FilmFreaks

Tag: Tom Waits

  • Stunning ‘Where the Woods Awaken’ Featurette for ‘Wildwood’ Movie

    There is a palpable sense of wonder woven into the fabric of stop-motion filmmaking. It’s a world where imagination takes tangible form, and Laika continues to prove that there is nothing quite as magical as the craft of animated fantasy. They have just released another behind-the-scenes featurette for their upcoming stop-motion masterpiece, Wildwood, promising an even deeper look into the enchanting world they are building.

    This cinematic journey is set to land in theaters this fall, offering audiences a chance to step into a hidden, mystical realm. After years of development, the team is now unveiling more glimpses of the process, and what they are revealing is nothing short of astonishing. It’s clear that every frame of Wildwood is an exercise in meticulous artistry.

    At the heart of this wilderness lies a singular landmark: the Council Tree. This ancient, living centerpiece serves as the anchor for the entire landscape, emphasizing the deep connection between the characters and their mysterious environment. The featurette walks viewers through the incredible process of transforming raw materials—wood, wire, fabric, paint, and sheer imagination—into these iconic, breathtaking surroundings.

    The magic doesn’t end with the scenery; it lives in the characters who inhabit it. A recent first look introduced Prue McKeel, played by Peyton Elizabeth Lee, alongside her friend Curtis. Together, they are drawn into a hidden forest near Portland after their baby brother, Mac, vanishes, lured away by crows and an enigmatic woman.

    The emotional depth of the story is amplified by the exceptional voice cast assembled for the film. The ensemble brings incredible depth to the narrative, featuring talents such as Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, Awkwafina, Mahershala Ali, Jemaine Clement, Charlie Day, Jake Johnson, Amandla Stenberg, Tom Waits, and Richard E. Grant.

    This collection of incredible voices promises to bring vibrant life to the magical forest, enhancing the already stunning visual world created by Laika. As we await the full release of Wildwood in October, the focus remains firmly on the artistry that breathes life into every leaf, mushroom, and branch.

    Credit: FirstShowing.net

  • When will Ray Gunn start streaming on Netflix?

    Brad Bird’s Retro Future

    When you pair visionary storytelling with a dash of vintage glamour, the result is pure cinematic alchemy. Director Brad Bird has long captivated audiences by taking them into futuristic worlds through a delightfully retro aesthetic. Now, he is channeling that same imaginative energy into an upcoming animated feature for Netflix, Ray Gunn, a project that expertly fuses classic detective film noirs with mind-bending science fiction.

    This new venture throws us into the sprawling city of Metropia, an alternate future setting viewed through the lens of 1939. The narrative centers on private eye Raymond Gunn, who finds himself entangled in a complex case involving aliens, murder, and the dazzling multimedia star, Venus Nova. It is a tale that feels steeped in atmosphere—a perfect blend of genre mashups like Maltese Falcon meeting Buck Rogers.

    The production is anchored by an exceptional cast ready to bring these cinematic archetypes to life. Sam Rockwell takes on the role of Raymond Gunn, while Scarlett Johansson brings her signature breathy pipes to the role of Venus Nova. Adding another layer of intrigue, Tom Waits is set to portray Eyera, further enriching the world of Metropia.

    The vision for Ray Gunn extends far beyond the surface story; it is a deep dive into cinematic storytelling itself. Bird, who conceived the film and co-wrote the script with Matthew Robbins, aims to push the boundaries of what animation can achieve. He views animation not as a limitation, but as an incredible medium capable of telling stories that are too grand for ordinary minds.

    Bird has expressed a profound interest in blending these disparate cinematic elements, seeing it as a chance to explore extreme characters and highly cinematic storytelling. “RAY GUNN has been in my mind for over 30 years,” he shared, describing the project as a delightful collision of sci-fi and classic detective tropes.

    The creative team behind this vision includes a stellar lineup, with producers such as John Lasseter, Lisa Beroud, David Ellison, and Dana Goldberg overseeing the animation at Skydance Animation. The synergy between Bird’s unique sensibility and the animation studio promises something truly extraordinary.

    For the lead actress, Scarlett Johansson views this collaboration as a career milestone. She is thrilled to work with Brad Bird, calling the project uniquely special because it represents a total realization of his artistic journey, and she cannot wait for audiences to see the extraordinary animation unfolding on screen.

    Mark your calendars: Netflix has locked in a premiere date for Ray Gunn, set to entertain audiences around Christmastime on December 18, 2026.

    RAY GUNN – Raymond Gunn (Sam Rockwell) and Venus Nova (Scarlett Johansson).
    RAY GUNN – Venus Nova (Scarlett Johansson) and Raymond Gunn (Sam Rockwell).

    Credit: JoBlo