The Twits is an upcoming American animated comedy film co-produced and directed by Phil Johnston, who co-wrote the screenplay with Meg Favreau from a screen story by Kirk DeMicco and John Cleese, based on the 1980 novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. It stars Natalie Portman, Emilia Clarke, Margo Martindale and Johnny Vegas.
| The Twits | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Phil Johnston |
| Screenplay by |
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| Story by | |
| Based on | The Twits by Roald Dahl |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Netflix |
Release date |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Twits will be released in 2025 by Netflix.
Voice cast
edit- Natalie Portman
- Emilia Clarke
- Margo Martindale as Mrs. Twit
- Johnny Vegas as Mr. Twit
Production
editDevelopment
editIn February 2003, a feature film adaptation of the book entered development at Vanguard Animation with its founder John H. Williams set to produce. As part of a multi-picture deal with Walt Disney Pictures, Vanguard was set to produce a CG animated/live-action film, with John Cleese and Kirk DeMicco writing the screenplay.[1]
In November 2004, it was reported that Mark Mylod signed up to direct the feature, and that Cleese may star in the film.[2] In October 2006, after the executive/regime changes at Disney, the project moved to Working Title and Universal.[3][4] By January 2012, the official site of Vanguard Animation stated that Conrad Vernon, the director of Shrek 2 (2004) and Monsters vs. Aliens (2009), would direct the film.[5]
In April 2022, following Netflix's acquisition of the Roald Dahl company,[6][7] it was reported that a feature film will be distributed by Netflix, after having previously announced an animated series based on the book.[8] In September 2023, alongside the release of a first-look image of the film, it was announced that Phil Johnston was directing the feature and co-writing the screenplay with Meg Favreau.[7]
Casting
editIn June 2024, it was revealed that Natalie Portman, Emilia Clarke, Margo Martindale and Johnny Vegas had joined the cast.[9]
Animation
editAnimation had begun by September 2023, the same month it was reported that Jellyfish Pictures was doing animation on the film.[7]
Release
editThe film is set to release in 2025 on Netflix, with a first-look image which got released in September 2023.[7]
References
edit- ^ Brodesser, Claude (February 4, 2003). "'Twits' pic pleases Cleese". Variety. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
- ^ Dawtrey, Adam (November 21, 2004). "Bigscreen goes Dahl-crazy". Variety. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
- ^ Dawtrey, Adam (October 22, 2006). "Working Title takes reality check". Variety. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
- ^ "Kirk DeMicco: Monkey Business". Total Sci-Fi Online. July 15, 2008. Archived from the original on February 26, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
- ^ "The Twits". Vanguard Animation. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
- ^ Gray, Alistair (September 22, 2021). "Netflix snaps up entire works of Roald Dahl for over £500m". Financial Times. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Ntim, Zac (September 18, 2023). "'The Twits:' Animated Feature Adaptation Of Roald Dahl Book Set At Netflix, First Look Revealed". Deadline. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ Taylor, Drew (April 20, 2022). "Netflix Animation Erased: Executives Fired, Shows Canceled and Accusations of 'Staged Data' (Exclusive)". TheWrap. Retrieved April 26, 2022 – via Yahoo!.
- ^ Kit, Borys (June 6, 2024). "Netflix Shows Off Massive "No Guardrails" Animation Slate with 'Terminator,' Zack Snyder's 'Twilight of the Gods'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
