At some point or another, most children view their parents as monsters -- but for Princess Ellian (Rachel Zegler), a spell really did transform her royal parents (Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem) into monsters in the upcoming animated Netflix film "Spellbound" (streaming November 22). Watch the new trailer below.
The second animated feature from John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation (part of the impending Paramount-Skydance Media merger), the musical fantasy from director Vicky Jenson ("Shrek") is a modern fairy tale that takes place in the mythical kingdom of Lumbria as Princess Ellian embarks on "an invigorating quest" to break the spell. Boasting bright, eye-catching animation from Skydance Animation Madrid, the look of Lumbria (production designed by Brett Nystul) was influenced by the iconic architecture of ancient Spain, known for its domed rooftops and Moorish arches.
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There is a decidedly Disney-esque musical spectacle propelling this modern fairy tale, led by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken ("The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin") composing the score and writing the original songs with lyricist Glenn Slater ("Tangled"). Among the highlights are Ellian's opening lament about the monstrous spell cast on her parents and Kidman and Bardem's spellbound royal couple singing in a forest. The voice cast includes John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, André De Shields, Jordan Fisher, and Tituss Burgess.
"Spellbound" is produced by Lasseter, Skydance CEO David Ellison, Skydance chief creative officer Dana Goldberg, and Skydance Animation head of production Bruce Anderson. The script is from Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin ("Mulan") and Julia Miranda ("Alexa & Katie"). The project originally began as "Split" from screenwriter Linda Woolverton ("Beauty and the Beast").
"Mythology and fairytales have always been part of my life and upbringing," director Jenson said in a statement. "My father, the son of immigrant Romanian parents, was an aspiring writer and my mother, raised in Costa Rica by literary parents, taught us to love the arts and old family ghost stories. Storytelling runs deep in our families!
"'Spellbound' is about what it is that really makes a family. Like any timeless myth or lasting fairytale, I believe the meaning reaches even further than the specifics of this family's dynamic. It speaks to kids and their parents and the kinds of alienation that can happen between them as well as the steps we have to take toward each other, how we can weather it together, to come through to the other side with better understanding."
After moving its Skydance Animation slate from Apple Studios to Netflix in 2023, the multi-year streaming deal commenced with "Spellbound." Set for release in 2025 is "Pookoo," a buddy comedy about two enemies -- a woodland creature and a majestic bird -- who magically trade places. It's helmed by Nathan Greno ("Tangled"), with original music composed by Siddhartha Khosla.
Also in the works are Brad Bird's sci-fi passion project "Ray Gunn" and an untitled "Jack and the Beanstalk" feature from Rich Moore ("Zootopia," "Wreck-It Ralph"). In addition, former Disney director Don Hall ("Raya and the Last Dragon," "Moana," and "Big Hero 6") recently came to Skydance to direct an untitled feature.
Of course, it remains to be determined how the Paramount-Skydance merger will impact the current Netflix deal. However, according to Ellison, Skydance plans to make two animated features per year starting in 2026 as part of its Netflix arrangement.
Watch the full trailer below before "Spellbound" streams on Netflix November 22.