What better way to celebrate the success of Big Hero 6 than to peg down the release dates for a pair of all-new IPs, right? Well, that’s exactly what Disney Animation Studios has done today, after the company dated two of its upcoming animated adventures, Zootopia and a maritime adventure known as Moana.
The former – which follows a quick witted fox in the titular animal city – will now release on March 4th, 2016, while the latter will set sail on November 23rd, 2016. Both films will also be released in 3D.
While we’re still a ways away from seeing each outing on the silver screen, we understand that Zootopia will be directed by Byron Howard (Tangled), with Jared Bush on script duties. Essentially, Disney’s first animation for 2016 will orbit around Nick Wilde (that aforementioned fast-talking fox) as he goes on the run after being framed for a crime he didn’t commit.
As for Moana, the Polynesian tale will center on the titular teen as she sets out across the unforgiving seas of the South Pacific in search of a legendary island. Along the journey, she encounters a fabled demi-god known as Maui who helps Moana on her tale of gargantuan seas creatures and mysterious ruins – imagine the exploration of Up infused with the folklore of Brave.
Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, Moana also represents the pair’s first foray into the world of CG-animation following their acclaimed work on other Disney titles such as Aladdin and The Little Mermaid.
Fans of Disney animation can now look forward to Zootopia and Moana when they release in theaters on March 4th, 2016 and November 23rd, 2016 respectively.