Toonz Media Group has joined forces with Gummybear International Inc. (GBI) to produce a full-length feature film based on the popular Gummibär franchise. Titled Gummibär and Friends: Operation Cotton Candy, this 90-minute CGI animated comedy adventure will bring the beloved green gummybear and his friends to the big screen in an action-packed spy spoof comedy.
The film is a co-production between Toonz Media Group and GBI, with Toonz leading the production alongside close collaboration with GBI.
Robert Chandler (The Amazing Maurice, The Canterville Ghost) has joined the production team as creative producer, with Pete Dodd directing. Dodd, known for his work on celebrated films such as Corpse Bride, Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Tale of Despereaux, also directed the original Gummibär music video. Multi-BAFTA-winning writer Dan Berlinka (The A-List, Dixi, Brush Head) will write the screenplay.
“Gummibär is so cinematic! I see his pedigree stretching back through Jim Carrey via Jerry Lewis to Buster Keaton. He’s a disruptor with a heart of gold. He doesn’t mean to cause chaos, but chaos happens around him,” says Chandler. “The idea of putting Gummibär into a spy movie was too delicious to resist. He thinks he’s signing up to test new Cotton Candy flavors but gets involved instead in an impossible spy mission. Before anyone can stop the process, he and his friends, Kala and Harry, are the only spies standing between planet Earth and its colorful destruction. Watch out, world!”
In his new high-stakes theatrical adventure, Gummibär unwittingly finds himself at the center of an epic spy mission. With his loyal friends Kala, a martial arts expert, and Harry, a science enthusiast, by his side, Gummibär must rely on his courage, creativity, and undeniable charm to save the planet from impending doom.
“We’re very happy and delighted to once again collaborate with our friends at Toonz to bring the first Gummibär and Friends full-length feature film to GB’s myriad of fans. It’s a great opportunity to continue the successful relationship started with the Gummibär and Friends Series and to present what is sure to be a madcap and chaotic journey for his fans to enjoy,” commented Gummybear International’s CEO Christian Schneider and President Jürgen Korduletsch.
Since the release of the hit song “I’m a Gummy Bear (The Gummy Bear Song)” in 2007, Gummibär has grown into a global cultural phenomenon. His catchy tunes have become massive hits in many countries and his videos have generated billions of views and remain a global sensation on YouTube and other digital platforms around the world.
“We are delighted to bring Gummibär to life in a feature film. There is no other character that has generated such an enduring global buzz,” said Toonz Media Group CEO P. Jayakumar. “With Robert, Pete and Dan at the helm, we are confident that Gummibär and Friends will connect with audiences around the world, taking this iconic franchise to even greater heights.”
