Disney have today confirmed that their Pixar original story will be called ‘Onward’ and have announced four cast members who will appear in the film.
Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt will appear alongside Veep’s Julia Louise-Dreyfus and Spider-Man’s Tom Holland.
Octavia Spencer, who appeared in Oscar winning film The Shape of Water, will also feature in the film, which is set for release in March 2020.
We’re thrilled to reveal that our next original feature, “Onward,” starring Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Octavia Spencer, arrives in theatres March 6, 2020! #PixarOnward pic.twitter.com/Dup9lDQysB
— Pixar (@Pixar) December 12, 2018
In a press release, Disney described the plot of the film: “Set in a suburban fantasy world, Disney-Pixar’s Onward introduces two teenage elf brothers who embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there.”
Monster’s University director Dan Scanlon will direct the film, described as a “suburban fantasy.” Kori Rae, meanwhile, will produce.
Speaking about his directorial role, Scanlon said: “At Pixar we try to create stories that come from some kind of personal truth…This film was inspired by my own relationship with my brother.”
Reaction to the film filled social media earlier this evening:
“John Hughes meets Tolkien”? ‘Onward’ may just end up being one of the best Pixar movies yet.
— Kylenucopia ??? (@KyleOVox) December 12, 2018
Chris Pratt & Tom Holland are co-starring in a new Pixar movie in 2020, that follows a storyline based upon movie director Dan Scanlon's life growing up in suburban Michigan and that couldn't be any better of a combination! #Upward @TomHolland1996 @prattprattpratt @MrDanScanlon
— mason herr (@mason_herr) December 12, 2018
You have me at Chris Pratt ? https://t.co/rvYIeT2vFx
— Jennifer Lew (@jenniferleww) December 12, 2018
I don't know what it is but I'm already on board
— Amanda the Jedi (@AmandaTheJedi) December 12, 2018
'Monsters University' featured Dave Foley, previously known in the Pixar-Verse as Flik from 'A Bug's Life'. 'Onward' features Julia Louis-Dreyfus who was Princess Atta in ABL. I wonder who the next Bug's Life alum to voice a character in a Dan Scanlon film will be?
— Daniel Doughty (@danghty) December 12, 2018
After debuting divisive new character Forky in a previous trailer, the second look at the anticipated Pixar sequel features two more characters.
In the meta clip, the pair are seen voicing new characters Ducky and Bunny, who appear to live at a funfair sideshow.
As the pair break the fourth wall, they discuss their apparent love of Toy Story and even struggle to remember Buzz Lightyear’s most famous catchphrase – right up to the point where the man himself enters alongside Woody.