Illumination Entertainment is an indisputable power player in the realm of animation. Their lovable characters, be it the uproarious minions of Despicable Me or the vibrant animal personalities from Sing, have an irresistible appeal that captivates children and adults alike. The studio’s latest release, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, is a delightful spin on the beloved Mushroom Kingdom, expanding the universe with exciting new elements and characters. This nostalgic experience, complete with music and in-game dialogue reminiscent of the classic video games, was a treat for long-time fans and a wonderful opportunity for them to introduce the magic to younger generations.
Nevertheless, the animation powerhouse doesn’t rest on its laurels, continuing to generate buzz with the announcement of its forthcoming 2023 release: Migration. This animated adventure-comedy promises to tug at our heartstrings, unraveling a tale of courage, venturing beyond comfort zones, and celebrating the essentiality of family ties.
What Can We Expect from Migration’s Release?
In a surprising turn of events, Universal Studios shifted the premiere of Migration from a summer 2023 release to a winter holiday opening. While it might seem like an odd choice given the movie’s thematic backdrop, it’s a strategic decision to tap into the audience’s yearning for a summertime thrill during the cold winter months. Migration is all set to land in theatres on December 22, 2023, standing tall amid a host of big-budget productions by major studios.
The winter holiday release of Migration marks a significant milestone for Illumination Studios. It is the first time since 2016 that the studio will have released two films within a year (namely, The Secret Life of Pets and Sing). Following the enormous success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the summer 2022 hit Minions: The Rise of Gru, Illumination’s stature in the animation industry has skyrocketed. If Migration delivers a robust theatrical performance, it could cement Illumination’s place as the leading U.S. feature animation studio in recent times.
When Can We Stream Migration?
Migration’s initial launch will be exclusively in cinemas. The date for streaming will be announced only a few weeks after the theatrical release. Eventually, when it debuts on streaming platforms, it will be accessible to Peacock subscribers, aligning with the trend set by other recent Illumination and DreamWorks releases like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Once its tenure on Peacock ends, Netflix will welcome the film.
Is a Trailer for Migration Available?
Illumination launched the first trailer for Migration on April 5, coinciding with the release of the Super Mario movie, ensuring its screening in front of that film’s audience. Despite being a teaser that does not reveal much about the plot, it radiates Illumination’s distinct quality of animation. The trailer is replete with sharp visuals and well-timed humor. The first half of the under-two-minute teaser is a montage of Illumination’s illustrious portfolio of animated hits, followed by an introduction to the protagonists of Migration – a family of ducks gearing up for an adventure.
On July 18, 2023, Illumination unveiled the full trailer, providing audiences with a detailed glimpse into the plot. It follows the Mallard family’s migration journey to Jamaica, which takes an unexpected detour through New York City.
Who Lends Their Voice to Migration’s Characters?
In keeping with Illumination’s tradition, Migration boasts a star-studded cast list. Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick) lends his voice to Mack, the anxious Mallard family father, while Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect) breathes life into Pam, the adventurous mother. Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians) gives voice to a pigeon from New York City, Danny DeVito (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) embodies Uncle Dan, and Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele) is Delroy the parrot. David Mitchell (Peep Show) and Carol Kane (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) are cast as the leader of the mallard farm and Erin the Heron, respectively. The young Mallards, Dax and Gwen, are portrayed by Caspar Jennings and Tresi Gazal.
What’s the Premise of Migration?
Illumination Studio has earned a devoted fanbase through its consistent delivery of entertaining yet emotionally resonant films. With Migration, scheduled to fly into theatres by the year’s end, the studio shows no signs of reducing its creative momentum.
Migration spins an inspiring tale of familial bonds, adventure, and the necessity of venturing beyond the known. The plot follows a duck family’s epic journey from New England to the Bahamas, a voyage that promises a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience. But their odyssey is far from being merely a pleasure trip. The ducks face numerous hurdles en route, including thunderstorms, alien bird species, and several threats to their survival.
The storyline illuminates one of the key themes of the film – the significance of courage and perseverance. The younger members of the duck family must persuade their overly protective father to undertake the expedition, despite his safety concerns. Their bravery, resolve, and spirit of exploration echo the message that the greatest adventures in life often necessitate risk-taking and stepping out of our comfort zones.
Like other Illumination productions, Migration guarantees a visually impressive and entertaining film that will captivate audiences of all age groups. With a gripping storyline, unforgettable characters, and stunning animation, this movie is destined to soar to success!
The official synopsis gives a glimpse into the film:
This holiday season, Illumination, creators of the blockbuster Minions, Despicable Me, Sing and The Secret Life of Pets comedies, invites you to take flight into the thrill of the unknown with a funny, feathered family vacation like no other in the action-packed new original comedy, Migration.
The Mallard family is in a bit of rut. While dad Mack is content to keep his family safe paddling around their New England pond forever, mom Pam is eager to shake things up and show their kids — teen son Dax and duckling daughter Gwen — the whole wide world. After a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, Pam persuades Mack to embark on a family trip, via New York City, to tropical Jamaica.
As the Mallards make their way South for the winter, their well-laid plans quickly go awry. The experience will inspire them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends and accomplish more than they ever thought possible, while teaching them more about each other — and themselves — than they ever imagined.
Who’s Behind the Making of Migration?
Migration is a joint venture between Universal Studios and Illumination Entertainment, with Academy Award Nominee Benjamin Renner taking the director’s chair. Renner has previously directed the critically acclaimed French animated features Ernest & Celestine and The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales. The screenplay was penned by the distinguished screenwriter Mike White, recognized for his work on hit films like School of Rock and the Emmy-winning HBO series The White Lotus. Animation and visual effects are under the expert supervision of Arnaud Berthier and Eric Mauhourat. The film is produced by Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri, famed for his creativity and for producing some of the most cherished animated movies in recent years.
In an interview with Variety, Meledandri stated:
“The film is very beautiful and has a painterly quality that is quite different from anything we’ve done at Illumination,”
According to Meledandri, Migration has been a dream project of his for many years and he is thrilled to see it finally coming to fruition. He also believes that the film will appeal to viewers of all ages, as it is a family story that addresses universal themes of love, courage, and the importance of taking risks.
Where Does Migration Fit in the Illumination Line-up?
With a catalogue that boasts blockbuster successes like Despicable Me, Minions, Sing, and The Secret Life of Pets, Illumination Studios has positioned itself as a leader in the animation industry. Its latest release, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, has garnered a lot of attention and proven to be another hit for the studio, which only builds anticipation for its upcoming release, Migration.
This year, the studio is set to break new ground by releasing two films in one calendar year, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2016 when they released The Secret Life of Pets and Sing. The release of Migration in winter 2023, following the summer release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, suggests that Illumination is gearing up for an even bigger year ahead.
Concluding Remarks
Migration is a highly anticipated addition to Illumination Studios’ remarkable lineup of animated films. The movie explores themes of courage, stepping out of your comfort zone, and the importance of family, promising to be a hit for audiences of all ages. The film will hit theaters on December 22, 2023, offering viewers a heartwarming story to enjoy during the winter holidays. Whether you’re a fan of animated movies or simply enjoy a good family-oriented story, Migration is a film you won’t want to miss.
