While Warner Bros. set a clear road-map for their LEGO films (complete with new release dates), we still have no idea what films it has planned outside the LEGO franchise. However, this won’t last for long.
Deadline recently reported that the long-rumored Storks film is now set for a September 23, 2016 release (a date originally held by LEGO Ninjago). It will compete against an untitled Sony Animation film also set for release on that day.
In addition, we’ve also received more info on the film itself. SNL alum and The Lonely Island member Andy Samberg and Kelsey Grammer (of Cheers and Frasier fame) were the first names confirmed as the leads of the film’s voice cast (with more to be announced soon).
While the film’s remains under wraps, the studio did state that the film will be a “fresh and funny” take on the fable surrounding the eponymous species of bird.
Nicholas Stoller (the Muppets films, Neighbors, Captain Underpants) and Doug Sweetland (Pixar’s Presto short film) will co-direct the film from a script written by Stoller. Storks will mark Stoller’s feature animation debut as a director, while also marking Sweetland’s feature-length directorial debut.
Stoller will produce the film with Brad Lewis. Glen Ficarra, Phil Lord, Chris Miller, John Requa, and Jared Stern (all key members of Warner Animation Group) will serve as executive producers.
Storks will serve as Warner Animation Group’s first original feature and will likewise be the division’s first showcase of how it can utilize its assembled talent on original projects.
As of right now, there are no updates concerning another original feature in development at Warner Animation Group: Smallfoot. John Requa and Glenn Ficarra are set to write this film, which is based on an original idea by Sergio Pablos (Despicable Me), who would make his debut as director.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to Storks?
Edited by: Hannah Wilkes
