‘The One And Only Ivan’ Trailer: There’s Some Disney Magic In This Story Of A Gorilla In Captivity
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Along with remaking all of their animated classics into live-action spectacles, Disney has also been leaning into using photorealistic computer generated animals to lead their stories. FromLady and the TramptoThe Lion King, the animation studio is bringing very convincing digital animals to the screen, for better or worse. EvenCall of the Wild, which came to Disney from 20th Century Fox, fit right in with their slate by utilizing computer generated dogs. Now another live-action/CGI hybrid animal adventure is coming to Disney+.
The One and Only Ivan, based on Katherine Applegate’sbestselling book of the same name, follows a 400-pound silverback gorilla who was taken from the wild at a young age and brought into the home of Mack (Bryan Cranston), who raised him lovingly until he was big enough that he needed to be kept in a glass enclosure in the middle of a shopping mall when he’s not being shown off to a paying audience. For Ivan, it’s his normal, everyday life, but when a captured baby elephant named Ruby arrives, he begins to dig into his past and longs to return to his jungle home. Watch theOnly and Only Ivantrailer below.
The One and Only Ivan Trailer
This looks like it could be the best original movie to hit Disney+ yet, but that’s because this movie was originally slated to be a theatrical release. Instead, due to the coronavirus pandemic keeping movie theaters closed for the time being, and release dates being shuffled constantly by studios, Disney thought it was safer to release the movie onto Disney+. And honestly, I think more people will watch it there than would have turned out for the movie in theaters.
There’s a vibe here that reminds me ofCharlotte’s WeborBabe, which makes me feel like this is something that could really land well with audiences. It looks like it has heart, and even though some of the animals are still animated so photorealistically that it somewhat stifles any significant expression, at least Ivan and Ruby appear to be compelling characters.
Ivan is voiced bySam Rockwell, whileAngelina Jolievoices his elephant friend Stella, andDanny DeVitovoices his dog buddy Bob. There’s also an impressive supporting cast of voices for other animals, includingHelen Mirrenas Snickers the poodle,Brooklynn Prince(The Florida Project) as Ruby,Chaka Khanas Henrietta the chicken,Mike Whiteas Frankie the seal,Ron Funchesas Murphy the rabbit, andPhillipa Sooas the voice of Thelma the parrot. Meanwhile,Ramon Rodriquezplays George, an employee at the mall where Ivan is kept, andAriana Greenblattis his daughter Julia.
The One and Only Ivanis directed byThea Sharrock(Me Before You), who also serves as executive producer, from a script byMike White(Nacho Libre,School of Rock). The film is produced by the lateAllison Shearmur, along withAngelina JolieandBrigham Taylor, withSue Baden-Powellalso executive producing.
The One and Only Ivanarrives on Disney+ onAugust 14, 2020.
