Skydance Animation has signed a multi-year overall deal with Apple that will include distribution for its first two animated features, Luck and Spellbound.
Luck and Spellbound were originally slated for release via Paramount Animation, but the deal soured after former Disney and Pixar animation chief John Lasseter was hired to run Skydance Animation, which resulted in a reportedly “furious” reaction from Paramount Animation head Mireille Soria, as well as the departure of actress Emma Thompson from Luck. There were rumors late last year that Apple might acquire distribution for the films.
The deal will give a boost to the tech giant’s streaming service, which although available in over 100 countries has rolled out a noticeably meager amount of content compared to other streamers. To date, Apple has released just one animated feature, Cartoon Saloon’s well received Wolfwalkers.