Blush, Luck, and Spellbound: A Look at the Latest Releases of John Lasseter, Head of Skydance Animation

John Lasseter, head of Skydance Animation, has a slate of new films and shorts under his division at Skydance Media. As the director of blockbusters like "Toy Story," "Frozen," and "Zootopia," and the producer of more than 100 projects, the team at Skydance is excited to roll out these titles under a partnership deal with Apple Original Films. This multi-year partnership will feature both films and television series that will be shown in more than 100 countries on Apple TV+. Learn more about the latest firms, including the already released animated short "Blush" and upcoming full-length movies "Luck" and "Spellbound." 

"Blush" 

This short film tells a somewhat autobiographical story of former Disney story artist Joe Mateo. An allegory for the loss of his wife to breast cancer, it starts with a crash into a deserted, desolate dwarf planet by a horticulturist astronaut. At first, the castaway struggles to survive but is saved by a female character that makes the whole planet bloom with beautiful succulents. 

The short is an homage to his wife, including the title (due to her tendency to blush). Throughout, there are small details that tell the story of her life. For instance, the female protagonist wears a pink ribbon to symbolize her fight against cancer. John Lasseter was honored to be approached by Mateo for this project, particularly because it gave them both hope during the pandemic. This animated short is now available for streaming on Apple TV+. 

"Luck" 

Luck is a full-length movie starring Eva Noblezada, Simon Pegg, Jane Fonda, Whoopi Goldberg, Flula Borg, Lil Rel Howery, John Ratzenberger, and Adelynn Spoon. It's scheduled to debut worldwide on AppleTV+ on August 5, 2022. Directed by Peggy Holmes in collaboration with John Lasseter, the film is a creative story about how the unluckiest person in the world discovers the Land of Luck. 

The main character, Sam Greenfield, must join forces with the magical creatures who live in the land to change her luck forever. The film references many difficult situations, including what it means to live in the foster care system and search for a forever family. 

"Spellbound"

Spellbound is another cinematic feature with an original score by Alan Menken. It tells the story of Elian, a young girl who must use her magic to save her family after darkness threatens to tear apart their kingdom. Slated for a release on November 11, 2022, on Apple TV+, the cast is still yet to be announced. 

While there is limited information about "Spellbound", including whether there will be a theatrical release for the movie, John Lasseter is known for vibrant worlds and fascinating characters. The movie reunites producer David Lipman and director Vicky Jenson, the team that worked on "Shrek" and brings writers Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin, writers of Mulan. 

John Lasseter at Skydance Animation 

David Ellison's Skydance was at a time more known for thrillers such as "Annihilation," but the film company is stretching to new territories with the help of talented professionals with decades of experience under their belt. John Lasseter is the director of multiple films that have grossed over $1 billion, and he's produced some of the most beloved projects of all time. 

Whether shorts or full-length, his films are all about creating characters that speak to the audience on a visceral level. "Blush," "Luck," and "Spellbound" feature characters who are struggling to do the right thing in a sea of challenges, a lesson that speaks to people of all ages.