Building on its raft of programming created in partnership with WildBrain and Peanuts Worldwide, Apple TV+ announced it is developing a new Peanuts animated feature film, based on the iconic Charles Schulz creation. Production is due to begin in 2024 with WildBrain Studios.
The movie will send Charlie Brown and Snoopy to the Big City, where they will encounter new friends, adventures and some lessons about the true meaning of friendship.
“Fans of all ages have been enamored with Peanuts on Apple TV+,” said Apple’s Head of Children’s Programming, Tara Sorensen. “With our unmatched library of Peanuts titles and award-winning collection of stories that bring kids and families together, Apple TV+ is the preeminent home for Snoopy and friends, and offers a world-class selection of series and films featuring the most globally cherished animated characters. We can’t wait for everyone to experience this heartwarming new adventure with Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the gang in the Big City.”
Karey Kirkpatrick (Chicken Run, Smallfoot, Over the Hedge) is co-writing the feature from an original story from Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano — the trio who wrote The Peanuts Movie (2015) for Blue Sky Studios/20th Century Fox Animation, which earned $246.2 million in worldwide box office. The prior film’s director, two-time Annie Award nominee Steve Martino (Horton Hears A Who!, Ice Age: Continental Drift) is also returning to direct this project. Two-time Oscar nominee Bonnie Arnold (How to Train Your Dragon films, Toy Story, Over the Hedge) is producer.
“It is so special to carry on my father’s legacy with an original story from me, my son Bryan, and his writing partner Neil,” said Craig Schulz. “We are excited to be partnering with Apple TV+ and working with WildBrain Studios to bring audiences a brand-new Peanuts adventure, along with the talented Bonnie Arnold as producer and Steve Martino as director. Peanuts fans have been clamoring for another feature for years, and this film will bring joy to our millions of fans around the world.”
The untitled Peanuts movie project marks the first feature film collaboration between Apple, WildBrain and Peanuts Worldwide. The labels have built up a popular library of Peanuts animated series and specials for Apple TV+, including The Snoopy Show, Snoopy in Space and recently debuted Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie. A new The Snoopy Show Christmas special, “Happiness Is Holiday Traditions,” will premiere on the streamer December 1 as part of Apple TV+’s kids & family holiday programming. The platform also hosts the Emmy-winning Charles Schulz documentary Who Are You, Charlie Brown?
