Today, Disney+ debuted a new trailer and key art for the upcoming Original series “The Santa Clauses.” The first two episodes of the six-episode series will premiere Wednesday, November 16, exclusively on Disney+.
Scott Calvin is back! After being Santa Claus for nearly thirty years, he’s as jolly as ever. But as Christmas declines in popularity, so does his Santa magic. Scott struggles to keep up with the demands of the job, as well as being there for his family. Upon discovering there is a way to retire from his post, Scott considers stepping down as Santa Claus and finding a worthy successor so that he can become a better father and husband.
The series stars Tim Allen as Scott Calvin/Santa Claus, Elizabeth Mitchell as Carol/Mrs. Claus, Elizabeth Allen-Dick as Sandra, Devin Bright as Noel, Austin Kane as Cal, Matilda Lawler as Betty, Rupali Redd as Grace and Kal Penn as Simon Choksi.
Award-winning Jack Burditt ("30 Rock," "Modern Family," "Frasier," "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt") is the executive producer and showrunner and Tim Allen, in addition to starring, Kevin Hench (“Last Man Standing”), Richard Baker and Rick Messina will also serve as executive producers along with Jason Winer and Jon Radler for Small Dog Picture Company.
The Disney Branded Television series is a production of 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.
Back in 1995, a little known company called Pixar, released the world's first computer animated movie called Toy Story and animated films have never been the same. Now, Toy Story 4 is ready to hit theaters and this may very well be the best of the entire franchise. It is charming, poignant and follows a beautiful story arc that makes a logical progression from each of the previous movies. It is also the funniest of the four. In fact, I know I missed a lot of dialogue because of all the laughter coming from the audience.
The movie begins with a flashback to where Bo Peep went and then we get back to the present time with Bonnie and her first day of school. She created a new toy named Forky and then her family is off on a road trip. Forky doesn't understand why he exists and Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky the value of being a child's toy. Along the way Woody runs into Bo Peep and we are off on our adventure.
First time Director Josh Cooley takes the themes from the previous three films and greatly expands upon them. The ending of Toy Story 3 is expanded upon in a way that feels natural. This fourth outing takes us to a small town and we learn that there can be more than one reason for a toy's purpose and more than one reason for a toy to be happy. The difference between free will and one's own purpose is expanded upon here. The other main theme of the relationship of a toy as a child has always been the theme throughout the series as we watch children grow up before our very eyes is expanded upon as well.
The new characters fit in perfectly and we learn more about each of them. I was already a fan of both Ducky and Bunny from the teaser trailers and they continue with the laughs throughout the film. The standout additions are Forky and Duke Caboom. Forky's childlike innocence is infectious and helps advance the story and a reminder of a toy's purpose. Caboom's charm and charisma steal every scene that he is in. Gabby Gabby and her ventriloquist dummies and an element of comedic horror to the mix.
The film is visually stunning and the photorealistic quality is second to none. Wait until you see the rain sequence at night. Great new characters with our old friends out on adventure that make you laugh and make you cry. Toy Story 4 works not only as a sequel to the progression of our favorite toys but also as a wonderful stand alone movie. If this is indeed the end to this franchise then it is a perfect sendoff. I would be more than happy to see if there is a fifth chapter to this beloved franchise in a few years and I will be the first to welcome Toy Story 5 with open arms.
Filmmakers, talent and special guests celebrated Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” tonight at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre. Check out images from the world premiere and feel free to share them with your readers.
Attending the event were the stars from “Toy Story 4,” includingTom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Tony Hale, Keegan-Michael Key, Madeleine McGraw, Christina Hendricks, Keanu Reeves, Ally Maki, Jay Hernandez, Lori Alan, Bonnie Hunt, Kristen Schaal, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Blake Clark, June Squibb, Carl Weathers, Jack McGraw, Juliana Hansen, Flea, Melissa Villasenor and John Morris, as well as filmmakersJosh Cooley (director), Mark Nielsen (producer), Jonas Rivera (producer), Andrew Stanton (screenplay by), Stephany Folsom (screenplay by), Randy Newman (music composed and conducted by), Chris Stapleton (“The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy”). Joining them were celebrity guests Rachael Leigh Cook, Alyson Hannigan, Allison Holker & Stephen ’tWitch’ Boss, Joseph Lucero, Jillian Michaels, Gary Oldman, Retta, Tiffani Thiessen, Dominic West. From ABC: Carly Hughes. From Disney Channel: Anna Cathcart, Kylie Cantrall, Maxwell Simkins, Jackson Dollinger, Ava Kolker, Christian J. Simon, Ian Reed Kesler.
Filmmakers, voice talent and walk-around characters from Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” descended upon Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida, this morning to celebrate the upcoming release of the movie. Activities culminated in a special surprise following a screening of the film when filmmakers Josh Cooley, Mark Nielsen and Jonas Rivera, and voice cast members Tom Hanks (voice of Woody), Tim Allen (voice of Buzz Lightyear), Annie Potts (voice of Bo Peep), Tony Hale (voice of Forky), Keegan-Michael Key (voice of Ducky) and Keanu Reeves (voice of Duke Caboom) showed up in the theater to greet guests. “Toy Story 4” opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.
Watch the final trailer for Toy Story 4, and see the film in theaters June 21.
Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”) and produced by Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”), Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.
The toys hit the road in “Toy Story 4” alongside friends—new and old—foes and, of course, Forky. Filmmakers welcomed Christina Hendricks, Keanu Reeves and Ally Maki to the toy box today, revealing the three new characters they help bring to life.
Among the new faces is GABBY GABBY, an adorable, talking pull-string doll from the 1950s. But unfortunately for her, a manufacturing defect in her pull-string voice box has left her sounding anything but adorable. She has spent more than 60 years forgotten in the depths of a jam-packed antique store—her only companions are a band of voiceless ventriloquist dummies. Gabby Gabby knows someone will want her if only she can find a working voice box to repair hers.
Gabby Gabby is voiced by Christina Hendricks. “It became obvious right away that Christina was the perfect actress to play Gabby Gabby,” says director Josh Cooley. “She has the ability to sound inviting and friendly, then subtly become cold and terrifying in just a few words. It still gives me chills when I see Gabby’s introduction in the film. Also, Christina told me that she preferred playing with ventriloquist dummies over dolls as a kid. That’s when I knew it was meant to be.”
DUKE CABOOM is a 1970s toy based on Canada’s greatest stuntman. Riding his powerful Caboom stunt-cycle, Duke is always prepared to show off his stunt poses with confidence and swagger. However, Woody learns quickly that Duke has an Achilles heel: He has never been able to do the awesome stunts advertised in his own toy commercial. For years, Duke has been sitting in an antique store, constantly reliving the failures of his tragic past.
Duke Caboom is voiced by another great Canadian, Keanu Reeves. “The first time Josh [Cooley] and I talked with Keanu about the role, Keanu became Duke Caboom,” says producer Jonas Rivera. “Keanu was asking great questions that dug deep to find the soul of the character. At one point he stood up on the table in the middle of Pixar’s atrium and struck poses while proclaiming victory. It was so funny. It’s all in the movie and it’s all Keanu."
GIGGLE MCDIMPLES is a miniature plastic doll from the 1980s Giggle McDimples toy line. Giggle is Bo Peep’s best friend. Small enough to perch on Bo’s shoulder, Giggle is Bo’s confidant, supporter and advisor. “Giggle is Bo’s Jiminy Cricket—we’re able to get insight on Bo through their relationship together,” says Cooley. “Giggle is definitely the smallest toy in the Toy Story universe. She’s been stepped on, vacuumed up, and probably put up a kid’s nose in her time.”
Ally Maki voices the tiny character. “Giggle McDimples literally pops on the screen because of Ally’s personality and infectious energy,” says Cooley. “Nobody can laugh like Ally Maki."
BENSON is a classic, antique ventriloquist dummy, and Gabby Gabby’s right hand. He leads a small group of ventriloquist dummies that serve as Gabby's henchmen. With no person to give them a voice, these silent toys patrol the antique store with a looming quietness that is inherently unsettling.
“The dummies are, by far, some of the creepiest characters we’ve ever created,” says producer Mark Nielsen. “Our animators really leaned into the truth in materials for how our ventriloquist dummies move. Dummies’ bodies are soft with no structure, so our dummies’ arms just dangle and their legs bend backwards. Throw in their fixed expressions with their wide eyes and big hinged jaws and they’re nightmare material—in the best way possible.”
Woody and the rest of the toys are back for an all-new adventure in “Toy Story 4,” welcoming new friends to Bonnie’s room, including a reluctant new toy called Forky. “Like most people, I assumed that ‘Toy Story 3’ was the end of the story,” said director Josh Cooley. “And it was the end of Woody’s story with Andy. But just like in life, every ending is a new beginning. Woody now being in a new room, with new toys, and a new kid, was something we have never seen before. The questions of what that would be like became the beginning of an entertaining story worth exploring.”
A teaser trailer slated to debut with “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” in theaters Nov. 21, is available today.
But Forky insists that he is NOT atoy! An actual spork-turned-craft-project, Forky is pretty sure that he doesn’t belong in Bonnie’s room. Unfortunately, every time he tries to get away, someone yanks him back into an adventure he’d rather skip. “The world of Toy Story is built upon the idea that everything in the world has a purpose,” said Cooley. “A toy’s purpose is to be there for its child. But what about toys that are made out of other objects? Forky is a toy that Bonnie made out of a disposable spork, so he’s facing a crisis. He wants to fulfill his purpose as a spork, but now has a new toy purpose thrust upon him.”
Filmmakers called on comedian Tony Hale to provide the voice of Forky. “It’s a huge thrill to be part of the Toy Story family,” he said. “But it’s going to take a while for it to really sink in.”
Said Cooley, “When we thought up this character, Tony was the first actor that came to mind and I’m thrilled he accepted. Tony’s performance as Forky is a comedy salad of confidence, confusion, and empathy... served by hilarious spork.”
How were filmmakers able to convince Hale to give voice to Forky? “A utensil’s existential crisis?” he asked. “I’m in!”
EXCLUSIVE: After Toy Story 3 cracked the billion dollar worldwide gross mark and got a Best Picture nomination for Disney, the studio is making moves to pair stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen in Jungle Cruise, the live action film inspired by the venerable Magic Kingdom theme park ride. The studio has hired Roger S.H. Schulman to write a script that’s being produced by Mandeville’s David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, who themselves are coming off a Best Picture nomination for The Fighter. No director yet, I’m told.
Disney has been trying to get Jungle Cruise out of dry dock for several years, but the combination of Hanks and Allen in a family film makes this the equivalent of an E-ticket for a family-themed film.
UPDATE: The basic plot of this film will be a sort of a "Lost World" action adventure. Maybe this will lead up to the long rumored revamp of the Jungle Cruise attraction itself? Stay tune for more details as this story unfolds.
