Chris Meledandri Archives

Illumination Boss Chris Meledandri Says The Artistry In His Studio’s Films Is Often Overlooked

Illumination’s box office record is one thing, but Meledandri believes that “what is extraordinary is the artistry that is in these movies.”

With ‘Mario’ hitting cinemas this week, 2023 will be just the second time in studio history that Illumination releases two films in a year.

Critics seem to agree that while the movie is fun, Mario is a pretty bland main character.

Fans are praising the trailer’s lush visuals and Princess Peach’s shift from damsel into distress to sovereign ready to fight for her people.

Moon’s credits include ‘Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends,’ ‘Into the Spider-Verse,’ and Netflix’s upcoming special ‘Entergalactic.’

Reviews are mixed for Illumination’s latest, which is predicted to pull in between $65-93 million over the July 4 weekend.

The executive warned against the slippery slope of letting outside voices, particularly those from social media, impact creative expression.

Puss in Boots may have nine lives, but how many lives did this production have?

How has Illumination’s first film in two and a half years fared with critics?

Forget Jake Paul and Kim Kardashian, the paparrazi wants to hear from Chris Meledandri.

Do you know all the lyrics to “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”?

Illumination’s cast of singing animals is back for “Sing 2,” whose first trailer runs the gamut from Drake lyrics to a rousing chorus of U2.

Illumination is producing a forthcoming “Super Mario” animated movie with Nintendo.

Amidst a nationwide lockdown in France, production has halted on “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”

Minion fever is back!

Persichetti, who served as head of story on the original “Puss in Boots,” will helm the sequel.

“Avengers: Infinity War” and “Lost in Space” also came up big at this year’s VES Awards.

Chris Melendandri is being recognized for the unstoppable success of his studio Illumination.

Cohn will oversee both film and television animation at Dreamworks.

Do celebrity voice actors make animated features successful or the filmmakers themselves? We’re about to find out.