InThis Week in Animation News,I’ll take a look at the previous week in the world of animation to get you caught up on everything you might have missed. It’s your one-stop shop for news regarding cartoons, anime, and animated web series. We’re talking movies, TV shows, digital shorts, and everything in between!
While we don’t have much solid information on Disney XD’sMarvel’s Spider-Manjust yet, the new series did launch their first short (of six) that explores Peter Parker’s origin story. Elsewhere on the small screen, theDuckTalescast gets introduced in new videos, the upcomingStar vs. the Forces of Evilmovie gets a trailer, and bothThe Powerpuff GirlsandStar Wars Rebelsget new Blu-ray releases. Plus Cartoon Network sets the premiere date forOK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroesand announces upcoming episodes and times for their many series, while Nickelodeon reveals theirComic-Con 2017 schedule.
On the big screen, we’ve got new trailers for the French filmLeapand the Chinese featureHave a Nice Day. Warner Bros.‘The LEGO Ninjago Moviegets a bunch of colorful new character posters while Sony Pictures Animation’sHotel TransylvaniashortPUPPYis explained by its creator/animator,Genndy Tartakovskyin the first of a few upcoming featurettes. All that and more awaits below!
For the latest animation stories we’ve already covered on the site this week, take a look at the following links. Then, check out a selection of new stories below. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Peter Parker’s Origin Story Gets Animated in ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man’ Short
Peter Parker is on a field trip to Oscorp when he accidentally gets bitten by a radioactive spider.
In addition to posting this short film,EWalso had some behind-the-scenes news on the upcoming Disney XD series. The official premiere date and cast have yet to be announced, but the channel will be rolling out six animated short films each day on Disney XD and their YouTube channel from July 24th to July 29th. The above video is the first of those six shorts, so keep an eye out for more this month! Also, be sure to check out the above-mentioned interview with writerJennifer Murowho had a hand in crafting an episode ofMarvel’s Spider-Man.
New ‘Leap’ Trailer Sets Up a Dance-Off
In Theaters Nationwide August 30th
11-year-old orphan, Félicie (Elle Fanning) has one dream - to go to Paris and become a dancer. Her best friend Victor (Nat Wolff), an imaginative but exhausting boy with a passion for creating, has a dream of his own - to become a famous inventor. In a leap of faith, Victor and Félicie leave their orphanage in pursuit of their passions. But - there’s a catch, Félicie must pretend to be the child of a wealthy family in order to gain admittance to the prestigious and competitive Opera Ballet School in Paris. And with no professional dance training, she quickly learns that talent alone is not enough to overcome the ruthless, conniving attitudes of her fellow classmates, led by the devious Camille Le Haut (Maddie Ziegler). Determined to succeed, Félicie finds her mentor in the tough and mysterious school custodian, Odette (Carly Rae Jepsen) who, along with Victor’s encouraging friendship, help her reach for the stars.
Directed by: Éric Summer, Éric Warin
Written by: Carol Noble, Éric Summer, Laurent Zeitourn
Starring: Elle Fanning, Nat Wolff, Maddie Ziegler, With Mel Brooks, Kate McKinnon And Carly Rae Jepsen
Meet the Cast of ‘DuckTales’ in New Animated Shorts
Scrooge and Louie tussle with a mysterious clock.
Scrooge McDuck is the richest duck in the world. He’s tougher than the toughies, smarter than the smarties, and he made his money square. Scrooge’s obsession with adventure takes him and his family to the most exciting and dangerous places.
Based on the Emmy Award-winning series treasured by a generation of viewers, Disney XD’s animated comedy-adventure series “DuckTales” chronicles the high-flying adventures of Duckburg’s most famous trillionaire Scrooge McDuck, his mischief-making triplet grandnephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie, temperamental nephew Donald Duck and the trusted McDuck Manor team: big-hearted, fearless chauffer/pilot Launchpad McQuack, no-nonsense housekeeper Mrs. Beakley and Mrs. Beakley’s granddaughter, Webby Vanderquack, resident adventurer and the triplet’s newfound fierce friend.
“DuckTales” will premiere in a one-hour television movie to be presented for 24 consecutive hours, SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 (beginning at midnight, EDT/PDT) on Disney XD. Then, the series will debut with two new episodes SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 (7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:30 p.m., EDT/PDT). Each will also be available on the Disney XD app and Disney XD VOD on these same dates.
Find out how our friend Launchpad McQuack manages a little fender bender! Launchpad McQuack is Scrooge’s big-hearted, fearless, and clueless pilot and chauffeur. Loyal Launchpad isn’t afraid to fly into any adventure or crash any vehicle for good ol’ Mr. McDee.
See how Mrs. Beakley keeps the young adventurers and ‘spirited’ inhabitants of McDuck Manor in order. Mrs. Beakley is Scrooge’s extremely professional housekeeper and loving grandmother to Webby. She’s also an incredibly skilled fighter and unbeatable strategist with her share of secrets.
Join Webby Vanderquack as she hunts for hidden treasure in McDuck Manor! Webby Vanderquack is the “heart…and fists” of the kids, and the granddaughter of Scrooge’s housekeeper. An obsessive fangirl of adventure, and skilled martial artist, she finds the most adventurous solutions to everyday problems.
‘Star vs. The Forces of Evil’ Trailer Sets up “The Battle for Mewni” Movie
Catch the must-see movie event, The Battle For Mewni, Saturday, July 15 anywhere you watch Disney XD!
A special two-hourStar vs. The Forces of EvilTV movie event will premiere SATURDAY, JULY 15 (11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. EDT), on Disney XD, and will be available to verified users on the Disney XD app and Disney XD VOD platforms. Titled “The Battle for Mewni,” the TV movie follows Star as she returns to her home dimension of Mewni where she discovers that magic is disappearing throughout the kingdom. Star must dig deep and challenge archnemesis Ludo in an effort to save her family and kingdom.
Star vs. The Forces of Evilis an animated comedy adventure that follows fiercely awesome teen princess Star Butterfly. After receiving an all-powerful magic wand for her 14th birthday, Star is sent by her Royal Parents to live with the Diaz family on Earth, bringing along her own unique interdimensional style to her new home. Together with the Diaz’s teenage son Marco, they navigate high school and embark on dimension-hopping adventures across the multiverse while keeping her wand out of the clutches of evil.
Created and executive produced byDaron Nefcy,Star vs. The Forces of EvilstarsEden Sheras Star Butterfly,Adam McArthuras Marco Diaz;Alan Tudykas Ludo and King Butterfly;Jeffrey Tamboras Glossaryck;Nia Vardalosas Mrs. Diaz;Artt Butleras Mr. Diaz; andJenny Slateas Pony Head.
‘The Powerpuff Girls: The Last Donnycorn’ Coming to DVD
One of Townsville’s most magical citizens, Donny the Unicorn is the star of Cartoon Network’s upcoming DVD release ofThe Powerpuff Girls: The Last Donnycorn, available in stores August 06, 2025. Join pint-sized superhero sisters Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup in this must-own DVD release that features 12 butt-kicking episodes from the Emmy-nominated hit series’ first and second season. The DVD includes the half-hour special, “The Last Donnycorn”, the Emmy Award-nominated episode “Once Upon a Townsville”, and bonus content, including fiveThe Powerpuff Girlsminisodes.The Powerpuff Girls: The Last Donnycornwill be available July 19, 2025.
Cartoon Network’sThe Powerpuff Girlsbrings the adorable superhero sisters back with 12-action-packed episodes on one great DVD. This release includes the 30-minute special “The Last Donnycorn”, in which Donny comes to the girls for protection when he’s hunted by a robotic unicorn. After narrowly escaping, he reveals that he’s accidentally unleashed evil unicorns that were trapped inside of a magic mirror upon Unicorn Land and needs the girls’ help to save his dimension. Get set for punch-outs and plenty of crime-stopping heroics! Juggling school, homework and a regular parade of villains is no easy task, but the Powerpuff Girls are more than up to the challenge.
The Emmy Award nominatedThe Powerpuff Girlsis produced by Cartoon Network Studios, withNick Jenningsserving as executive producer andBob Boyleas co-executive producer. The series starsAmanda Leightonas Blossom,Natalie Palamidesas Buttercup, andKristen Lias Bubbles.
FEATURED EPISODES:
‘Star Wars Rebels’ Season 3 Comes to Blu-ray/DVD This August
Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Threedelivers all 22 action-packed episodes of the hit CG animated series’ third season, plus exclusive, never-before-seen bonus material on Blu-ray and DVD! The story threads begin to tighten in this thrilling season ofStar Wars Rebels, drawing connections toThe Clone Wars,Rogue Oneand the originalStar Warstrilogy into the series’ epic storyline. Available August 29,Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Threedelivers some of the most critically-acclaimedStar Warsstorytelling to date, with engaging characters, harrowing conflicts, and spectacular space battles on par with those seen in the films.
Having established a secret base on Atollon, the Ghost crew, now led by a more powerful Ezra, strengthens the Rebel fleet by acquiring new resources and recruits eager to stand against the Empire. However, the Imperial efforts to eliminate the Rebellion are now being led by the coldly analytical Grand Admiral Thrawn, whose strategic, tactical and cultural insights make him a threat unlike any they have faced before. Ezra and Sabine must take on new roles and challenges as the Rebels prepare for their biggest mission yet – a direct assault on the Empire.
Star Wars Rebelswas created byDave Filoni,Simon Kinberg, andCarrie Beck. The Lucasfilm Animation production is also executive-produced by Filoni and Kinberg.
Featuring the voices ofFreddie Prinze Jr.as Kanan,Vanessa Marshallas Hera,Steve Blumas Zeb,Tiya Sircaras Sabine,Taylor Grayas Ezra,Dee Bradley Bakeras Captain Rex andDavid Oyelowoas Agent Kallus.
Bonus Features:
‘Have a Nice Day’ Trailer Reveals the Chinese Animated Feature
Driver Xiao Zhang robs 1 million dollars from his boss in order to fix his girlfriend’s failed plastic surgery, but he is soon faced with a bigger predicament when a hitman, a gangster and a robber go after him and the money.
ScreenDailyreports thatHave a Nice Day, the first Chinese animation to play at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year, has been sold to multiple international territories by Memento Film International (MFI),following up on the news that U.S. distributor Strand Releasing has acquired domestic rights and is planning for a fall release.Have a Nice Dayis the follow-up toJian Liu’s award-winning 2010 animated featurePiercing I. Keep an eye out for it!
Disney Junior Series ‘Vampirina’ Casts James Van Der Beek, Lauren Graham and Isabella Crovetti
James Van Der BeekandLauren Grahamwill voice the roles of Vampirina’s parents, Boris and Oxana Hauntley, in Disney Junior’s animated seriesVampirina, premiering this fall on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and the new Disney NOW app. Twelve-year-oldIsabella Crovettistars as the voice of Vampirina (aka Vee), a lovable young vampire girl, who is facing the joys and trials of being the new kid in town when her family moves from Transylvania to Pennsylvania.
The recurring guest voice cast includes Tony-award winning Broadway performersPatti LuPoneandBrian Stokes Mitchell as Vee’s grandparents, Nanpire and Grandpop, andWanda Sykesas Vampirina’s cantankerous yet loyal gargoyle sidekick Gregoria.
Featuring music by Broadway composersMichael KoomanandChristopher Dimond, the series will include original songs in each episode performed by the talented voice cast. Van Der Beek, Graham and Crovetti perform the series’ theme song.
Set in an urban Pennsylvania neighborhood, “Vampirina” is centered around Vee as she settles into her new surroundings, including making friends and attending a new school. Excited to experience everything that the human world has to offer, Vee will learn that while it may be easier to blend in with her peers, it’s important to celebrate the differences that make everyone unique. Always by her side, Vee’s mom and dad are also adapting to their new life as proprietors of the local Scare B&B, a bed and breakfast for visiting ghouls and goblins.
Rounding out the voice cast are:Mitchell Whitfieldas playful ghost, Demi;Jordan Alexa Davisas Vee’s best friend and next-door neighbor, Poppy;ViviAnn Yeeas another one of Vee’s close friends, Bridget;Dee Bradley Bakeras Vee’s teacher, Mr. Gore, and the Hauntley’s dog, Wolfie;Benji Risleyas Poppy’s twin brother, Edgar;Cree Summeras Poppy and Edgar’s mom, Edna; andIan James Corlettas Chef Remy Bones, the Scare B&B’s comedic skeleton chef.
Inspired by Disney Publishing’s popular children’s book series “Vampirina Ballerina,” the show brings together many of the key creative team behind Disney Junior’s Peabody Award-winning animated series “Doc McStuffins,” including executive producerChris Neeand co-executive producerNorton Virgien.Nicky Phelanserves as director. The series is produced by Academy Award®-nominated animation studio Brown Bag Films in association with Disney Junior.
MONDO to Premiere Animated Series ‘Lastman’ and ‘Deep Space 69’ at RTX 2017
The visually bold, graphic-novel adapation of French comic seriesLastmanand the fourth season of the irreverent hitDeep Space 69will premiere during the Rooster Teeth Animation Festival in Austin.
The Rooster Teeth Animation Festival, which takes place at RTX Austin, will hold the English-language premiere ofLastmanand the global season premiere ofDeep Space 69, which will be joined by a special screening of Adult Swim’s new seriesApollo Gauntletfrom MONDO’s studio Six Point Harness.
The traditionally animated seriesLastman, which originally aired in France on France4, has been translated into English in a multi-national creative effort.Lastmanmixes martial arts, boxing, action, drama and the supernatural into a unique adventure.
Deep Space 69continues its intergalactic tale of sex, sexual exploits and sexual conquests with a fourth season – following three seasons that have attracted more than 50 million online views. Originally available on YouTube,Deep Space 69, from creatorDaniel Katz(Xemoland, Beer Cops) will joinLastmanas series available exclusively on MONDO’s channel on VRV, the new video experience from Ellation.
The hour long MONDO panel, featuring bothLastmanandDeep Space 69, will feature a discussion with Six Point Harness’sBurch, head of developmentWendy Willis, and creative directorGreg Franklin. The panel will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 9, in Room 10AB of the Austin Convention Center.
In addition toLastmanandDeep Space 69, the all-new Adult Swim seriesApollo Gauntlet, will have a special screening during the RTX Animation Festival, followed by a panel discussion that will feature series creatorMyles Langlois– who also provides the voice ofApollo Gauntlet. MONDO’s Willis, Franklin and lead editorTony Christophersonwill also be on the Adult Swim panel.
Adult Swim’s screening and panel discussion featuringApollo Gauntletwill be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 8, on the Center Stage of the Austin Convention Center.
Single day and weekend passes for RTX Austin 2017 are still available athttp://www.rtxaustin.com/starting at $35.00. Children ages 6 and under get free admittance with a paying adult. For the latest developments and updates, visit the RTX Austin 2017website,FacebookandTwitter.
‘Mune: Guardian of the Moon’ Gets One-Day-Only Theatrical Release
GKIDS and Fathom Events are bringingMune: Guardian of the Moonto U.S. movie theaters for its cinematic debut. Moviegoers will plunge into a world of wonder, magic and beauty in this fantastical animated adventure from the producers ofThe Little Prince.
Mune: Guardian of the Moonwill be in movie theaters nationwide for one day only on Saturday, June 12, 2025 at 12:55 p.m. local time. The French produced film is being released in a new English language version featuring:Rob Lowe,Christian Slater,Patton Oswalt,Ed HelmsandJeff Dunham. The program also includes GKIDS MINIFEST a super-fun, super-condensed festival of the best short animation from around the world. The release ofMune: Guardian of the Mooncontinues the partnership between GKIDS and Fathom Events, who are bringing six masterpieces from the legendaryHayao MiyazakiandStudio Ghiblito theaters this year.
Tickets forMune: Guardian of the Mooncan be purchased online by visitingwww.gkids.com,www.FathomEvents.comor at participating theater box offices. Moviegoers throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 350 movie theaters. A complete list of theater locations will be available June 9 on the Fathom Eventswebsite(theaters and participants are subject to change).
As legend has it, the first Guardian of the Sun threw a harpoon into the cosmos and roped the sun to bring light and warmth to all of humanity. Then the Guardian of the Moon lured the moon to the Land of Darkness to provide a balance to the sun and supply the world with dreams. At a ceremony to appoint the two new guardians, an accident seems to occur: the heir apparent is passed over, and the title of Guardian of the Moon is bestowed on the waif-like creature, Mune, a small forest faun who is unprepared to take on such a weighty responsibility. This news excites Necross, the nefarious ruler of the Underworld, who decides to prey on Mune’s weakness and steal the sun for himself. Now it is up to unlikely hero Mune and his friend Glim to save the sun and restore order to the world.
