Remember back in 2014 when an animated adaptation of the Playmobil toy brand was announced? Well, that movie is still happening, as we now have a new director, a new release date (sort of), and even an official title.
Variety has recently broke the news that Lino Di Salvo (of Frozen fame) will direct the upcoming film —now titled Playmobil: Robbers, Thieves & Rebels.
Di Salvo replaces Bob Persichetti, who was originally set to direct. It is unknown at this time if he is still attached to the screenplay.
Di Salvo is currently the creative director for Paramount Animation. Prior to that, he spent 17 years at Disney as animation supervisor on Bolt and Tangled and is best known as the head of animation for Frozen.
“I’ve learned most of my skills by growing up in the Disney system; I was very fortunate to work on films like Tangled and Frozen,” said Di Salvo. “I am thrilled at the prospect of developing the Playmobil film. As a father and a filmmaker, to create a film about your son’s favorite toy, what else do you want?”
Budgeted at $75 million, the film is being developed and produced by ON Animation Studios, the company behind The Little Prince (which releases this year from Paramount Animation). France’s Wild Bunch and Pathe are also involved in the production and are handling international sales.
While the film has a lot to prove in the post-LEGO Movie era of animated films, ON Entertainment appears to have high hopes for Playmobil as a franchise property, as Robbers, Thieves & Rebels will be the first in a trilogy planned by the studio.
Originally set for late 2017, the film is now targeted for a late 2018 release window.
EDIT: Cross Creek Pictures (Everest, Black Mass) will handle the American distribution of the film.
What do you think? Any thoughts on the idea of a Playmobil film trilogy?
Edited by: Kelly Conley