Preview Dreamworks’ ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,’ a kaiju-inspired coming-of-age movie, arriving on June 30

Dreamworks has lifted the veil on its much-anticipated animated feature, “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,” scheduled for a theatrical release on June 30. The animation giant, renowned for hits like “Toy Story” and “Cars,” faces heightened expectations following the success of last year’s releases, “The Bad Guys” and “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” These two films showcased Dreamworks’ willingness to take aesthetic risks, signaling a departure from conventional norms in its theatrical features.

The visual language of “Teenage Kraken” is characterized by curvaceous design elements, mirroring the fluidity of its oceanic setting. The characters exhibit a glow reminiscent of deep-sea bioluminescence, and the trailer hints at action sequences of monumental scale, blurring the lines between a coming-of-age teenage comedy and a colossal kaiju spectacle.

Director Kirk DeMicco shared insights into the film’s innovative design, attributing much of the creative vision to production designer Pierre Olivier Vincent. Vincent drew inspiration from the organic curves of an octopus, influencing the shapes seen throughout the film, from everyday objects like tables and cars to the impressive Kraken kingdom. The emphasis on scale and the infusion of bioluminescent colors into both the world and characters themselves contribute to a visually stunning cinematic experience.

Despite the excitement surrounding “Ruby Gillman,” Dreamworks has recently weathered criticism for its film “Elemental,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The movie received lackluster reviews, reflected in its 60% score on RottenTomatoes, marking it as the second-worst-received film from the studio, surpassed only by “Cars 2” with a 40% rating. Box office projections for “Elemental” suggest a potentially disappointing opening, estimating earnings of around $40 million, a figure considered one of the worst in Pixar’s history.

The recent trajectory of Dreamworks’ animated endeavors has faced challenges, with films like “Onward” struggling due to a premiere shortly before pandemic lockdowns. “Luca” and “Soul” opted for direct releases on Disney+, limiting their cultural impact, and “Lightyear,” released in 2021, failed to resonate with audiences as it misjudged the appetite for a Buzz Lightyear origin story.

Some industry insiders attribute Dreamworks’ recent struggles to the absence of John Lasseter, the former chief creative officer of Disney Animation and Pixar. Lasseter, a pivotal figure behind many of Pixar’s successes, was forced out of Disney in 2017 following allegations of sexual misconduct. Since Lasseter’s departure, the studio has been led by Pete Docter, director of “Inside Out,” who, according to some sources, lacks the same charismatic leadership that characterized Lasseter’s tenure.

Dreamworks’ decision to explore entirely new properties, like “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,” has given the creative team unprecedented freedom. Producer Kelly Cooney Cilella emphasized the studio’s commitment to fostering talent from within its ranks, citing the importance of providing opportunities for artists to advance in their careers. Faryn Pearl, co-director of “Teenage Kraken,” is one such example, having risen through the ranks from head of story on “Trolls: World Tour” to a leadership role on this film.

“Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” is poised to be a landmark production for Dreamworks, not only as a visual spectacle but also for breaking new ground as the first titular woman character to lead a Dreamworks animated feature. The film primarily features female characters, both on-screen and behind the scenes, reflecting the studio’s commitment to diversity and creating a well-rounded narrative.

As Dreamworks endeavors to recapture its former glory and compete with other animation powerhouses like Sony Pictures Animation and Universal’s DreamWorks Animation, the release of “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” represents a pivotal moment for the studio. The industry and audiences alike eagerly await the outcome, hoping it will mark a resurgence for Dreamworks in the ever-evolving landscape of animated cinema.

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