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New live-action Lego movies set to redefine the genre
The announcement of a new trio of live-action Lego movies marks another exciting chapter for fans. The Lego Group has tapped prestigious directors to helm these innovative projects, promising to bring unparalleled creativity to Universal Pictures’ lineup.
Celebrated directors on board
Top-tier directors Jake Kasdan, Patty Jenkins, and Joe Cornish are confirmed to lead these uncharted cinematic endeavors. Kasdan, known for his work on the Jumanji franchise and Bad Teacher, infuses his unique blend of comedy and adventure into the Lego universe. Jenkins, celebrated for her direction of Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman 1984, brings her expertise in crafting compelling heroes, while Cornish, famed for Attack the Block and The Kid Who Would be King, adds a fresh, action-packed perspective.
Jake Kasdan’s approach
Kasdan’s project will be based on a script written by Andrew Mogel and Jarrad Paul, known for their work on The D Train and The Grinder. Previous drafts by Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows will also contribute to shaping the story. Kasdan, along with Melvin Mar, will produce under their Detective Agency banner, ensuring a seamless blend of creativity and production excellence.
Patty Jenkins’ vision
In her return to the director’s chair, Jenkins will co-write the script with Geoff Johns, rekindling their successful collaboration from Wonder Woman 1984. Emphasizing strong narratives and character development, Jenkins will produce the film through her Wicious Pictures, promising an engaging and multifaceted storyline.
Joe Cornish’s innovation
Cornish is set to rewrite and direct the third film, relying on a draft from Heather Anne Campbell, known for Rick & Morty. This screenplay, based on a treatment by Simon Rich of Man Seeking Woman fame, promises to deliver a humorous and inventive plot.
Key figures in production
Universal’s executive vice president of production development, Matt Reilly, along with the director of production development, Jacqueline Garell, are overseeing these ambitious projects. Collaboration between the Lego Group and Universal Pictures has already yielded highly successful results, as seen with previous blockbusters and popular video games based on the Lego brand.
A decade-long successful partnership
This creative partnership has proven lucrative, boasting successful ventures like the Lego Jurassic World product line and video games, which have expanded into multiple television projects. The Lego brand made its cinematic debut in 2014 with The Lego Movie, sparking a franchise that includes The Lego Batman Movie, The Lego Ninjago Movie, and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, grossing over $1 billion worldwide.
Expanding the Lego universe
Moreover, Universal’s Focus Features recently released Piece by Piece, a biopic on Pharrell Williams told through Lego animation. The film was a critical success, securing nominations for the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards. These ventures underscore Lego’s adaptability and growing influence in feature films and beyond.
Industry dynamics and representation
Behind these monumental projects, industry-leading agencies represent the key talent involved:
- WME represents the Lego Group, Kasdan, Johns, Mider, and Burrows, ensuring top-tier negotiation and collaboration.
- Sloss Eckhouse Dasti Haynes LawCo represents Kasdan, while Silver Lake Entertainment also oversees Mider and Burrows.
- CAA represents Jenkins, Cornish, and Campbell, with additional representation from Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc., Independent Talent, and The Davis Law Group.
- Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Yorn Levine represent Campbell, while Mosaic, UTA, and Johnson, Shapiro, Slewett & Kole handle Mogel and Paul. Rich is backed by UTA and Levine Greenburg Literary.
This intricate web of representation reflects the immense scale and importance of these projects within the industry.
Future prospects
As Lego and Universal Pictures push forward, these three new films promise to breathe new life into the live-action genre, leveraging the directors’ unique strengths. Each film stands to offer fresh, immersive experiences that honor the beloved Lego tradition while breaking new ground.
Stay tuned for more updates on these groundbreaking projects. Share your excitement and follow for continued coverage on the future of Lego live-action movies!
