List of unproduced Universal Pictures animated projects

This is a list of unmade and unreleased animated projects by Universal Pictures. Some of these projects were, or still are, in development limbo. These also include the co-productions Universal collaborated with in the past (i.e Amblimation, Walter Lantz Productions, Universal Animation Studios, Illumination, and DreamWorks Animation).

1940s

Aladdin and His Lamp

In 1941, after hearing the success of Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs movie, Universal's first animation studio Walter Lantz Productions wanted to get into feature animation by having their first feature film called Aladdin and His Lamp, based on the famous tales of Aladdin. It was set to star the voices of comedy duo Abbott and Costello. However, after hearing that one of their rivals Fleischer Studios' film Mr. Bug Goes to Town failed at the box office, Aladdin never made it to actual production.[1]

1990s

Cats

In the late 90's, Amblimation was set to make their next movie after Balto that was going to be based on the hit Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats. While storyboards and pictures of the film were shown online, the film's production was canceled when Amblimation was shut down and merged into DreamWorks Animation.

Escape from Jurassic Park

Universal Animation Studios was set to make an animated TV series spin-off of the blockbuster Jurassic Park titled Escape from Jurassic Park.[2][3] The show was to take place after the first film and before The Lost World: Jurassic Park in where Dr. Alan Grant and the gang head back to Jurassic Park with other people to try to re-open the park, however things go bad and the gang need to escape from the park again while trying to take care of the more friendly Dinosaurs. While the script for the first episode was made, the show's production was scrapped by director Steven Spielberg when he was busy working on other animated shows (including Animaniacs and Freakazoid!) and building DreamWorks.

Jurassic Park: Chaos Effect

Another Jurassic Park animated show was in the works at Universal Animation Studios, this time based on a toy line called Jurassic Park: Chaos Effect.[4] Like the toy line, the show will take place a few years after The Lost World: Jurassic Park and before Jurassic Park III where Dr. Ian Malcolm and his gang meet a group of scientists on one of the islands of Jurassic Park that have created new dinosaurs that have mixed DNA of other dinosaurs with living animals of today's world and are running lose. Like Escape from Jurassic Park, its production was scrapped. However, some of the planned episodes' concepts later went into the screenplays for Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

Shrek (early attempts)

In 1991, Spielberg bought the rights to William Steig's 1990 children's book Shrek!. Spielberg originally envisioned his adaptation as a traditional animated film from Amblin Entertainment via its animation studio Amblimation, with Bill Murray as the voice of the titular character and Steve Martin as the voice of Donkey. Despite co-founding DreamWorks Animation—the eventual owner of the Shrek franchise—in 1994, Spielberg moved on to other projects.[5][6] Eventually, in 2016, Universal's parent company NBCUniversal would acquire DreamWorks Animation and the rights to DWA's movie library, including Shrek.

The Adventures of MC Skat Kat and the Stray Mob

A plan for animated/live action hybrid feature film of animated singer MC Skat Kat and his gang was in the works at Universal, but the production for the film was scrapped when there was nothing to do with the character in movie form. It also didn't help with the poor reception and sales of The Adventures of MC Skat Kat and the Stray Mob album and the quickly dwindling popularity of the character.

Crash Bandicoot cutscenes

After Universal Interactive Studios opened its doors, its then-parent company Universal wanted its animated studio Universal Animation Studios to do cutscenes for some of their video games starting with the first Crash Bandicoot game. However, the idea was scrapped when Universal Interactive's partners wanted the game all CGI and to keep their deals with them. Despite this, the cutscenes were shown online.[7]

Frankenstein

According to Animation Magazine, Universal and the Industrial Light & Magic were going to make their first theatrical feature film based on the famous monster story Frankenstein.[8] But nothing new came after and the film's production was scrapped.

Alvin and the Chipmunks (live-action film)

After acquiring the license to The Chipmunks back in 1990 the studio had plans for an animated/live-action adaptation of the characters directed by Robert Zemeckis, But due to a falling out with Universal and the Bagdasarians the film's production was halted.[9] Leading the film to be produced under 20th Century Fox and releasing in 2007.

2000s

Where the Wild Things Are

Universal acquired rights to the book's adaptation in 2001 and initially attempted to develop a computer-animated adaptation with Disney animator Eric Goldberg, but in 2003 the CGI concept was replaced with a live-action one, and Goldberg was replaced with Spike Jonze.[10] The film was originally set for release from Universal, and a teaser of the film was attached to the studio's 2000 adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.[11] Disagreements between Universal and Sendak over Jonze's approach to the story led to a turnaround arrangement where the film's production was transferred to Warner Bros.[12]

Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Dracula

There were plans to make a third Alvin and the Chipmunks direct to video movie by Universal Animation Studios in where they meet Dracula. The plot is that Dracula has bitten Simon to become a vampire and his successor and Alvin and Theodore have to save him. It would also be the first time that Alvin and Theodore have to think of a plan without Simon (who is usually the smart one of the group), but unfortunately, the plans to make this film was canceled when Bagdasarian Productions's contract with Universal had expired.

Flanimals

On 28 April 2009, Variety reported that a 3-D, computer-animated feature film based on the Flanimals book series was in production at Illumination. Series creator Ricky Gervais was set to be the executive producer and also lend his voice to the lead character, while The Simpsons writer Matt Selman wrote the script.[13] however it has been removed from the development schedule.[14]

An untitled Illumination cryptozoology film

This proposed film from Illumination would have been produced by comedian Jack Black, Ben Cooley and Chris Meledandri and set in the world of cryptozoology, the study of animals that are said to not exist. Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, the Cupacabra and many other supposed mythological monsters fall under this mantle. While Black was developing the project at this time he was not attached to provide a voice to one of its characters as he did with DreamWorks Animation's Kung Fu Panda. The screenplay was to be written by Jason Micallef.[15][16] However, there have been no recent developments regarding the film's production.

2010s

Pluto

Universal Pictures and Illumination acquired the rights to the Japanese manga series Pluto in 2010 for a live-action/CGI film.[17] No news have emerged since.

The Legend of Spyro 3D

On October 25, 2007, it was announced that the film rights for Spyro the Dragon had been purchased by The Animation Picture Company.[18] Daniel and Steven Altiere wrote the script, which was going to be based on the recently released The Legend of Spyro trilogy. The film was going to be titled The Legend of Spyro 3D and was planned to be made from Los Angeles, California, with animation by a South Korean Animation studio, Wonderworld Studios, alongside Universal Animation Studios. The film was planned to be produced by John Davis, Dan Chuba, Mark A.Z. Dippé, Brian Manis and Ash Shah, and distributed and advertised by Velvet Octopus along with Universal Studios. Mark Dippe was going to direct the film, which would've made it the first theatrical film Dippe directed since Spawn. This film was originally planned for released in theaters on Christmas 2009 for the United States and Canada, but it was delayed to April 10, 2010 for its North American release. It was later confirmed by Daniel Altiere himself that the movie had been officially cancelled due to decisions made by Activision to go in a different direction,[19] which was later revealed in the form of Skylanders.

The Addams Family

In 2010, it was announced that Universal and Illumination had acquired the underlying rights to the Addams Family drawings.[20] The film was planned to be a stop-motion animated film based on Charles Addams's original drawings. Tim Burton was set to co-write and co-produce the film, with a possibility to direct.[21] In July 2013, it was reported that the film was cancelled.[22] Had been made, this would have been Illumination's first stop-motion animated film.

Woody Woodpecker (animated film)

In the early 2010s, Universal and Illumination planned a Woody Woodpecker feature film. John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky (King of the Hill) were in talks to develop a story,[23] but in July 2013, Illumination canceled the project.[24] The film was eventually released as a live-action/CGI hybrid film in 2017.

Uglydolls

In May 2011, it was announced that Illumination had acquired the rights to Uglydolls to make an animated feature film.[25] Four years later, in 2015, Variety magazine reported that an animated film based on Uglydolls would be the first family and animation project produced by STXfilms;[26] it is set for a May 2019 release.[27]

The Cat in the Hat

In 2012, following the financial success of The Lorax, the animated film adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book of the same name, Universal and Illumination announced plans to produce a CGI adaptation of the book.[28] Rob Lieber was set to write the script, with Chris Meledandri as producer, and Audrey Geisel as the executive producer. However, the project never came into fruition.[29] On January 24, 2018, it was announced that Warner Animation Group was in development of an animated Cat in the Hat film as part of a creative partnership with Seuss Enterprises.[30]

Clifford the Big Red Dog

In May 2012, it was reported that Universal and Illumination would make a live-action/animated feature film based on the Clifford the Big Red Dog book series. Matt Lopez had been hired to write the script, while Chris Meledandri and Deborah Forte would produce the film.[31] In July 2013, it was reported that Illumination had dropped the project.[32] As of 2018, Paramount Pictures is now developing the film.[33]

Larrikins

This proposed animated feature film from Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation was to be directed by Tim Minchin (which would have been his directorial debut) and Chris Miller, written by Harry Cripps and to be produced by Christina Steinberg. Margot Robbie, Hugh Jackman, Naomi Watts, Rose Byrne, Ben Mendelsohn, Jacki Weaver, Josh Lawson, Damon Herriman, Ewen Leslie, and Anna Kendrick were also cast in the film.[34] The story would have followed an uptight bilby who ventures out and finds himself launched on a musical adventure across the mystical Australian outback when he gets kicked out of the sheltered life of his family burrow. On the way, he must battle an evil army of monsters known as the Syvalionilas, or "Syvas" for short, and win the heart of his one true love. The film was set to be released on February 16, 2018, but was cancelled on March 5, 2017 due to creative difficulties.[35] Had been released, it would have been the first DreamWorks Animation film to be distributed by Universal Pictures, whose parent company NBCUniversal acquired DWA in 2016.

Johnny Express

In 2015, Universal and Illumination planned to adapt the South Korean CGI animated short Johnny Express into a feature-length animated film.[36][37] However, as of July 2018, nothing new came out after and the production was canceled.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "The Ones that Didn't Make it". www.harrymccracken.com. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  2. ↑ "Escape from Jurassic Park - 1993 animated series detailed - Jurassic Outpost". jurassicoutpost.com. 1 June 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  3. ↑ "The Entire First Season of the Cancelled Jurassic Park Television Series Revealed (Exclusive) - Jurassic Outpost". jurassicoutpost.com. 5 December 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  4. ↑ Raymond, Françoise. "JP Toys". www.jptoys.com. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  5. ↑ Cormier, Roger (22 March 2016). "15 Giant Facts About Shrek". Mental Floss. Retrieved 17 July 2018.
  6. ↑ Denninger, Lindsay (18 May 2016). "5 Actors Almost Cast In 'Shrek,' Because Mike Myers Wasn't Supposed To Voice The Ogre". Bustle (magazine). Retrieved 17 July 2018.
  7. ↑ zerorisk1 -_- (25 November 2016). "Crash Bandicoot cancelled Cartoon theme song". Retrieved 8 September 2018 – via YouTube.
  8. ↑ "The Elephant Not in the Room (or Anywhere Else)". www.animationmagazine.net. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  9. ↑ http://articles.latimes.com/2000/sep/12/business/fi-19557
  10. ↑ Etherington, Daniel. "Where The Wild Things Are Preview". Channel 4. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
  11. ↑ Mark Hooper (2008-02-25). "Catch of the day: Where the Wild Things Are". Guardian Film Blog. London. Retrieved 2009-03-26.
  12. ↑ Snyder, Gabriel (2006-01-08). "'Wild' ride for Warner". Variety. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
  13. ↑ Fleming, Michael (28 April 2009). "Gervais' 'Flanimals' heads to bigscreen". Variety. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
  14. ↑ Debruge, Peter (17 July 2013). "Illumination Chief Chris Meledandri Lines Up Originals for Universal". Variety. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
  15. ↑ "Jack Black & Illumination Entertainment Invest in Cryptozoology". screenrant.com. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  16. ↑ "untitled Jack Black/Cryptozoological project | Corona Coming Attractions". www.coronacomingattractions.com. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  17. ↑ "Universal, Illumination Get Film Rights for Urasawa's Pluto Manga". Anime News Network. 2010-10-20. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
  18. ↑ Graser, Marc (25 September 2007). "Spyro to fire up theaters". Variety. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
  19. ↑ "Spyro Movie No More". darkSpyro. 11 April 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-13.
  20. ↑ Mike Fleming (March 18, 2010). "Tim Burton's Next 3D Animated Film? Da Da Da Da, Snap Snap: 'The Addams Family'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2010-07-10.
  21. ↑ Fleming, Mike (August 19, 2010). "Tim Burton Reunites With 'Ed Wood' Scribes For 'Addams Family' And 'Big Eyes'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2010-11-16.
  22. ↑ Debruge, Peter (July 17, 2013). "Illumination Chief Chris Meledandri Lines Up Originals for Universal". Variety. Retrieved July 18, 2013. At the same time, Illumination has scrapped a number of planned movie ideas. "Waldo" and a Tim Burton-helmed, stop-motion "The Addams Family" are dead. The company abandoned a Woody Woodpecker pic, and couldn't crack "Clifford the Big Red Dog."
  23. ↑ Kit, Borys (November 16, 2011). "Woody Woodpecker Movie in Development at Universal, Illumination (Exclusive)". Hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  24. ↑ Debruge, Peter (July 17, 2013). "Illumination Chief Chris Meledandri Lines Up Originals for Universal". Variety.com. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  25. ↑ Fleming, Mike (May 26, 2011). "Chris Meledandri's Illumination To Turn Uglydoll Into Animated Film". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  26. ↑ Lang, Brent (May 28, 2015). "STX Entertainment Plans Uglydoll Film, Launches Family Division (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 28, 2015.
  27. ↑ Khatchatourian, Maane (March 28, 2017). "Robert Rodriguez to Direct 'Ugly Dolls' Animated Film for STX". Variety. Retrieved March 29, 2017.
  28. ↑ Minovitz, Ethan (March 18, 2012). "The Cat In The Hat comes back as animated feature". Big Cartoon News. Archived from the original on December 3, 2012. Retrieved March 18, 2012.
  29. ↑ Kit, Borys (January 24, 2018). "New 'Cat in the Hat' Movie in the Works From Warner Bros". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
  30. ↑ "'The Cat in the Hat' Animated Movie to Kick Off Dr Seuss Franchise". thewrap.com. 24 January 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  31. ↑ Kit, Borys (May 8, 2012). "Illumination and Universal Adapting 'Clifford the Big Red Dog' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 9, 2012.
  32. ↑ Debruge, Peter (July 17, 2013). "Illumination Chief Chris Meledandri Lines Up Originals for Universal". Variety. Retrieved July 18, 2013. At the same time, Illumination has scrapped a number of planned movie ideas. “Waldo” and a Tim Burton-helmed, stop-motion “The Addams Family” are dead. The company abandoned a Woody Woodpecker pic, and couldn’t crack “Clifford the Big Red Dog.”
  33. ↑ Fleming, Jr., Mike (June 30, 2016). "'Clifford The Big Red Dog' Movie Unleashed At Paramount With Scribe Justin Malen". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  34. ↑ Anita Busch (June 1, 2016). "'Larrikins' Sings With Aussie A-Listers For DreamWorks Animation". Deadline. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  35. ↑ "Dreamworks Kills Tim Minchin's 'Larrikins'". Cartoon Brew. March 7, 2018. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
  36. ↑ Byung-yeul, Baek (May 19, 2015). "'Despicable Me' founder shares secret of success". The Korea Times. Retrieved May 24, 2015.
  37. ↑ Fleming Jr., Mike (July 9, 2015). "'Minions' Maker Illumination Forges Pact With South Korean Animator Kyungmin Woo, Options His Short 'Johnny Express' For Feature". Deadline. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
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