Five-time Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter Julia Michaels, six-time Grammy-winning legend Dionne Warwick and Trinity Jo-Li Bliss (Avatar: The Way of Water) have been cast in Glisten and the Merry Mission— the first animated Christmas feature for Build-A-Bear based on the company’s multi-year best-selling Holiday plush collection. The holiday adventure is co-produced by Build-A-Bear Entertainment and Foundation Media Partners.
Glisten and the Merry Mission follows a young elfling Marzipan (voiced by Bliss) and her mother Cinnameg (Michaels) on the adventure of a lifetime to rediscover the enchanted snow deer named Glisten and save Christmas. Aided by a colorful cadre of reindeer and elves, including the wise Sage Evergreen (Warwick), Marzipan must harness belief in the magic of the season to complete their mission.
Foundation Media Partners and CEO Patrick Hughes (Bad Guys, Thelma the Unicorn) will produce the film, based on a story by Build-A-Bear President and CEO Sharon Price John, who will executive produce. The screenplay was written by Temple Mathews (Mariah’s Once Upon a Christmas) and John and will be art directed, designed and animated by Ontario-based Big Jump Entertainment, with Big Jump’s Chief Creative Officer Cory Morrison directing. Michael Mariano (Raising Hope, Last OG) and his frequent collaborator Traci Burwitz will voice direct.
“We are truly excited about this incredible opportunity to bring our beloved Glisten snow deer character to life in this beautifully animated interpretation of the Merry Mission story, especially with this dream cast,” said John. “The journey of Santa and the reindeer along with our adorable emboldened elfling Marzipan, who finds a way to assure all of the kids receive a toy made with heart on Christmas eve, is sure to delight holiday fans.”
Michaels is repped by CAA and Republic Records. Warwick is repped by APA and MWW Management. Bliss is repped by Paradigm Talent Agency and Foundation Media Partners.
