Former Pixar creative chief John Lasseter’s new movie has gotten a release update. The movie marks the filmmaker’s first directorial work in 15 years, since Cars 2.
The news comes after Netflix and Paramount ended their animated film pact, as announced in a recent statement. Lasseter’s latest animated film Cosmic Motors, which was originally intended for a Netflix streaming release, will now be released in theaters by Paramount Pictures next year.
“Netflix and Paramount have mutually agreed to conclude their animated film agreement,” the joint statement reads. “Both companies remain fully committed to the successful releases of ‘Ray Gunn’ and the untitled ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ project on Netflix, and additionally will continue their longstanding content licensing relationship,” both studios shared in the statement on Monday. “We are proud of our collaboration to date and look forward to bringing these upcoming films to audiences around the world” (via Deadline).
What do we know about Cosmic Motors so far?
Cosmic Motors marks John Lasseter’s first directorial feature in 15 years following Cars 2 in 2011. The movie is reportedly reminiscent of Pixar’s Cars, also directed by Lasseter, but set in space instead. It is reportedly based on Daniel Simon’s 2007 concept-art book of the same name. The book deals with a fictional vehicle manufacturer based in the Galaxion galaxy.
Additional details about the production remain under wraps for now.
Lasseter was previously the chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Disneytoon Studios. The filmmaker departed the company following allegations of sexual misconduct by several employees. Since 2019, he has served as the head of animation at Skydance Animation.
Pixar films directed by Lasseter include Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, Cars, and Cars 2. Furthermore, he has executive produced several iconic movies including Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, WALL-E, Ratatouille, The Princess and the Frog, and more.
While a specific theatrical premiere date for Cosmic Motors has not yet been announced, Skydance’s remaining Netflix slate will move ahead as scheduled. That lineup includes Brad Bird’s animated sci-fi neo-noir film, Ray Gunn, also produced by Lesseter. Scheduled to release on Netflix on December 18, it stars Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, and Tom Waits.
