Usually when we learn about animated films in the works, there are still a couple of years left until they hit our screens. But with Reel FX’s The Book Of Life, we can expect the ‘toon next year. Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, Diego Luna, Ice Cube and Ron Perlman are among those who are providing their tonsil talents{
Co-writer and director Jorge Gutierrez dreamed up the idea, which The Hollywood Reporter is describing as the journey of Manolo, a young man torn between living up to his family’s expectations and listening to his heart.
Before he makes his final decision, he sets of on an adventure across three fantastical worlds, and must also face his greatest fears. With plans to present a fresh visual style and new takes on popular pop songs (not that unusual for an animated movie, we suppose), the cast also features Cheech Marin, Hector Elizondo, Placido Domingo, Ana de la Reguera and Danny Trejo.
Guillermo del Toro, because he clearly doesn’t have enough projects to oversee already, is on board to produce. 20th Century Fox Animation is set to release the film – in the US at least – on October 7, 2014.