GFM Animation & Kartoon Studios Unmask First Animated Features in Stan Lee Universe Slate

GFM Animation and Kartoon Studios have announced the first two CG-animated movies for their Stan Lee Universe slate. Details of the films, currently in development, will be presented to distributors at  Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM).

The Stan Lee Universe slate, announced at Cannes 2024 by GFM Animation & Kartoon Studios, primarily consists of five feature films developed from short-form stories and ideas created by Stan Lee.

The first two features originate from concepts titled Heroes at Large and Silver Sentinel (current working titles for the films). Scripts for both projects are scheduled to be delivered by the end of February, and distributors will be treated to a sneak peek at first production designs during an exclusive filmmaker presentation at EFM. CG production is scheduled to commence this year, with both films delivered in 2027.

“Stan Lee’s boundless imagination continues to inspire generations, and we’re thrilled to bring his visionary ideas to life through these exciting new animated films,” said Andy Heyward, CEO of Kartoon Studios. “Heroes at Large and Silver Sentinel embody the heart, humor and heroism that define the Stan Lee Universe. Alongside our partners at GFM Animation, we can’t wait to introduce these stories to audiences worldwide.”

GFMA Founder & Chairman Guy Collins added, “Having the opportunity to secure the unique Stan Lee slate in partnership with Kartoon Studios fits perfectly with our business plans to be a proactive creator of family movies targeted for initial cinema distribution. As a business, we put a lot of emphasis on entertaining the full family and wider audience — fun stories, strong messages, and now superhero characters. It’s a perfect combination.”

Heroes at Large centers on best friends Bill and Joe, two ordinary dads and electrical repairmen, who have everything they want: loving wives, fabulous kids, New York pizza and the big game on TV. But all that normality and comfort is about to go out the window … In a story that takes them from zeroes to heroes, Bill and Joe strain to remain friends whilst fighting the most powerful force in the galaxy, only to ultimately discover that friendship is their true superpower.

Chris Jenkins (Surf’s Up, 10 Lives) is writing and will direct Heroes at Large. Mainframe Studios in Vancouver, a sister company to Kartoon Studios, is providing CG animation for the feature film project.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Stan Lee’s remarkable genius on a project that reunites me with my friends at GFM Animation,” says Jenkins. “We’re going to shine a spotlight on the family and comedic virtues of two ordinary guys who find themselves with extraordinary powers.”

In Silver Sentinel, Sentinel is a masked crime-fighting superhero by night — a business exec and PTA mom by day. Her 14-year-old daughter Joey’s coming-of-age battles are further complicated by the unexpected onset of superpowers. The typical mother-daughter conflicts are amplified as Sentinel’s powers decline and Joey’s blossoms. The two must find a way to overcome their differences and reconnect to defeat an absurd old foe.

Silver Sentinel is being written and directed by Hardy Howl’s Todd Edwards & Timothy Hooten (Hoodwinked!, Humbugged!).

“The heartfelt mother/daughter story of Silver Sentinel is bursting with comedy, action and a style all of its own,” stated Hardy Howl Producer Katie Hooten. “As storytellers and parents, we’re thrilled to explore such timely themes that are as inspiring as they are fun.”

GFM’s Head of Production, Sean Feeney, explained that GFM Animation has previously worked with Jenkins on Duck Duck Goose and 10 Lives, and is currently working with Edwards & Hooten on another title from the GFMA slate, Humbugged!

“Having worked with them all previously and having spent many months developing how we can authentically bring to life and expand upon Stan’s original ideas, we are confident they are the perfect choice for these important first two films,” said Feeney. “With previous animation experience and success, they are 100% on board our aims of creating fun-packed superhero adventure stories with strong family audience credentials. This is an exciting moment for us all!”