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!
Animation news was all over the place this week, so I’ll try to organize it here as best I can. If it’s trailers you’re looking for, whether it’s the socioculturally important, traditionally animated featureThe Breadwinneror the kid-friendly sequelThe Nut Job 2, we’ve got it here. In contemporary takes on classic cartoons,Scooby-Dooand the gang aren’t only getting a LEGO movie, they’ll be part of a crossover with the long-running CW seriesSupernatural.
If it’s anime news you’re looking for instead, you’ve got a few to pick from:Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiacis getting a live-action film, whileLupin the 3rd: Part 4is coming to Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim this June, andIn This Corner of the Worldis getting a North American theatrical release this August.
In TV animation, Disney XD’sDuckTalesseries adds the acclaimed musicianLin-Manuel Mirandain a very fun role, while the music ofSteven Universemakes it way to a soundtrack album for the first time. And wileFuturamamight not be coming back any time soon, a new mobile game based on the beloved comedy series will be. There’s plenty of movie news, however, withDespicable Me 3introducing a rebellious new Minion, and abunchof acquisitions at the ongoing Cannes 2017 film festival. And, in a bit of news that defies convention, the legendary animatorPhil Tippettonce again needs your help getting the next chapter of his life’s work,Mad God, off the ground.
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!
Lin-Manuel Miranda to Voice Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera, A.K.A. Gizmoduck
Multiple award-winning actor, playwright and composerLin-Manuel Miranda(Broadway’s “Hamilton,” Disney’s “Moana”) has joined the voice cast of the newDuckTalesseries debuting this summer on Disney XD. A lifelongDuckTalesaficionado, Miranda will provide the voice of fan-favorite character Gizmoduck, a Duckburg hero whose true identity is Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera, a brilliant young intern working for Scrooge McDuck’s personal mad scientist, Gyro Gearloose.
The series, produced by Disney Television Animation, has already been picked up for a second season ahead of its highly anticipated premiere.
Co-producer and story editorFrancisco Angonessaid, “Growing up as a Cuban-American comics enthusiast, I was always hungry for a Latino hero to call my own. In developing the new series, Matt and I leapt at the opportunity to adapt ‘DuckTales’' marquee hero into a young scientist character with Latin-inspired roots.”
Executive producerMatt Youngbergsaid, “Lin came to mind instantly for the role of Gizmoduck. His rapid-fire earnestness paired with his wide-eyed yet determined optimism made him the perfect person to yell ‘BLATHERING BLATHERSKITE!'”
Miranda will recur alongside the talented voice cast which includesDavid Tennantas Scrooge McDuck;Danny Pudi,Ben SchwartzandBobby Moynihanas the voices of Huey, Dewey and Louie, respectively;Kate Micuccias Webby Vanderquack;Beck Bennettas Launchpad McQuack andToks Olagundoyeas Mrs. Beakley
Based on the Emmy Award-winning series treasured by a generation of viewers, the new family comedy-adventure series will once again take viewers along as Scrooge McDuck, his curious and mischief-making grandnephews Huey, Dewey and Louie, the temperamental Donald Duck and their trusty team, Webby Vanderquack, Launchpad McQuack and Mrs. Beakley, embark on high-flying adventures around the world.
Steven Universe Soundtrack: Vol. 1 Available to Pre-Order Now!
Four seasons worth of Cartoon Network’sSteven Universemusic has been gathered together in one album for the first time! Available to pre-order now,Steven Universe Soundtrack: Volume 1will debut globally on Friday, July 25, 2025.
In addition to the popular “We Are the Crystal Gems” theme, other tracks will include songs byZach Callison(Steven),Estelle(Garnet),Deedee Magno Hall(Pearl),Michaela Dietz(Amethyst), andTom Scharpling(Greg), all re-mastered and handpicked by series creatorRebecca Sugar.
Den of Geekhad the following comment from Sugar:
“I am so excited about this album that I hardly have the words. We poured our hearts into these songs and now they’re finally collected and stunningly re-mastered by our composers Aivi & Surasshu. If the music ofSteven Universehas been a tiny piece of the score of your life, please know that I am so honored. I hope you’ll love this album as much as we loved making it.”
The full tracklist is as follows.
Scooby-Doo Gets a LEGO Movie and … ‘Supernatural’ Episode?
CBRhad the first look at an upcoming animated LEGO movie for Scooby-Doo and the gang, titledLEGO Scooby-Doo!: Blowout Beach Bash, but that’s not the only Scooby news this week.
AsIndieWirereported from The CW upfronts this week,Supernatural’s upcoming season will feature an animated crossover withScooby-Doo!The show’s starsJensen AcklesandJared Padaleckiannounced the special for the 13th season of the show, which shares a lot of supernatural sleuthing with the animated classic. Head over to IndieWire to check out an image from the upcoming special.
Here’s the box art and synopsis forLEGOScooby-Doo!: Blowout Beach Bash, available on Blu-ray and DVD on June 18, 2025, and digital download July 25th:
Scooby and the gang are back to solve a brand new supernatural crime mystery inLEGO® Scooby-Doo!: Blowout Beach Bash! Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and The LEGO Group, the film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on August 16, 2025 on Blu-rayTM Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD.
Scooby-Doo! and his pals Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy are no strangers to solving spooky mysteries filled with all types of ghouls and goblins. This time is no different. As Scooby-Doo! and his friends are on their way to Blowout Beach for a real swinging beach party in the Mystery Machine, the Ghost Pirates threaten to ruin the gang’s good vibes. It is up to Scooby and the gang to get the party back on track, without missing a beat. This all-new original movie LEGO® Scooby-Doo!: Blowout Beach Bash will be available on DVD, Blu-Ray combo pack and digital HD for the first time ever for kids to enjoy.
LEGO® Scooby-Doo!: Blowout Beach Bash! features a veteran voice cast: Frank Welker (Be Cool Scooby-Doo!), Grey Griffin (Be Cool Scooby-Doo!), Kate Micucci (Be Cool Scooby-Doo!) and Matthew Lillard (Be Cool Scooby-Doo!) . The film was executive produced by Sam Register (Teen Titans Go!), Jill Wilfert (The LEGO® Batman Movie), Robert Fewkes (LEGO® DC Super Hero Girls), Jason Cosler (LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes: Gotham City Breakout) and directed by Ethan Spaulding (Justice League: Throne of Atlantis) from a script written by Emily Brundige (Teen Titans Go!) and Aaron Preacher (Comedy Bang Bang). Rick Morales (LEGO® Scooby-Doo!: Haunted Hollywood) serves as producer.
‘Futurama’ Mobile Game Coming to a Phone Near You
Jam City, via its game studio TinyCo, FoxNext Games, andMatt Groeningtoday released a new fully-animated teaser trailer forFuturama: Worlds of Tomorrow, a new game coming soon to mobile devices. Created in partnership with FUTURAMAcreator and Executive Producer Matt Groening and his Curiosity Company, along with Executive ProducerDavid X. Cohen, original FUTURAMA writers, and Rough Draft Studios, the teaser is the first new animation from the FUTURAMA universe since the show’s original TV run ended in 2013. Jam City is working with the writers, animators, and cast to produce even more original animation that will have fans waving their tentacles in the air.
“I’m proud to say thatFuturamalives! In mobile-video-game teaser trailer form, anyway,” said Matt Groening, creator of FUTURAMA and THE SIMPSONS. “If you squint, it’s kind of like a little episode!”
“Working on this newFuturamaanimation has been a thrilling adventure,” said David X. Cohen. “I finally understand how Neil Armstrong must have felt when he first landed on the lunar surface, watched some funny cartoons on the control screen, and did whatever else was on his schedule that day.”
Jam City also released more details about gameplay itself.Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrowwill blend simulation, combat, galactic exploration, and choose-your-own-adventure mechanics together to bring the escapades of the Planet Express crew to life. The game features two main settings: New New York, which focuses on simulation and character progression gameplay, and Space Adventures, in which players will explore and battle their way through planets, nebulas, and other weird stuff across the FUTURAMAuniverse.
In New New York, players will focus on rescuing characters, collecting special items and materials, expanding their characters’ capabilities by leveling them up and crafting ability-defining character outfits, and tackling story-driven quests. Events that occur in New New York will often move the game’s overarching narrative forward, by allowing players to assemble a crew of their favorite FUTURAMA characters and take to the stars for Space Adventures. While traversing the depths of space, players will fight alien enemies in retro arcade-style combat, rendered in beautiful 16-bit graphics, and explore strange lands in which their choices determine their fate.
Android users can pre-register for the new mobile gameFuturama: Worlds of Tomorrowhere, and then read on for more:
GAME FEATURES:
All new story from the creative team behind the original Fox series, Futurama!
Embark on a funny space adventure as you explore a galaxy of new worlds!
Build and customize your very own New New York!
Complete your character’s best look by unlocking funny and unique outfits!
Collect ancient artifacts and ensure the universe’s best chance at survival!
Strengthen and level-up your characters!
Enjoy original Futurama dialogue from the show’s writers, David X. Cohen and The Simpsons creator, Matt Groening!
- Send your crew on adventure-filled space missions!
Embark on an all-new adventure imagined and written by David X. Cohen and The Simpsons creator, Matt Groening! New worlds, strange species, and unforgettable stories are all waiting for you. So buckle your seatbelts, blast off into space, and play the new Futurama game!
Meet Mel, ‘Despicable Me 3’s Rebellious Minion
Fans ofDespicable Meand the franchise’s famous Minions will want to head over toEWASAP. They’ve got a profile on Mel, the newest addition to the fan-favorite Minions who just so happens to be a rebellious sort. In the movie, due out June 30th,Steve Carell’s reformed supervillain Gru looks to continue his good streak, but the Minions aren’t having it.
“The Minions have been patiently waiting for Gru to get over this phase of being good, but when that doesn’t come to fruition, Mel is the one who can’t take anymore and is speaking out, and so all the other Minions get behind him to be like, ‘Preach it!’” says co-directorKyle Balda. “He’s a character who personifies the voice of objection against Gru’s life choices. I think of him as sort of the head of the union. Collectively, the Minions are a character themselves, and it feels stronger when we can pull out an individual personality to rise up.”
For more on Mel,Despicable Me 3, and to find out whether your favorite Minions Kevin, Stuart, and Bob will be making an appearance, be sure to head over to EW.
‘Lupin the 3rd: Part 4’ Coming to Adult Swim This June
TMS Entertainment USA recently announced that the latest installment of the seriesLupin the 3rd: Part 4will launch on Adult Swim on Saturday, June 17thand all 26 half-hour episodes will appear in the weeklyTOONAMIprogramming block.
Lupin the 3rd: Part 4, the latest series, sees Lupin trying to outmaneuver MI-6 throughout Italy, continuing the story that began in San Marino as Lupin pursues love and freedom all over Italy in this exciting new adventure. While Lupin deals with a motley crew of unique characters that come his way, an extraordinary genius that lived centuries ago steps out of history into his life.
Lupin the 3rd, one of the most well-known animated TV series in Japanese history, follows the escapades of master thief Arsène Lupin III, the grandson of Arsène Lupin, the gentleman thief of Maurice Leblanc’s series of novels.
“Lupin is a cool, comedic, and attractive character; I have watched the show since I was a child. The style has not changed and it is still my favorite show. We are so excited about launching on Adult Swim to celebrate the 50th anniversary,” saidMasami Tokunaga, Vice President of TMS USA. “We are planning a lot of marketing activities for Lupin’s 50th anniversary, along with this new broadcast and would like to expand Lupin in various ways in the US.”
The last time Adult Swim aired aLupinseries was Part 2, a decade ago. Now Part 4 is here, so get ready for the long awaited return of Lupin and his gang with the English dubbed version, available only on Adult Swim. TheLupin the 3rd: Part 4English-subtitled version is available on Crunchyroll’s video streaming service.
Check out the official synopsis below:
There is a new message from Lupin the Third, but this time, he is not announcing a heist. Instead, it is an invitation to his wedding. He is marrying the young and famous tabloid queen, Rebecca of the wealthy Rosselini conglomerate. Lupin’s true motive behind his nuptials is to steal the Libertas crown, also known as San Marino’s national treasure. The crown can only be seen in public during the marriage ceremony. As Lupin attempts to steal the crown, his arch-nemesis Inspector Zenigata is ready to pounce, having been tipped off about Lupin’s heist.
Meanwhile in Rome, a skilled spy from the English secret service, MI-6, who has been solving variety of unknown incidents around the world, finally manages to corner Lupin. It is revealed that MI-6 has been secretly investigating something known as the ‘Dream of Italy’, which is somehow related to a tragic secret love affair from Rebecca’s past.
As Lupin deals with a motley crew of unique characters that come his way, an extraordinary genius that lived centuries ago steps out of history into his life. The story that began in San Marino now expands all over Italy as Lupin pursues love and freedom in this exciting new adventure.
‘The Breadwinner’ Teaser Trailer
GKIDS recently released the first teaser trailer for Cartoon Saloon’s new featureThe Breadwinnerfrom directorNora Twomey. Based on the award-winning, best-selling young adult novel byDeborah Ellis,The Breadwinnerfollows Parvana, a young girl living under the Taliban regime, who cuts her hair and disguises herself as a boy in order to provide for her family after her father is imprisoned. A powerful and riveting story of self-empowerment and imagination in the face of oppression, the film boasts the breathtaking hand-drawn animation that has made Cartoon Saloon one of the world’s most well-loved and respected animation studios.
The Groundwood Books novel has been in print for over 15 years and is recommended reading in numerous middle schools throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Author Deborah Ellis recently completed “My Name is Parvana,” the fourth book in the series which has cumulative sales exceeding 2.5 million copies across 25 languages. To date, Ellis has donated more than $1 million from her book royalties to the charity Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. The book was recently endorsed by Nobel Prize LaureateMalala Yousafzai, who told the New York Times, “‘The Breadwinner’ reminds us how courageous and strong women are around the world.”
GKIDS CEO/FounderEric Beckmanand PresidentDavid Jesteadtare executive producing along withAngelina Jolie. For the first time, GKIDS is producing and financing the picture in addition to distribution; a Fall 2017 theatrical release in North American has been announced.
Here’s what Jolie said about her involvement:
“I am proud to be a part of this beautiful film with this timely and very important subject matter. Millions of girls around the world have to grow up before their time, working to provide for their families at a very young age and in difficult circumstances. They have the strength to do what no one should ask little girls to do. I hope this film is able to bring this discussion to a broader audience. As much as it is an important and very meaningful film, it also stands on its own as a great piece of art. Director Nora Twomey and her team have done something very special. They have breathed life into the characters and paid respect to the subject matter and to a country where women often struggle.”
GKIDS proudly presents THE BREADWINNER, the newest masterpiece from the Academy Award nominated creators of Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells, based on the worldwide bestseller Deborah Ellis.
Parvana is a 12-year-old girl growing up under the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001. When her father is arrested, Parvana dresses as a boy to work and provide for her family. Together with her best friend Shauzia, she risks discovery to attempt to find out if her father is still alive. Coming to theaters in Fall 2017.
‘The Nut Job 2’ Trailer and Images Tease Nutty Fun
Featuring the voice talents ofWill Arnett,Katherine Heigl,Maya Rudolph,Bobby Moynihan,Gabriel Iglesias,Jeff Dunham,Bobby Cannavale,Isabela Moner,Sebastian Maniscalo,Peter StormareandJackie Chan, check outThe Nut Job 2in theaters on August 11th.
Here’s the movie’s official synopsis:
Surly Squirrel (Will Arnett) and the gang are back. We are once again in Oakton where the evil mayor has decided to bulldoze Liberty Park and build a dangerous amusement park in its place. Surly and his ragtag group of animal friends band together to save their home, defeat the mayor, and take back the park.
NUT JOB 2 also features the voice talent of Katherine Heigl (The Nut Job), Jackie Chan (Kung Fu Panda 3), Peter Stormare (Penguins of Madagascar), Bobby Cannavale (Ant-Man), Isabela Moner (Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life), and Maya Rudolph (The Angry Birds Movie).
‘In This Corner of the World’ Coming to U.S. Theaters This August
Shout! Factory, a multi-platform media company, has tapped Funimation® Films as its theatrical partner to jointly launch acclaimed animated featureIn This Corner of the Worldacross U.S. cinemas onFriday, July 24, 2025. Based on the Japanese award-winning manga byFumiyo Kouno, the film is written and directed bySunao Katabuchi. Produced by GENCO and Japanese animation studio MAPPA,In This Corner of the World,bolstered by emotionally resonant storytelling and exquisite hand-drawn animation, is an empowering coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of WWII and captures the resilience and triumph of the human spirit.
Here’s the official synopsis:
The award-winning story ofIn This Corner of the Worldfollows a young lady named Suzu Urano, who in 1944 moves to the small town of Kure in Hiroshima to live with her husband’s family. Suzu’s life is thrown into chaos when her town is bombed during World War II. Her perseverance and courage underpin this heart-warming and inspirational tale of the everyday challenges faced by the Japanese in the midst of a violent, war-torn country. This beautiful yet poignant tale shows that even in the face of adversity and loss, people can come together and rebuild their lives.
This highly-anticipated movie recently won the coveted Animation of the Year award at this year’s 40thJapan Academy Prize and has been selected to premiere in competition at the LA Film Festival in June. The announcement was made byMelissa Boag, Shout’s Senior Vice President of Kids & Family Entertainment at Shout! Factory andMike DuBoiseExecutive Vice President and COO of Funimation.
“In This Corner of the Worldis an incredibly exquisite, artful and socially relevant film that will impact everyone who sees it. We’re really proud in presenting this remarkable, hand-drawn animated film to North American movie audience,” said Melissa Boag, Shout’s Senior Vice President of Kids & Family Entertainment. “Funimation Films has a great track record in launching prominent international animated movies across cinemas in North America. We couldn’t find a more committed and perfect company to join us on the theatrical launch ofIn This Corner of the World.”
We’re thrilled to be joining together with Shout Factory for the North American release of the award-winning animated filmIn This Corner of the World,” said Mike DuBoise, Executive Vice President and COO of Funimation. “It is a stunning work of traditional (hand drawn) animation which has helped shine a bright light of Japanese animation in 2017 – transcending the genre and creating a whole new audience for anime unlike ever before. We look forward to bringingIn This Corner of the Worldto theaters very soon.”
Cannes 2017 Acquisitions Include Some Remarkable Animated Movies
Here’s a round-up of some of the latest acquisition news of animated movies to come out of the ongoing Cannes Film Festival:
Mamoru Hosada(Wolf Children,The Boy and the Beast) sets his next highly personal project with the working title ofMiraiin a reunion with Studio Chizu. The story follows a 4-year old boy struggling to cope with the arrival of a little sister in the family … until things take a turn for the magical. “A mysterious garden in the backyard of the boy’s home becomes a gateway allowing the child to travel back in time and encounter his mother as a little girl and his great-grandfather as a young man. These fantasy-filled adventures allow the child to change his perspective and help him become the big brother he was meant to be.” It’s expected to be completed in May 2018.
Open Road picks up the U.S. rights toDuck Duck Goose, theChristopher Jenkins-directed comedy featuring the voices ofJim Gaffigan,ZendayaandLance Lim. The story follows “a high-flying bachelor goose named Peng (Gaffigan) who is injured in flight and finds himself saddled with two adorably demanding ducklings (Zendaya, Lim) on a long journey south that will turn this scrappy threesome into a family.” Also filling out the voice cast areGreg Proops,Natasha Leggero,Reggie Watts,Diedrich Bader,Jennifer Grey,Rick Overton,Craig Ferguson,Stephen FryandCarl Reiner.
Arri Media International has closed deals forPloey - You Never Fly Alone, an Icelandic-Belgian co-production. You can check out a first look at the filmhere, via Variety, though the film is not yet complete. Its family friendly story follows “a young golden plover bird who, unable to migrate with his family after having trouble learning to fly, is helped by his friends to survive in a world full of natural enemies.”
