“Vivo,” an animated movie that boasts new music from “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, is coming to Netflix.
Shayan Asgharnia for Variety
The family-friendly film was initially scheduled to release in cinemas on June 4. But Sony Pictures, the studio that originally backed “Vivo,” has opted to forgo a theatrical release and instead licensed the project to Netflix. It’s unclear when it'll debut on the streaming service.
Sony Pictures will retain all rights in China, alongside home entertainment and linear television rights everywhere else, following periods of exclusivity on Netflix.
Netflix recently signed a lucrative effect Sony, which provides the streamer exclusive U.S. rights to the studio’s theatrical releases within the first pay-TV window. additionally, Netflix features a first-look effect on Sony’s offerings. However, the pact doesn’t commence until 2022 so it doesn’t include the sale of “Vivo.”
“Vivo” was directed by “The Croods” filmmaker Kirk DeMicco and co-directed by Brandon Jeffords. Quiara Alegría Hudes, who wrote the book for Miranda’s “In The Heights,” has co-written the screenplay with DeMicco.
The animated musical adventure follows a singular kinkajou (a.k.a. a rainforest “honey bear,” voiced by Miranda), who spends his days playing music to the crowds during a lively Havana square together with his beloved owner Andrés. Though they'll not speak an equivalent language, Vivo and Andrés are the right duos through their common love of music. But when tragedy strikes shortly after Andrés receives a letter from the famous Marta Sandoval (Gloria Estefan), inviting her old partner to her farewell concert in Miami with the hope of reconnecting, it’s up to Vivo to deliver a message that Andrés never could: A billet-doux to Marta, written way back, within the sort of a song. Yet so as to urge to the distant shores of Miami, Vivo will get to accept the assistance of Gabi (newcomer Ynairaly Simo) — an active teen who bounces to the beat of her own offbeat drum. The voice cast also includes Zoe Saldana, Brian Tyree Henry, and Nicole Byer.
“Bringing Vivo to life has been a fantastic artistic journey. I couldn’t invite better creative partners than Kirk, Quiara, Alex, and therefore the entire team at Sony Animation,” Miranda said. “I’m so excited Vivo will have a home at Netflix, where kids of all ages are going to be ready to enjoy the film’s songs and adventures again and again.”
Netflix has been growing its slate of animated films, including “SpongeBob: put on the Run,” “The Mitchells vs The Machines” and “The Willoughbys.” The company’s VP of original animation Melissa Cobb praised “Vivo” for celebrating “the universal language of music to families around the world.”
“‘Vivo’ is filled with comedy and heart. We’re excited to introduce families to the incredible cast of characters led by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who lends his voice to a lead animated feature role for the primary time,” Cobb said.
“Vivo” isn’t the primary movie musical from Miranda that skipped theaters in favor of streaming. The live-recorded version of “Hamilton” was alleged to play on the large screen but instead debuted on Disney Plus last July.
Cinemas won’t be entirely barren of Miranda’s creative offerings. “In the Heights,” an adaptation of his first Broadway show, is arriving in theaters on June 11.
Deadline Hollywood first reported the news.
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