Prepare for an exciting adventure as the beloved graphic novel series 'Hilo' blasts off the pages and onto the big screen! This thrilling announcement will captivate fans and ignite a debate among animation enthusiasts.
The renowned Mediawan Kids & Family, along with Submarine from Amsterdam and Canada's Sinking Ship Entertainment, are embarking on a mission to adapt the bestselling 'Hilo' series into an animated feature film. But here's where it gets intriguing: the story follows a mysterious boy who crash-lands on Earth, embarking on a quest to uncover his true identity. Talk about an epic journey!
With over one million copies sold worldwide since its 2015 debut, 'Hilo' has captured the hearts of readers. The ambitious partners aim to transform this captivating IP into a visually stunning 3D animation, creating a family-friendly franchise with global appeal.
Submarine, known for their work on 'Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood' and 'Fox and Hare Save the Forest', joins forces with Sinking Ship Entertainment, whose impressive portfolio includes 'Dino Dana The Movie' and 'SpongeBob Saving Bikini Bottom'. And this is the part most people miss—the collaboration extends beyond these two studios.
Mediawan Kids & Family encompasses seven exceptional labels, including Method Animation, Somewhere Animation, Elliott Studio, and their own Cinema division. They also distribute popular content like 'Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir', which has captivated audiences in 150 countries.
"Sinking Ship's passion for innovation and creativity resonates with us," said Julien Borde, President of Mediawan Kids & Family. "By combining our strengths, we aim to bring 'Hilo' to life in a way that captivates both loyal fans and new audiences."
Matt Bishop, Partner and Executive Producer at Sinking Ship Entertainment, emphasized the project's technical prowess, drawing from their experience on 'SpongeBob' and 'Jane'. "'Hilo' demands a delicate balance of emotion, humor, and visual excellence, which our Emmy-winning team is eager to deliver."
Bruno Felix, co-founder of Submarine, shared his vision for 'Hilo's long-term success. "Mediawan's track record with global franchises like 'Miraculous' and 'The Little Prince' proves their expertise in IP development. Together, we aim to create not just a movie, but a vibrant universe with endless storytelling possibilities."
And there's a twist! This adaptation sparks a debate: Can a graphic novel's essence truly be captured in animation? Will it appeal to both existing fans and new viewers? Share your thoughts below! The journey to bring 'Hilo' to life has begun, and your voice is part of the adventure.
