Disney has announced that it will release Planes, a new CG-animated feature “inspired by” the world of Pixar’s Cars in theaters on August 9, 2013. Produced by DisneyToon Studios, Planes was originally planned as a direct-to-home Entertainment release several years ago. Directed by Klay Hall, the movie takes its cue from John Lasseter’s successful Cars franchise and imagines a secret life for airplanes.
Actor Jon Cryer was originally cast as Dusty Crophopper, the lead of the movie, but according to The Hollywood Reporter, he is no longer involved with the project. Disney hasn’t announced the voice cast yet. Toon veteran Carlos Alazraqui (The Fairly OddParents, Camp Lazlo) will also voice a character called El Chupacabra.
DisneyToon Studios is the division responsible for the studio’s direct-to-DVD titles such as the Tinker Bell movies (including this year’s Secret of the Wings).
Bambi II, Leroy and Stitch, Brother Bear 2, Cinderella III, The Fox and the Hound 2, Kronk’s New Groove, Lilo and Stitch 2 and The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning. In addition to Planes, upcoming DisneyToon titles include Quest for the Queen, The Legend of the Neverbeast and the 2014 Phineas and Ferb movie.
Audiences reacted positively to Planes footage screened at the Cine Asia market in Hong Kong earlier in December.
Here’s an early peek at the movie:
