Back in November, ON Animation Studios revealed that they are developing a newanimated moviebased on the popularPlaymobiltoys. We haven’t heard anything about the project since then, but today,Varietyhas a new report that reveals the project is currently in production, under the new titlePlaymobil: Robbers, Thieves & Rebels. Cross Creek Pictures has acquired domestic distribution rights, with the studio planning a late 2018 release.
Bob Persichetti, who served as head of story onMonsters Vs. Aliens,Shrek 2,Puss in Bootsand the upcoming animated reboot The Little Prince, will write and directPlaymobil: Robbers, Thieves & Rebels. No voice cast members have been announced at this time, but the $75 millionPlaymobilmovie was recently introduced to buyers at the Toronto Internnational Film Festival. The project has already locked in pre-sales in numerous international markets, such as France, Germany, Latin America, Benelux, Switzerland and the Middle East. Here’s what ON Animation Studios' Dimitri Rassam had to say in a statement.
“Following The Little Prince, we’re proud to bring a new cultural icon to the screen. These figurines have sparked the imagination and creativity of generations of kids worldwide. We are very excited to work with Bob on creating a great adventure in the world ofPlaymobil.”
No story details were given, butPlaymobil: Robbers, Thieves & Rebelsis said to be the first in amovie trilogy. The 40-year-old Playmobil brand has sold over 2.8 billion figurines in more than 100 countries, making it one of the most successfultoy brandsin the world. Here’s what producer Moritz Borman had to say in his statement aboutPlaymobil: Robbers, Thieves & Rebels.
“Playmobilhas conquered children’s hearts worldwide, growing beyond cultural and language barriers. Animation is the perfect medium to pay tribute to this cult toy and we’re very excited to launch this franchise.”
Playmobil: Robbers, Thieves & Rebelscomes on the heels of Warner Bros.' success withThe Lego Movie, which earned $468.7 million worldwide from a $75 million production budget. Like Legos, thePlaymobilbrand has a devoted fan base that could turn this movie into another animated blockbuster. Warner Bros. has already set a June 17, 2025 release date forThe Lego Movie Sequel, so we’ll have to see ifPlaymobil: Robbers, Thieves & Rebelscan compete with this sequel at the box office in 2018.
