From WildBrain Studios and Peanuts Worldwide, the untitled film, set to begin production next year, will see the Peanuts gang go on an epic adventure to the Big City and learn the true meaning of friendship, while meeting some surprising new friends along the way.
Yes, it’s OK to get excited. Apple TV+, the official streaming destination for all things “Peanuts,” has just announced production will begin in 2024 on an all-new untitled animated Peanuts feature film from WildBrain Studios and Peanuts Worldwide. The film will follow Snoopy and Charlie Brown as they face their biggest challenge yet. Slated to begin production in 2024, the 3DCG family film will see the Peanuts gang go on an epic adventure to the Big City, learning the true meaning of friendship, while meeting some surprising new friends along the way.
The screenplay is being co-written by Karey Kirkpatrick (Chicken Run, Smallfoot, Over the Hedge) from an original story by co-writers Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz, and Cornelius Uliano, the team that wrote the award-winning The Peanuts Movie.
The feature will be directed by two-time Annie Award nominee Steve Martino (Horton Hears a Who, Ice Age: Continental Drift), who directed the 2015 The Peanuts Movie, and is produced by two-time Academy Award nominee Bonnie Arnold (How to Train Your Dragon franchise, Toy Story, Over the Hedge).
“Fans of all ages have been enamored with Peanuts on Apple TV+,” said Tara Sorensen, Apple's head of children’s programming. “With our unmatched library of Peanuts titles and award-winning collection of stories that bring kids and families together, Apple TV+ is the preeminent home for Snoopy and friends, and offers a world-class selection of series and films featuring the most globally cherished animated characters. We can’t wait for everyone to experience this heartwarming new adventure with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the gang in the Big City.”
"It is so special to carry on my father’s legacy with an original story from me, my son Bryan, and his writing partner Neil,” said Craig Schulz. “We are excited to be partnering with Apple TV+ and working with WildBrain Studios to bring audiences a brand-new Peanuts adventure, along with the talented Bonnie Arnold as producer and Steve Martino as director. Peanuts fans have been clamoring for another feature for years, and this film will bring joy to our millions of fans around the world.”
Apple’s new Peanuts feature is produced in partnership with WildBrain and Peanuts Worldwide and marks the first three-way partnership between Apple TV+, Peanuts Worldwide, and WildBrain on a feature film.
Apple TV+ is home to the largest library of original animated series and specials featuring the globally beloved Peanuts characters, including iconic holiday specials from Mendelson/Melendez Productions and Peanuts Worldwide It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, including a free window for viewing the special on November 18 and 19; and A Charlie Brown Christmas, including a free window for viewing the special on December 16 and 17, as well as scores of the other classic specials always available to subscribers of Apple TV+.
The growing collection of Peanuts specials and original series on Apple TV+ includes Emmy Award-nominated Snoopy in Space, a series of animated shorts featuring the Peanuts gang and Snoopy as he fulfills his dream of becoming a NASA astronaut; The Snoopy Show, featuring new adventures with Snoopy, along with his best pal, Woodstock, and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Apple TV+ is also home to the Emmy Award-winning Apple Original documentary Who Are You, Charlie Brown?, honoring “everyman” creator Charles “Sparky” Schulz.
Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano were also Executive Producers on a range of new Peanuts family specials on Apple TV+, including the Emmy Award-nominated Earth Day special Snoopy Presents: It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown; Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s School, an original special celebrating educators and based on the classic “Peanuts” comic strip by Charles M. Schulz; Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie, which follows endearing introvert Marcie as she helps her friends in her own unique way; Humanitas and Emmy Award nominee Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love, a sweet Mother’s Day celebration of friendship and family featuring the beloved Peanuts gang; fan favorite Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne.
Source: Apple TV+
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
