe: Art & Origins” of the Emmy nominated TV series. Additionally, Cartoon Network has partnered with key licensees to offer Comic-Con fans exclusive items featuring characters from beloved franchisesAdventure Timeand Steven Universe as well as the Emmy Award-winning miniseriesOver the Garden Wall. Fans can also check out their favorite Cartoon Network characters blown out into several larger-than-life helium globe balloons flanking The New Children’s Museum Reflecting Pool during the duration of the convention.
Below is a list of all panels, fan events, screenings, signings and exclusive product offered Thursday, July 20 – Sunday, July 23. Events as well as series producers and talent scheduled to appear are subject to change:
Friday, July 21, 10:00a.m., Hilton Bayfront (Indigo Ballroom)
Cartoon Network Presents:OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes–Get ready to witness the power of a true hero in training. Be the first to see exclusive content, dive into the super-powered world of Lakewood Plaza Turbo, and get to know the ever-enthusiastic K.O.! Get all your hero tips fromIan Jones-Quartey(Creator & voice of Rad),Toby Jones(Co-Executive Producer),Kate Flannery(voice of Carol) andCourtenay Taylor(voice of K.O.) Moderated by IGN’sAlanah Pearce.
Friday, July 21, 11:00a.m., Hilton Bayfront (Indigo Ballroom)
Cartoon Network Presents:Steven Universe– Hang out with Rebecca Sugar, Steven, and the gems, and be thefirst to hear the latest updates from Beach City. We’ve got never-before-seen footage, exciting announcements, and answers to all your burning questions! Ok…maybe not all of them. JoinRebecca Sugar(Creator),Deedee Magno-Hall(voice of Pearl),Michaela Dietz(voice of Amethyst),Estelle(voice of Garnet),AJ Michalka(voice of Stevonnie) with half-gem, half-human Steven Universe,Zach Callison, serving as half-guest, half-moderator! You won’t want to miss it, believe us!
Saturday, July 22, 10:50a.m., Hilton Bayfront (Indigo Ballroom)
Cartoon Network Presents:Ben 10– The Rustbucket has traveled far and wide to deliver Ben and his trusty alien heroes to sunny San Diego! We have so much to share about what’s new with the show, the app and the toys. We’ll have a lot of fun along the way with games and giveaways so set your Omnitrix to hero time! Panelists includeGreg Cipes(voice of Stinkfly),John DiMaggio(voice of Four Arms),Montse Hernandez(voice of Gwen),Roger Craig Smith(voice of Diamondhead),Tara Strong(voice of Ben Tennyson),John Fang(Executive Producer),Joe Casey(Man of Action Entertainment, Creator) and moderatorEric Bauza.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Feature Debut ‘Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro’ to Return to Theaters
Lupin the 3rdis one of the most recognizable animation series in Japanese history, and now U.S. audiences can experience one of the most notable titles when the 1979 Japanese comedy-drama animated adventure,Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro, comes to movie theaters nationwide for the first time, to commemorate Lupin’s 50th anniversary.
Co-written and directed byHayao Miyazakias his feature film debut,Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostrowill be broadcast for two nights only on Thursday, September 14 (English dubbed) and Tuesday, September 19 (English subtitled) at 7:00 p.m. local time (both days), from Fathom Events, ELEVEN ARTS Anime Studio, and TMS Entertainment.
Tickets forLupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostrocan be purchased online beginning Friday, August 18th by visiting www.FathomEvents.com, or at participating theater box offices. A complete list of theater locations will be available August 18th on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostrofollows the great thief Arsène Lupin III, who successfully robs a casino – only to discover the money is counterfeit. He heads to the tiny country of Cagliostro, the rumored source of the bills, and attempts to save the runaway Clarisse from Count Cagliostro’s men. Lupin enlists his associates, Jigen and Goemon, and sends his calling to the Count to get Inspector Zenigata, his longtime nemesis, to the castle. After becoming trapped in the dungeon under the castle, Lupin and Zenigata form a pact to escape and foil the Count’s counterfeit operation and save Clarisse from her forced marriage to the Count.
DC All Access Shares a Look at ‘Batman and Harley Quinn’ and ‘Justice League Action’ Clips
Kevin Conroy alert! In this DC All Access news roundup, we’re treating you to an exclusive clip from the upcoming Bruce Timm animated movie, Batman and Harley Quinn. Plus, we preview some of this week’s must-read new comics, including the stunning Dark Days: The Casting, look ahead to San Diego Comic-Con and make an exclusive announcement about one of our favorite undead heroes.
Note to any potential intergalactic cab drivers out there, you miiiiight want to pronounce Darkseid’s name right. Just sayin’. In this DC All Access animation clip, we look at an upcoming episode of Justice League Action featuring the unlikely pairing of Darkseid and Space Cabbie. (Yes, you read that right!) Later, producer Jim Krieg drops by to discuss what lies ahead in the hit Cartoon Network series.
Disney XD’s ‘Milo Murphy’s Law’ Gets a Style Makeover
Varietyhad a very cool look at the new style for the Disney XD series,Milo Murphy’s Law. Above is the Season 1 look for the series, but a recent Season 2 order will bring a more realistic approach to the show’s animation style. CreatorsDan PovenmireandJeff “Swampy” MarshofPhineas and Ferbfame collaborated onMilo’s Murphy Lawwhich “follows the misadventures of the impossibly optimistic teenage title character (“Weird Al” Yankovic). The character is a direct descendant of Edward A. Murphy Jr., the namesake of Murphy’s law, which states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”
The animators opted for a naturalistic style of animation, to highlight realism, and a palette that uses earthy, autumnal hues rather than candy-coated colors. Check out their new style whenMilo Murphy’s Lawin the stand-alone episode called “Missing Milo”, which will premiere July 22 on Disney XD.
‘Gnome Alone’ Trailer Teases Gnomes vs Aliens
From the producer of SHREK and the director of NUT JOB, GNOME ALONE is an energetic animated movie about one girl’s journey to discover the hero within herself. After moving to a new city with her mother, Chloe (Becky G) finds herself in a new house that creaks, a new school with creeps, and mysterious garden gnomes that are kind of freaky. No sooner has Chloe tried to fit in, but aliens from another dimension descend upon her house and threaten everything! To top it all off, the gnomes in her house come to life and ask for help to save the world. Now, the only thing standing between Chloe and the end of life as we know it are her new gnome-tastic friends, her neighbor Liam (Josh Peck) and the strength within. It’s up to Chloe and Liam to become the champions they’ve always been inside, and in the process discover that no matter where you are, you’re never GNOME ALONE!
ScreenDailyreports thatGnome Alonehas had its U.S. release date set b Smith Global Media for October 13th of this year. The animated family-friendly feature will appear on 1,500 screens across the country.Peter LepeniotisandShelly Shenoydirect.
