Jan 14, 2021

Netflix Announces 2021 Animated Film Slate Including Sony Pictures Animation's "Wish Dragon" and Two Aardman Specials

These are good times for Netflix. While other studios struggle with the nightmare of closing movie theaters, the world's most popular streaming service continues to release movies like bingo numbers: the 2021 schedule includes more than 70 titles, eight of which are animated.

Several of them, such as the cg comedy Back to the Outback, have already been announced this year. There is only one new acquisition, but it is a big one: the U.S.-China co-production "Wish Dragon" by Sony Pictures Animation. The first film in the studio's new international initiative, it was developed and animated by China-based Base Animation and features Jackie Chan as producer.

A feature film based on Nickelodeon's series The Loud House and Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has already been announced and is confirmed for release this year. Nickelodeon has announced that it will sign a multi-year output deal with Netflix in late 2019, part of a shift to a "studio model" where it will increasingly produce content for third parties.

Netflix is also strengthening its relationship with UK-based Aardman Animations, which is producing two half-hour shows for streamers. One of these, "Robin Robin," was originally scheduled for Holiday 2020, but was postponed, presumably because the pandemic interrupted stop-motion filming.

In October, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealed that the company aims to release six original animated feature films a year. The list below includes five, and in any case Sarandos did not mention acquisitions or films produced by third parties.

The 2021 slate also lacks the kind of tentpole films with high-profile talent that Netflix promises in the future. Films such as Richard Linklater's Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Adventure, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, Aardman's Chicken Run sequel, Henry Selick's Wendell & Wild, and Nora Toomey's My Father's Dragon are all scheduled for 2022 or later.

Directed by Steve Cox: Steve Cox Format 30-Minute Special

Synopsis: In this 30-minute special from Aardman, the world's favorite sheep star in his own winter tale. Sean's excitement for the season turns to dismay when Timmy inadvertently goes missing while trolling the farmhouse to get a big stocking for his flock. Can Sean get Timmy back before he becomes someone else's present?

Directed by Claire Knight, Harry Cripps Format Feature

Synopsis: Tired of being trapped in a reptile house where the humans treat them like monsters, a motley group of Australia's most ferocious creatures plot a daring escape from the zoo to the outback. The group is led by Maddie, a venomous snake with a heart of gold, who unites with Zoe, a confident thorny lizard, Frank, a lovesick hairy spider, and Nigel, a sensitive scorpion.

But when their nemesis, Pretty Boy, a cute but obnoxious koala, unexpectedly joins their escape, Maddie and the gang have no choice but to take him with them. Chased by zookeeper Chaz and his adventurous mini-me, a hilarious and hair-raising road trip across Australia ensues.

Director/Creator/Showrunner: Jorge Gutierrez Format Synopsis: Set in a world inspired by Mesoamerican mythology, a warrior princess sets out on a journey to gather three legendary warriors to save the world of humans and gods.

Director Dave Needham Format Feature Length

Synopsis: In Nickelodeon's "The Loud House Movie," a large television family goes on the biggest Loud family vacation in history. The adventure continues to Scotland, where the Loud family discovers that they are descended from Scottish royalty. When the family discovers that their ancestral home is a castle, they immediately enjoy the high life of wishful thinking.

Director: Chris Appelhans Format Feature Length

Synopsis: In Sony Pictures Animation's "Wish Dragon," Ding, a working-class college student with big dreams but no money, and Ron, a cynical but all-powerful wish-fulfilling dragon, are on the trail of Ding's long-lost childhood friend, Lina. They embark on a hilarious adventure through modern-day Shanghai in pursuit of Dinh's long-lost childhood friend, Lina. Their journey forces them to answer life's biggest questions. Because when you can wish for anything, you have to decide what really matters.

Director Dan Ojari, Mikey Preece Format 30-minute special

Aardman presents this stop-motion holiday musical special. When an egg accidentally falls into the garbage dump, Robin is raised by a loving family of mice. As she grows up, her differences become apparent. Robin sets out on a heist to end the robbery to prove to her family that she can really be a good mouse. ......

Directed by Ant Ward, Andy Suriano Format Feature Length

Synopsis: Nickelodeon's The Birth of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ninja Turtles face their greatest challenge yet when a mysterious stranger from the future arrives with a dangerous warning. Leo rises up and leads his brothers, Ruff, Donny, and Mikey, against the fearsome alien... He is forced to take on the battle to save the world from the Krang.

Director John Matt, Francisco Luis Velasco, Andrew L. Schmidt Format Feature Length

Synopsis: In DreamWorks' Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans, Arcadia appears to be an ordinary town, but it is at the center of magical and mystical lines, the nexus of a battle between trolls, aliens, wizards, and otherworldly creatures It has become a The heroes of the hit series "Trollhunters," "3Below," and "Wizards" team up for the most powerful adventure of their lives.