After iconically serving as Agent J in the Men in Black films, Will Smith is back as a new cinematic agent. This time he’s Lance Sterling, the lead star in Blue Sky Studios’ upcoming animated feature Spies in Disguise. We now have our first look at the spy comedy in the newly-released first trailer.
Loosely based on the 2009 animated short Pigeon Impossible by Lucas Martell, Spies in Disguise centers on Agent Lance Sterling (voiced by Will Smith), a spy said to be “the world’s greatest secret agent.” His successful missions are all thanks to his suave approach and his endless supply of awesome gadgets, all provided by his socially awkward inventor Walter Beckett (MCU Spider-Man himself Tom Holland). However, the two opposites must cooperate in unusual ways to save the world from possible doom when… well, if you see the trailer, you’ll understand why.
Joining Smith and Holland in the cast of this mission includes Rashida Jones (The Grinch) as Marcy Kappel, Karen Gillan (Emo Dad) as Eyes, and DJ Khaled as Ears. Ben Mendelsohn ($9.99) and Masi Oka (The Proud Family Movie) are also in the cast as currently undisclosed roles.
Hot on your tail. @iamrashidajones is Agent Marcy Kappel. #SpiesInDisguise trailer drops TOMORROW! pic.twitter.com/ckgmviyWPD
— Spies in Disguise (@SpiesInDisguise) October 31, 2018
Eyes on the prize! @KarenGillan is Eyes in #SpiesInDisguise – watch the trailer TOMORROW. pic.twitter.com/VeFZtQjfwh
— Spies in Disguise (@SpiesInDisguise) October 31, 2018
Ears never misses a beat. @DJKhaled is Ears in #SpiesInDisguise– the trailer drops TOMORROW! pic.twitter.com/EUI1Jair4s
— Spies in Disguise (@SpiesInDisguise) October 31, 2018
The film marks as the feature-length directorial debut of two Blue Sky veterans, consisting of animator Nick Bruno and storyboard artist Troy Quane. The latter, in particular, has past directing experience with Sony Pictures Animation’s holiday special The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol. Peter Chernin (the Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy) serves as one of the producers in association with his production company Chernin Entertainment, while the score will be composed by Theodore Shapiro (Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie).
With the diminishing Ice Age franchise now on the sideline, it’s nice to see Blue Sky taking chances with new storytelling approaches led by first-time directors. Spies in Disguise looks to be a solid start to this, boasting a slick action-like aesthetic with its presentation, along with neat gadgets, striking set pieces, and impressive cinematography that only computer animation is capable of.
Starting with 2017’s Ferdinand, Spies in Disguise continues Blue Sky’s new commitment towards non-sequel features. This trend will carry on into the next decade with Nimona in 2020, and Foster in 2021. It still remains a mystery how Disney’s impending purchase of 20th Century Fox will affect these films and the studio, though we can only hope the impact is minimal.
20th Century Fox has assigned Spies in Disguise for theatrical release on September 13, 2019. Although that may be quiet a while away, we’re still quite intrigued to see what Blue Sky has in store for us with this film!
What are your thoughts on the Spies in Disguise trailer? Be sure to type what you think in the comments with your handy gadget!
Edited by: Kelly Conley
