9 Story Launches Live-Action Division, Appoints New VP
Emmy-nominated producer/writer/director Jeremy Slutskin (Blue’s Room, Team Umizoomi, Sesame Street) will head up the new division, reporting to Chief Creative Officer Angela Santomero. Launch projects soon to debut include family series TombQuest and the fruits of a three-series dev deal with Emmy-winning producer To Lynch (The Secret World of Alex Mack).
LEGOLAND Florida to Launch ‘LEGO Movie’ World
The new theme park expansion, which is being brought to life with the help of Merlin Magic Making, will include three new rides:
- The LEGO Movie Masters of Flight, which invites guests on a suspended ride on Emmet’s Triple Decker Couch accompanied by a full-dome virtual screen that delivers the feeling of flying through a world created from LEGO bricks.
- Unikitty’s Disco Drop, which gives visitors a chance to go on a rainbow-filled journey based on Unikitty and her moods. Guests will travel to the top of Cloud Cuckoo Land, then drop, spin and bounce back to earth.
- Battle of Bricksburg, which is the only water ride at The LEGO Movie World. It will challenge riders to stop Duplo aliens from invading and stealing LEGO bricks by spraying water at targets from their boats.
Potential ‘Moana’ Sequel Might Feature Disney Animation’s First Latina Princess
The first film’s composer Lin-Manuel Miranda is reportedly in talks to co-write a follow-up, which would mark the arrival of the first *big screen* Latina Disney princess (no offense, Elena of Avalor). Miranda recently appeared in Mary Poppins Returns and is working on the music for the live-action Little Mermaid revamp and Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming monkey musical Vivo (2020).
Champion Athleticwear and Cartoon Network Reveal Limited Edition ‘Powerpuff Girls’ Collection
Exclusively designed by Champion, limited edition fleece and heritage silhouettes featuring Bubbles, Blossom and Buttercup debuted in Champion and Finish Line stores across the U.S. beginning Jan. 26. Originally announced at Licensing Expo in May 2018, the limited edition collection is part of Cartoon Network’s celebration of the iconic series’ 20th Anniversary.
WATCH: ‘Birds of Prey’ Teaser #1 | See You Soon
After splitting up with The Joker, Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) and three other female superheroes — Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) — come together to save the life of young Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco) from evil crime lord Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina) in this Suicide Squad follow-up. Directed by Sundance Film Festival winner Cathy Yan (Dead Pigs), Birds of Prey swoops to theaters Feb. 7, 2020.
’Black Panther’ Returns to the Big Screen Feb. 1 for Free in Honor of Black History Month
Fans can catch the seven time Academy Award nominee (Best Picture, Production Design, Costume Design, Original Score, Original Song, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing) and SAG Award-winning film at 250 participating AMC Theatres across the U.S. for a weeklong, 2 show per day engagement Feb. 1-7. The Walt Disney Company will also give a $1.5 million grant to support UNCF (United Negro College Fund) in furthering its mission to help minority students access and move to and through college.
“Black Panther is groundbreaking for many reasons, including the rich diversity of voices behind its success,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “The story also showcases the power of knowledge to change the world for the better, and the importance of ensuring everyone has access to it. We’re proud to provide thousands of free screenings of Black Panther in hopes it will continue to inspire audiences, and to support UNCF with a $1.5 million grant to make the dream of higher education a reality for more students.”
