Disney make “Gigantic” Announcements
One of the highlights of the Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films presentation at Disney’s D23 Expo for animation fans was the announcement of their upcoming 2018 animated feature Gigantic, a film that promises to be the defining telling of the much-loved tale of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Set in Spain during the Age of Exploration, Disney’s Gigantic follows adventure-seeker Jack as he discovers a world of giants hidden within the clouds. He hatches a grand plan with Inma, a 60-foot-tall, 11-year-old girl, and agrees to help her find her way home. But he doesn’t account for her super-sized personality—and who knew giants were so down to earth?
The film will be directed by Nathan Greno (Tangled) and, like recent Disney mega-smash Frozen, the film will be given a musical voice by the songsmiths behind Let it Go, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.
Disney have ventured up a beanstalk and into a kingdom in the clouds before, in the 1947 animated feature Fun and Fancy Free. Mickey Mouse (voiced for the last time by Walt Disney) took the place of Jack as he faced the clumsy Willie the Giant.
Mickey had put his giant slaying abilities to the test before then in 1938’s The Brave Little Tailor. Quite how much giant slaying will conducted in Gigantic is yet to be seen, but with a 60 foot tall 11 year old girl starring in the film I daresay not much.
Announcements on the Disney feature front were coupled with a tantalising glimpse at the upcoming Moana, Ron Clements & John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Princess and the Frog, Aladdin)’s south pacific set adventure. Besides the setting and title character, little was known about this feature up until now when the official synopsis was released.
Moana introduces a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. She meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage.
Ron Clements took to the stage with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to discuss the film. Attendees at the event saw some clips from the upcoming film which showcased animated tattoos, a friendly, sentient ocean and a pig and chicken sidekick team that amused the audience. The film is heading to cinemas next year in the states on November 23rd, 2016.
Blimey! Ron Clement’s has beefed up, ah no wait that’s Director John Musker (L) and actor Dwayne Johnson (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
It is an exciting time for both Disney and Pixar fans, with familiar favourites returning alongside original productions. Are you looking forward to anything in particular? Let us know in the comments or tell us with a tweet!