Apple has inked an overall deal with Skydance Animation, which is headed by John Lasseter, for feature films and TV series for its Apple TV+ streaming service.
The agreement, which follows Apple holding initial talks to acquire movies for its streaming service, will see Apple Original Films debut the animated movies Luck and Spellbound alongside a two season order for The Search for WondLa series.
John Lasseter oversees the animation division of Skydance, which is pursuing a larger strategy to move beyond traditional platforms to make movies for streamers after finding success with two Netflix hits, 6 Underground and The Old Guard.
In December, Matt Donnelly and Brent Lang reported for Variety:
The handful of executives who screened footage of “Luck” called it “vintage Lasseter,” citing the dazzling production value and commercial appeal the producer is known for, said insiders.
[“Luck”] is directed by Peggy Holmes, and follows the unluckiest girl in the world… “Spellbound” is a musical fantasy set in a world of magic where a young girl sets out to break the spell that has split her kingdom in two…
MacDailyNews Take: Apple TV+ animated offerings will benefit greatly from Lasseter’s Skydance contributions.