In today's Out of Left Field News, word has come down that a new animated film from Lucasfilm Ltd. called STRANGE MAGIC will be released by Touchstone Pictures on January 23, 2015. The film is billed as a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night's Dream.” The studios that brought us the visual effects of Gore Vebinski's RANGO, Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic, are responsible for bringing to life the fanciful forest in which this story takes place, featuring popular songs from the past six decades to help tell the tale of goblins, elves, fairies and imps and their misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.
The film is directed by Gary Rydstrom (Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation), with a story by George Lucas (who also serves as executive producer) and a screenplay by David Berenbaum (ELF), Irene Mecchi (BRAVE, THE LION KING) and Rydstrom. The movie will feature the vocal talents of Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth (Broadway’s “Wicked”), Maya Rudolph, and Alfred Molina.
I'm sure you're all thinking the same thing I was when I read this, and that's, "What?" It seems a little off to reveal a film that's to be released in 2 months time, from the mind of George Lucas no less. One thing that's for sure is that the visuals of RANGO were absolutely stunning and gave PIXAR and Disney a run for their money. I'm a little iffy about the musical nature of this tale, but I suppose a trailer can't be too far behind. Let's see what Rydstrom and Co. are packin'!
STRANGE MAGIC hits theaters on January 23, 2015.
STRANGE MAGIC has a lot to live up to considering the entertaining and quirky nature of RANGO.