Ross announces second 'Monsters Inc.' (THR, SCR)
By Nancy Tartaglione
Walt Disney Studios chairman Rich Ross unveiled the studio's upcoming slate in a wide-ranging discussion and presentation on Thursday. Among the announcements, Pixar's "Brave" has been scheduled for June 15, 2012 while a second "Monsters, Inc." will bow in November 2012.
Ross showed a reel highlighting upcoming titles including Jerry Bruckheimer's "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time," "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," "Toy Story 3," "Tron: Legacy" and "Secretariat."
He also unveiled the first three movies he's greenlighting: "Pirates of the Caribbean 4" and "The Muppets" in 2011 and "Prom" in 2012. The latter was described as "smart and authentic" a la what John Hughes used to do, says The Hollywood Reporter. The Muppets movie will introduce a new character called Walter.
Ross, now in the job for seven months, tipped his cap to the Dick Cook regime that preceded him but also embraced the studio's upcoming slate as his own, says THR.
He emphasized that the tentpole business is crucial to the Disney brand but that not everything on the slate is a four-quadrant movie.
According to Screen, Ross declined to comment on the Miramax sale but did say that until it was finalized a small team was working on marketing materials for such films as "The Switch" (starring Jennifer Ansiton and Jason Bateman) and "Gnomeo & Juliet," the animated fantasy that will go out via Touchstone. Talks are ongoing over who will release Julie Taymor's "The Tempest," says Screen.
Related Links
Disney unveils plans for 'Monsters, Inc.' sequel (THR)Walt Disney Studios greenlights second Monsters, Inc (SCR, sub)
THIRLBY REPLACES LOHAN IN 'OTHER SIDE' (WRAP)
Cannes Market begins recovery -- but not for everyone (VAR)
Cannes critics stir after early snooze -- 'Another Year,' 'Of Gods and Men' offer hope (VAR)
More on ABC schedule: 'V' may return in November (TLF)
CBS cancels 'Cold Case,' 'Ghost Whisperer,' 'Numbers,' 'Miami Medical,' 'Accidentally on Purpose,' 'Old Christ
CW renews 'Life,' 'One Tree Hill,' adds 'Hellcats,' 'Nikita'; 'Melrose' loses its place (VAR)
ESPN to beam World Cup in 3D (RBR)
Two NYPD precincts to get honorary Tony (AFP)
Jerry Seinfeld's next project: directing, producing Colin Quinn one-man stage show (WRAP)
Nikki Finke in talks for HBO payday (THRE)
Placido Domingo says in good health after surgery (REU)
Christina Ricci to make Broadway debut, replacing Alicia Silverstone in 'Time Stands Still' (VAR)
Sony shrinks loss, predicts profit (VAR)
