As Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri prepare for the highly anticipated launch of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” he manages numerous new movies and sequels within his expanding animation empire. This includes sequels for “Sing,” “Despicable Me,” and “Secret Life of Pets,” as well as original films like the upcoming “Migration” about a family of ducks in New England.
Before these projects, however, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is expected to dominate the box office when it premieres on April 5. Meledandri also serves as a creative partner to DreamWorks Animation, working on the reboot of the “Shrek” franchise. He hopes to return the original voice cast, including Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy, for “Shrek 5.”
While discussing the film’s development, Meledandri mentioned ongoing negotiations with the actors, suggesting their enthusiasm for returning to their roles. After the success of the “Shrek” spinoff sequel “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” Eddie Murphy has expressed interest in a Donkey spinoff film. Meledandri believes Donkey could easily support its film, similar to the Puss in Boots spinoffs.
Meledandri teased other animated projects, including developments in “The Secret Life of Pets” franchise and a “Sing 3” movie. Despite the impact of the omicron COVID variant on the box office performance of “Sing 2,” its streaming success indicates a continued interest in the franchise.
Little is known about “Migration,” but a trailer will be released alongside “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” The film tells the story of a family of ducks exploring the world and features a unique visual style.
Meledandri is also exploring other forms of content, partnering with Pierre Coffin, the writer and director of the “Despicable Me” films, for two short series debuting on TikTok in May before moving to YouTube. The series “Who’s Who” and “Bones Story” will experiment with serialized storytelling.
Furthermore, Meledandri and Illumination focus on film and short series and consider branching out into other entertainment areas. This includes exploring opportunities in the gaming and virtual reality sectors as these mediums grow in popularity and offer unique storytelling experiences.
Meledandri acknowledges the importance of staying true to the essence of beloved franchises while introducing fresh ideas and new characters to keep audiences engaged. He has expressed enthusiasm for the potential that lies in expanding well-known worlds, such as those of “Shrek” and “The Secret Life of Pets,” as well as exploring completely new ideas like “Migration.”
As Meledandri continues to juggle multiple projects and expand the animation empire of Illumination, he remains committed to providing audiences with captivating stories and unforgettable characters. This dedication to storytelling excellence is evident in the anticipation surrounding “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and the return of the original cast for “Shrek 5,” as well as the excitement generated by the upcoming “Donkey” spinoff starring Eddie Murphy.
With Meledandri at the helm, the future of Illumination looks promising. As the studio continues to produce a diverse range of animated projects, from sequels and spinoffs to original stories, it aims to captivate audiences and solidify its reputation as a powerhouse in the animation industry. As the studio delves into new mediums and explores innovative storytelling techniques, fans can look forward to even more engaging and memorable content in the years to come.
