Transformers One (VF: Transformers One)
The first big-screen animated film based on the Transformers universe since 1986, One tells the origins of the conflict on the planet Cybertron. Before the war, Optimus Prime (voice of Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree-Henry) were friends known as Orion Pax and D16, respectively. Then, one day, they became sworn enemies. Directed by Josh Cooley, a Pixar alum who notably directed Toy Story 4, Transformers One is the work of a trio of screenwriters who have written several Marvel Studios films. Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michel Key, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Hamm and Steve Buscemi also lend their voices to various Hasbro robots.
In theaters September 20
The Wild Robot (VF: The wild robot)
Chris Sanders, director of Lilo & Stitch and of How to Train Your Dragontransposes to the big screen the adventures of the wild robot from Peter Brown’s books. Following a typhoon that causes the loss of a batch of robots, ROZZUM unit 7134, or more simply Roz (the voice of Lupita Nyong’o), is stranded on an island populated by animals. The automaton adapts and learns to communicate with them, even becoming the adoptive mother of the goose Brightbill (Kit Connor). Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu and Mark Hamill are also among the actors who lend their voices to the characters.
In theaters September 27
Moana 2
Eight years have passed since the release of Moanabut barely three years have passed between the events of this one and this second chapter. Following a call from her ancestors, the young Polynesian woman and her crew set sail for the seas of Oceania. Together, they will face dangers big and small. Auli’i Cravalho is still the voice of Moana, while Dwayne Johnson takes over that of the somewhat gruff demigod Maui. Among the new characters, let us mention Moana’s little sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda). David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller are directing, while the latter and Jared Bush, writer of the first part, write the screenplay.
In theaters November 27
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (VF: The Lord of the Rings – War of the Rohirrim)
This new story based on the work of JRR Tolkien takes place 183 years before the events of the trilogy. The Lord of the Rings. The King of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand (voice of Brian Cox), and his people try to resist an attack by the Dunean Wulf (Luke Pasqualino). They find refuge in the fortress Hornburg, later renamed Helm’s Deep. Hera (Gaia Wise), the king’s daughter, must find the strength to lead the resistance. Miranda Otto, Éowyn in the original trilogy, reprises her role as narrator. The film is directed by Japanese director Kenji Kamiyama, who worked on the series Blade Runner: Black Lotus And Ghost in the Shell.
In theaters December 13
Mufasa
A prequel to the live-action – but still computer-animated – version of The Lion King, Mufasa explores the relationship between the man who would become Simba’s father and Taka, who would later be called Scar. From the moment Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre), an orphaned lion cub, meets the friendly Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), heir to a royal line, a deep friendship is born. It will grow and be tested over the course of adventures, some of them dangerous. Barry Jenkins (Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk) takes over from Jon Favreau as director. The brilliant composers Nicholas Britell, Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mark Mancina collaborate on the film’s music.
In theaters December 20
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (VF: Sonic the hedgehog 3)
In his third adventure, the speedy Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) teams up with the two-tailed fox Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and the rugged echidna Knuckles (Idris Elba) to face Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves). Despite being outnumbered, they will have to make peace with the Dr Robotnik (the real Jim Carrey) to take down the dark antagonist. James Marsden and Tika Sumpter reprise their roles as Tom and Maddie Wachowski, the adoptive parents of the lovable trio. Jeff Fowler also returns in the director’s chair.
In theaters December 20
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
PHOTO RICHARD DAVIES, PROVIDED BY NETFLIX
Gromit and Wallace in their garage
Wallace and Gromit, characters created by the British Nick Park, are back for their first feature film since The Curse of the Were-RabbitOscar for best animated film in 2006. Like previous works, Vengeance Most Fowl is done frame by frame (stop motion) by Aardman Animations. In this new chapter, Gromit the dog, who believes that Wallace (voiced by Ben Whitehead) is too dependent on his inventions, takes a dim view of the creation of a smart gnome. His fears come true when the AI-powered elf becomes impossible to control.
On Netflix December 25