Netflix has high hopes for its lavish new animated feature “Spellbound,” releasing the film’s rousing first trailer and assembling a powerhouse voice cast including Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, and Javier Bardem. Directed by veteran animator Vicky Jenson (“Shrek,” “Shark Tale”) and featuring original music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken, “Spellbound” aims to mesmerize viewers with its blend of fantasy tropes, family drama, and showstopping musical numbers.
The film follows Princess Ellian (Zegler), a headstrong teenager who embarks on an epic quest to save her kingdom of Lumbria after a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters. Audiences are given a glimpse of Lumbria’s stunning animated world, vibrant with magic and adventure. Jenson makes her triumphant return to features with “Spellbound” almost 20 years after her work on 2004’s “Shark Tale.”
Menken, who has won Oscars for his Disney works like “Beauty and the Beast,” provides an original score with new lyrics by Glenn Slater. Zegler praised the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious project: “Taking on this role was so cool for my inner child. I can’t wait for fans to experience the sweeping musical moments Alan Menken has created.”
Though it embraces fairy tale tropes, Jenson says “Spellbound” aims to modernize them with universal family themes. “‘For me, it’s about the kind of alienation that happens as we grow up,'” she explains, teasing the movie’s exploration of understanding between generations. The ensemble voice cast also includes talents like John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis and Nathan Lane in key supporting roles.
Under its multi-year pact with Skydance Animation, Netflix has already found success with projects like “The Adam Project” and “Spy Kids.” With its stunning animation, starry cast, and classic fairy tale story given modern flair, “Spellbound” is poised to enchant audiences when it premieres on Netflix this November.
