The first two animated movies from Skydance, Luck and Spellbound, are heading to Apple.
Apple is in talks to acquire the features, which are currently set up at Paramount. Skydance’s deal, however, allows the David Ellison-run company move the movies at his discretion.
The motive for the move remains unclear although sources say that Skydance, which has a movie deal with Paramount, for whom it also co-finances part of the studio’s slate, is beginning to pursue a larger strategy of making movies for streamers. In the past year, the company has found major success with two Netflix hits, 6 Underground and The Old Guard. And it is now in production on The Adam Project, starring Ryan Reynolds and directed by Shawn Levy.
John Lassetter currently oversees the animation division of Skydance. However, just like his takeover of Walt Disney Animation in 2006 and having varying degrees of influence on movies such as Bolt and The Princess and the Frog, Luck and Spellbound were already on their tracks and his direct involvement in them fluctuates. Both moves had 2020 release dates that had been set as late as July.
Spellbound, set in a world of magic where a young girl must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two, is directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek) from a script by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton. Alan Menken is composing the score.
Luck, which follows a girl in a world of good and bad luck, is being directed by Peggy Holmes, who replaced previous helmer Alessandro Carloni.
