Adult Animation Revolution: ‘The Lunar Chronicles’ Animated Film Adaptation In The Works
by Tito W. James
When HBO announced their Harry Potter reboot for TV, I immediately thought it would have been better to adapt a series of that scale in animation. With an animated adaptation, the creators don’t have to worry about the age of the actors or blending live-action with VFX. The result would be a more immersive world, at a lower cost, that could hold up better over time.
Apparently I’m not alone in the desire for the next YA fantasy series to be adapted into animation. It was recently announced that Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group will be working with Locksmith Animation to adapt The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer into an animated film. The Lunar Chronicles is a reimagining of Grimms’ Fairy Tales in a futuristic world where humans, androids, and cyborgs coexist. The film centers on four young women who launch a rebellion against the tyrannical Moon Queen, Levana and soar through the stars while fighting to take charge of their own destinies.
This announcement comes at a perfect time when audiences are looking for a fantasy adventure for a new generation and most teenagers are hooked on action anime. Many professionals expressed a desire for PG-13 films and TV at The World Animation Summit. If The Lunar Chronicles does well, it could open the door to more more PG-13 animated films.
No details have been given yet about the film’s art direction or animation style. If we get artwork that’s anything like the amazing Tomer Hanuka covers, and is tonally similar to Arcane, then I’ll be thrilled. Congratulations again to author Marissa Meyer. We hope that The Lunar Chronicles will be a success and usher in more animated Young Adult Novel adaptations.