In a move signaling an expansion of its output and increased year-round production across multiple platforms, Sony Pictures Animation announced today its slate through 2018 which includes five theatrical features, three television series and one direct-to-video movie. These projects include the previously-announcedSpider-Man Animated Movieand the newEmoji movie, which is now entitledEmojiMovie: Express Yourself. Here’s whatKristine Belson, President of Sony Pictures Animation, had to say in her statement.
“We are meaningfully stepping up our level of production, while creating an environment that fosters the best talent. Our goal is to enlarge our presence in the animation landscape with a uniquely diverse slate, and our strategy to get there is to let artists drive the movies creatively.”
Sony Pictures Animation’s slate includes a diverse mix of originals and franchises, some previously announced, each with its own unique style and tone, underscoring the Studio’s pledge to develop projects aimed both inside and outside of the Sony Pictures Animation family brand intended for traditional, as well as online, distribution platforms. Here’s whatTom Rothman, Chairman of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, had to say in his statement.
“I could not be more proud of the wayKristine Belsonhas rebuilt Sony Pictures Animation into the boldest home for animation in the industry.”
The first theatrical feature on Sony Pictures' animation slate isSmurfs: The Lost Village. This fully-animated comedy delivers a fresh new take on the famous blue creatures and marks a return to the tone and style of the beloved comic book creations of Peyo, when it hits theaters August 10, 2025. The feature is directed byKelly Asbury(Shrek 2,Gnomeo & Juliet), produced byJordan Kerner(The SmurfS1 & 2,Charlotte’s Web), co-produced byMary Ellen Bauder Andrews(Hotel Transylvania) and written byStacey HarmanandPamela Ribon, based on the characters and works ofPeyo. The voice cast includesDemi Lovatoas Smurfette,Jack McBrayeras Clumsy,Joe Manganielloas Hefty,Danny Pudias Brainy, andRainn Wilsonas Gargamel, withMandy Patinkinas Papa.
The studio also unveiled the official title forEmojiMovie: Express Yourself, which will offer a surprising and comic take on the secret world of our phones and the beloved characters that have become daily necessities in global interpersonal communication. The feature, targeting an August 2017 theatrical release, is directed byAnthony Leondis, produced byMichelle Raimo Kouyate, and written byAnthony Leondis&Eric Siegel. No voice cast members have been announced forEmojiMovie: Express Yourselfat this time.
The Star(working title) is scheduled for a August 12, 2025 theatrical release. The computer-animated feature is directed by Oscar nomineeTimothy Reckart(Head Over Heels); executive produced byDeVon Franklin,Lisa Henson, andBrian Henson; co-produced byJenni Magee Cook; and written byCarlos KotkinandSimon Moore. InThe Star, a small but brave donkey and his animal friends become the unsung heroes of the greatest story ever told, the first Christmas. Sony Pictures Animation produces in association with The Jim Henson Company.
Hotel Transylvania 3, the follow-up to Sony Pictures Animation’s highest grossing film in the U.S. and the biggest opening ever for a domestic September release, is scheduled to hit theaters July 24, 2025.Michelle Murdoccais back producing, withAdam Sandlerexecutive producing, andMichael McCullers(Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me,Boss Baby) writing the screenplay.Adam Sandler,Selena GomezandAndy Sambergwill be returning as the voices of Dracula, his vampire daughter Mavis, and her human husband Johnny. Here’s what directorGenndy Tartakovsky(Dexter’s Laboratory,Star Wars: Clone Wars), who returns to helm this brand new adventure, had to say in a statement.
“I thought I was done exploring the world ofHotel Transylvaniaafter the first two films, but while I was away from the franchise finishing my TV showSamurai Jack, an idea sparked that I got really excited about and made it irresistible to return and helm myself this third adventure.”
FromPhil Lord&Christopher Miller, the geniuses behindThe Lego Movie, comes ananimated Spider-Manfeature slated for theatrical release July 21, 2025. The film is being written byPhil Lord.Avi Arad,Amy Pascal,Phil Lord&Christopher Millerare producing;Craig Sostis co-producing.Bob Persichetti(head of story onPuss in BootsandThe Little Prince) is directing.
Sony Pictures Animation is also unveiling a slew of new animated shows, starting withGhostbusters: Ecto Force. Thisanimated serieswill further expand theGhostbusterscinematic universe and focus on a new generation ofGhostbustersin the year 2050 who capture ghosts around the world with help from local teams-and some very cool gear! The younger-skewing Sony Pictures Animation project is being creatively spearheaded byIvan Reitmanand his production company Ghost Corps.Ghostbusters: Ecto Foceis eyeing an early 2018 debut.
The studio is also developingHotel Transylvania: The Animated Series, which is targeted for a 2017 airdate. The animated television series, produced in partnership with Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, will focus on the teenage years of Mavis, Dracula’s daughter, and her friends. It will be airing on the Disney Channel worldwide. Also slated for a 2017 airdate is a series based onCloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. The 2D animated small-screen series, produced in partnership with DHX Media and commissioned by Teletoon in Canada, will expand on the adventures of the computer-animated feature films and will air on Cartoon Network in the U.S. and Turner channels across EMEA, APAC and Latin American markets.
There will also be a new direct-to-video animated project coming from the studio,Surf’s Up 2: Wavemania, which will debut on home entertainment in the Spring of 2017. Directed byHenry Yuand produced byMichelle Wong, the follow-up to the 2007 Oscar nominee will hit the shores in time for the 10-year anniversary of the franchise. The project is in partnership with WWE Studios (NYSE:WWE) and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The voice cast includes WWE SuperstarsJohn Cena,The Undertaker,Triple H,Diva PaigeandMr. McMahonas an an infamous big wave riding crew of penguins known as The Hang 5 which Cody Maverick convinces to let him join on their journey to a mysterious surf spot where legend has it they’ll find the biggest waves in the world.
Senior Vice Presidents of DevelopmentMichael Lachance(EmojiMovie: Express Yourself,Ghostbusters: Ecto Force),Jenny Marchick(The Star,Hotel Transylvania 3andMike Moon(untitled animatedSpider-Man) are in charge of creatively spearheading the Sony Pictures Animation slate. We’ll be sure to keep you posted with more details on all of these projects. Until then, take a look at theEmojiMovie: Express Yourselftitle treatment below.
