In This 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!
It was abusyweek this week, but that’s to be expected as animated TV series return or debut this fall and as the end of the year prepares for some big name animated features. On the TV side of things, the2017 Emmy Awardshave already been handed out for animation, so you can check that out below; be sure to return for the rundown of the rest of the award-winners! Go behind the scenes with Disney XD’sMarvel’s Spider-Manand sneak a peek at the network’sDuckTalespremiere in new clips. Then, get a glimpse of new animated seriesTales from the Tour Bus,Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters, andThe Jellies!by checking out their trailers.
On the movie side,The LEGO Ninjago Moviecast makes their introductions andA Silent Voiceadvance tickets go on sale. Rooster Teeth’sRWBYwill have its Volume 5 premiere this October, but Fathom Events is rolling out a theatrical premiere two days early! The Biblical storyThe Ark and the Aardvarkannounces its cast, and animation festivals around the world prepare for world premieres and top-tier talent.
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!
Early Emmy Winners Emerge for Animation
Here’s a look at the animated productions that have already earned themselves an Emmy Award this year:
Outstanding Animated Program
Outstanding Short Format Animated Program
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance
Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation (Juried)
Unfortunately, Disney XD’sStar Wars Rebelslost out to HBO’sOnce Upon a Sesame Street ChristmasforOutstanding Children’s Program. Maybe next year!
‘The LEGO Ninjago Movie’ Cast Explains the Movie
‘RWBY’ Volume 5 Premiere Hits the Big Screen
RWBYfans are about to get the exclusive opportunity to be the first to see the newest episode of the storied franchise, all on the big screen.RWBYVolume 5 Premierebrings the hit, global, western-style anime series from Rooster Teeth Animation to cinemas nationwide. This one-night event will feature the theatrical premiere of"RWBY Volume 5 Chapter 1”and is also the first time that select RWBY Volume 4 episodes will be shown theatrically.
Fathom Events and Rooster Teeth present “RWBY Volume 5 Premiere” for one night on Thursday, October 12th, at 7:30 p.m. local time. Additionally, moviegoers will enjoy an exclusive featurette, including interview footage with talent and crew as well as other exclusive narratives.
Tickets for“RWBY Volume 5 Premiere”can be purchased online by visitingwww.FathomEvents.comor at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in nearly 500 select movie theaters. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website(theaters and participants are subject to change).
RWBY, created by the lateMonty Oumfor Rooster Teeth, is set in Remnant, a fictional future-fantasy world filled with horrific monsters bent on the destruction of humanity. Fortunately, the kingdoms of Remnant have risen to combat these forces by training powerful Huntsmen and Huntresses at academies around the planet. Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long are four such Huntresses in training whose journeys will take them far past the grounds of Beacon Academy. Though each may be powerful on their own, these four girls must come together to work as a team if they truly hope to become the next generation of Remnant’s protectors. But can they succeed at each other’s side when dark forces gather to divide and destroy humanity?
“Fathom Events is proud to partner again with Rooster Teeth and bring this popular anime series to local movie theaters,” Fathom Events CEORay Nuttsaid. “RWBY has legions of followers in the U.S., and we are pleased to give them opportunity to view the Volume 5 Premiere alongside fellow passionate fans.”
Get a Listen to the Songs of Pixar’s ‘Coco’
Take your first listen to “Remember Me” featuring Benjamin Bratt from Disney/Pixar’s Coco, and in theatres in 3D this Thanksgiving!
Take your first listen to “The World Es Mi Familia,” featuring Anthony Gonzalez, from Disney/Pixar’s Coco, and in theatres in 3D this Thanksgiving!
Take your first listen to “Un Poco Loco,” featuring Gael García Bernal and Anthony Gonzalez from Disney/Pixar’s Coco, and in theatres in 3D this Thanksgiving!
Disney/Pixar’s Coco opens in theatres in 3D November 22 in 3D!
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Directed by Lee Unkrich, co-directed by Adrian Molina and produced by Darla K. Anderson, Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” opens in U.S. theaters on Jun 30, 2025.
Go Behind the Scenes of ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man’ with Guest Star Sofia Carson
Descendants 2star and Hollywood Records/Republic Records artistSofia Carsonguest starred onMarvel’s Spider-Manthis morning as Keemia, the estranged daughter of Flint Marko, who is also known as Sandman. Keemia can best be described as smart, cunning and vengeful, with superpowers of her own.
In this episode, Spider-Man meets the powerful, yet uncontrollable Sandman and helps him reunite with his estranged daughter with the help of the Venom symbiote.
“‘Bob’s Burgers’ Beef Relief” Raises Money for a Good Cause
Emmy Award-winning seriesBob’s Burgersis serving up BEEF RELIEF, a special benefit for the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org), with all proceeds going to famine relief in Yemen and refugee resettlement in L.A. Hosted byBob’s BurgersKristen Schaal(Louise Belcher), the live comedy event will feature many performers from the popular animated FOX series, includingDan Mintz(Tina Belcher),Andy Kindler(Mort),Will Forte(Mr. Grant),Ron Funches(Horseplay),Zach Galifianakis(Felix/Chet), andLaura Silverman(Andy), along with a special appearance fromJon Lovett. It will all take place at L.A.’s Largo at the Coronet next Thursday, Sept. 21st beginning at 8pm.
“There’s a real immediate need for help in Yemen - not someday, but right now,” saysBob’s BurgersCo-Executive ProducerWendy Molyneux. “There are also refugees coming here to Los Angeles with very little who need a helping hand. The IRC serves both functions, and so we just wanted to harness the power of the show to help out in whatever way we could. Also, it’s just fun to say Beef Relief. Beef Relief. You get it.”
Tickets – on sale at three tiers, from $100-$500 – are currently available atwww.largo-la.comandBobsBurgersbeefrelief.com.
The eighth season ofBob’s Burgersdebuts on Sunday, October 1st at 7:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. CT on FOX, with episodes later available on Hulu. For more information, visitbehindbobsburgers.com.
‘A Silent Voice’ Advance Tickets Now on Sale
One animated film you should have on your radar isA Silent Voice. The movie starsSaori Hayamias Shōko Nishimiya, a girl with a hearing disability who’s bullied mercilessly by Shoya Ishida (Miyu Irino). When the tables are turned and he finds himself the victim of bullying, he’ll go to great lengths to make amends.Naoko Yamadadirects fromReiko Yoshida‘s screenplay adapted from writer-illustratorYoshitoki Oima‘s original manga series, “Koe no Katachi.”
From Kyoto Animation and ELEVEN ARTS Anime Studio,A Silent Voicewill make its way into U.S. theaters on October 20th, but advanced tickets are now available for purchase at the following theaters:http://www.elevenarts.net/asilentvoice
Here’s the official synopsis forA Silent Voice:
“A Silent Voice” follows the poignant and moving story of Shōya Ishida, a school bully, and Shōko Nishimiya, a young girl with a hearing disability. Their story begins in sixth grade when Shōko transfers to Shōya’s elementary school and quickly finds herself bullied and isolated due to her hearing disability. Years later, the tables turn, and Shōya finds himself the victim. “A Silent Voice” depicts the struggles and challenges of adolescence alongside coming-of-age outside the norm.
‘DuckTales’ Premiere Clip Introduces Lil Bulb
The series premiere of DisneyXD’sDuckTalesin its regular time slotwill arrive on Saturday, September 23rd airing at7:00 a.m.,11:00 a.m.,2:00 p.m.,5:00 p.m.,8:00 p.m.,10:30 p.m. EDT/PDT! Be sure to check out all of our recent coverage below:
‘Tales from the Tour Bus’ Trailer Reveals the Cinemax Series
I had some reservations about this one, but it looks fantastic.Mike Judge’s new Cinemax seriesTales from the Tour Busbegins its eight-episode season Friday, September 22nd from10:00–10:30 p.m. ET/PT.
Marking a return to his roots in animation and as a musician, Judge (King of the Hill;Beavis and Butt-Head; Emmy nominee for HBO’sSilicon Valley) co-created, narrates and serves as an executive producer on the series, which recounts the raucous adventures of these musicians, as told by those who knew them best.Tales from the Tour Buskicks off with an episode devoted toJohnny Paycheck, followed by episodes aboutJerry Lee Lewis,George JonesandTammy Wynette(two parts),Billy Joe Shaver,Waylon Jennings(two parts) andBlaze Foley.
‘Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters’ Trailer Reveals the Netflix Debut
Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fightersfollows teenager Jake Armstrong and his two best friends, Nathan Park and Ricardo Perez, after they are accidentally exposed to an experimental chemical that forever changes their seemingly normal lives and transforms them into unlikely heroes who embark on a series of adventures! Featuring the voices of Steven Yeun, Scott Menville, Ogie Banks, Wil Wheaton & Felicia Day. Streaming this fall, only on Netflix!
Hasbro, Inc. is flexing more muscle in programming for kids with the announcement ofStretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters, a new original series from Hasbro Studios premiering on Netflix. The new teenage superhero animated series will reimagine the classic Hasbro brand Stretch Armstrong into a relatable kids adventure that features diverse characters with wacky powers and a playfully humorous storyline.
Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighterswill feature the voices of leading Hollywood television and film talent including:
Originally introduced in 1976, Stretch Armstrong was the ultimate toy –well-muscled doll that could stretch from its original size of fifteen inches to four or five feet. Netflix and Hasbro will transport viewers into a new generation of Stretch Armstrong with 26 episodes available for Netflix members worldwide beginning late 2017.
Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fightersis developed for television by Executive Producer and Supervising DirectorVictor Cook(Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated) and Executive Producer/Story Editors/Head WritersChris “Doc” Wyatt(Ultimate Spider-Man, Napoleon Dynamite) andKevin Burke(Ultimate Spider-Man, Avengers Assemble).
