Celebrated director John Lasseter, whose film credits include “Toy Story,” “Up,” and “Cars,” is now the head of the animation division at Skydance Media. In collaboration with Apple Original Films, Lasseter recently released the short “Blush,” which is now available on Apple TV+. He’s also getting ready to release two new full-length films this year: “Luck” and “Spellbound.” The multi-year deal with Apple includes collaboration for both TV series and films and will debut in more than 100 countries around the world. We’ll look at the most recent updates for his upcoming releases.
‘Blush’: A Semi-Autobiographical Short
Joe Mateo is the former story artist on Disney hits like “Big Hero 6,” “Mulan,” and “Raya and the Last Dragon.” After losing his wife Mary Ann to breast cancer, he told John Lasseter that he wanted to make a short film about their love story. The film features a stranded horticulturist on a deserted planet. He’s saved by a female character who helps beautiful succulent plants bloom all around them.
The film’s title is a reference to Mary Ann’s propensity to blush, and the film itself is full of tributes to her as a person and the two of them as a couple. Now available on Apple TV+, the short was a passion project for both Mateo and John Lasseter. Because much of the work was completed during the pandemic, it gave both of them a little slice of hope during a dark time.
‘Luck’: A Story of the Unluckiest Person in the World
“Luck” is a full-length feature film about Sam Greenfield, who happens to be the unluckiest person in the world. Eva Noblezada, Simon Pegg, Jane Fonda, Whoopi Goldberg, Flula Borg, Lil Rel Howery, John Ratzenberger, and Adelynn Spoon lend their voices to “Luck,” and its release date is scheduled for August 5, 2022, on Apple TV+.
The story follows a girl who ages out of the foster care system and discovers the Land of Luck. The audience gets to meet a cast of magical characters who can help Sam change her luck and potentially the luck of the people she loves. Part of her quest includes trying to find a lucky penny for a young girl in foster care, one who believes that the talisman is the key to finding her forever family.
‘Spellbound’: A Magical Fight Against the Forces of Darkness
“Spellbound” is a full-length musical about a girl who needs to save her family from the forces of darkness with the help of her magical powers. Directed by Vicky Jenson and produced by David Lipman, the same team of “Shrek” fame, it also features writers from “Lion King,” “Mulan,” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
The movie is scored by legend Alan Meken, of “Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin.” While the cast has not yet been announced for this movie, it’s slated to stream on Apple TV+ on November 11, 2022. (This film may also have a theatrical release.) John Lasseter brings his signature character development and world-building to a literal fight between light and dark.
John Lasseter: Head of Skydance Animation
John Lasseter’s latest films are a reflection of what he does best. Full of heart, laughter, and soul, these films appeal to both adults and children alike. Drawing upon universal themes like love, luck, and loss, these three films are just the beginning of what Skydance Animation has in store. With the degree of talent that John Lasseter is attracting, particularly considering his days at Disney and Pixar, there’s a lot to look forward to.
