Warner Bros. still has to decide exactly which LEGO movie will be hitting big screens next, but they have set a release date. Whether it’s a LEGO Movie 2 or LEGO Ninjago film, the pic is now set to release May 26, 2017, and regardless, it signals that Warner Bros. now views LEGO, which has been dominating the box office since its release, as a tentpole release. Despite the impressive voice cast, it was hard to see The LEGO Movie as anything more than a curiosity until the final product was revealed to the public in all of its glory. The move from a release date in the February doldrums, where unproven properties have the potential to surprise, to a prime early summer position where it will have to compete with (for now unnamed) releases from both Marvel and Pixar (if the dates hold) clearly shows Warner’s confidence in their new blockbuster franchise.
If you missed our coverage yesterday and are confused about what the heck Ninjago is, here’s our original story by Hanna Pachman:
Get Ready for More LEGOs – ‘LEGO Ninjago’ Possibly to Release Before ‘LEGO Movie’ Sequel
Grossing over $200 million after a second weekend of release worldwide, Warner Brothers undoubtedly has increased pressure to produce a successful sequel to The LEGO Movie. While describing the overwhelming feedback, Dan Hageman stated, “It set the bar really high for the franchise.”
According to Hollywood Reporter, Warner Brothers’ Greenlight Committee will take the next few weeks to consider the potential of both LEGO Ninjago, based on one of the popular toy brand’s series of sets, and The Lego Movie 2. Since Warner Brothers currently only has rights to one sequel, these talks will likely dictate the direction that is adopted. Charlie Bean (director of the TRON: Uprising TV series and storyboard artist for The Powderpuff Girls) is on board to direct theNinjago film, and the idea has pulled in Phil Lord and Chris Miller (directors of The LEGO Movie) to produce as well. Dan and Kevin Hageman (creators of story for The LEGO Movie) have already written a draft script for a ninja themed LEGO movie.
It might seem like a bit of an odd move to focus on one particular LEGO universe after a movie that celebrated the collision among many, but the Hagemans have already seen some success writing Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu, an action packed Cartoon Network show. The show revolves around four LEGO ninjas, and was inspired by the Ninjago toy line. Ninjago will contrast with The LEGO Movie in that it will incorporate more action-adventure (in addition to comedic elements). Not surprisingly, the toy characters will probably not be as relatable for adult audience members as the ones in The LEGO Movie, as Ninjago would lack (among other things) the nostalgia for characters like Benny the ’80s Spaceman.
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