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Following recent rampant online rumors of Disney potentially developing a “Frozen” sequel subtitled “Strange Magic,” today Lucasfilm put all that talk to bed by officially announcing an animated film of that same name with no connection to “Frozen” whatsoever.
“Strange Magic” is a new animated film from Lucasfilm Ltd. that will be released by Touchstone Pictures on January 23, 2015.
The official description:
“Strange Magic” is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion. Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic, which created the CGI animation for 2011’s Academy Award®-winning film “Rango,” bring to life the fanciful forest turned upside down with world-class animation and visual effects.
The story is written by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, directed by Gary Rydstrom (“Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation,” “Lifted”), produced by Mark S. Miller (associate producer “Mars Attacks!”) and executive produced by George Lucas, with a screenplay by David Berenbaum (“Elf”), Irene Mecchi (“Brave,” “The Lion King”) and Rydstrom.
A roster of film, television and Broadway stars lend their voices to “Strange Magic,” including Alan Cumming (CBS’ “The Good Wife,” Broadway’s “Cabaret”), Evan Rachel Wood (“The Ides of March”), Kristin Chenoweth (Broadway’s “Wicked”), Maya Rudolph (“Big Hero 6,” “Bridesmaids”), Sam Palladio (ABC’s “Nashville”), newcomer Meredith Anne Bull, Alfred Molina (“Chocolat”), Elijah Kelley (“Hairspray,” “The Butler”), Bob Einstein (HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) and Peter Stormare (“Fargo”). Music producer Marius de Vries (“Moulin Rouge”) serves as both the musical director and composer.
Though “Strange Magic” isn’t related to “Frozen” there is more of that on the way, with the previously announced “Frozen Fever” short film due out in 2015.