Hulu has made the decision to cancel the adult animated comedy series M.O.D.O.K., created by Jordan Blum and Patton Oswalt, after just one season, as reported by various entertainment news outlets. This unique series, which features the eccentric supervillain M.O.D.O.K., was part of a broader initiative to develop Marvel animation projects for Hulu. Among these were other ambitious ideas like Howard the Duck and Tigra & Dazzler, both of which were ultimately shelved when Marvel Television, led by Jeph Loeb, was dissolved in early 2020. On the other hand, Hit Monkey, another animated project, successfully premiered in November 2021.
M.O.D.O.K. was crafted by the talented team at Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and first hit the streaming platform nearly a year ago, delivering a total of 10 episodes. The storyline revolves around the titular character, voiced by Oswalt, who finds himself grappling with a multitude of crises. After years of aspiring to dominate the world, M.O.D.O.K. is unseated from his position at the helm of his nefarious organization. Compounding his challenges, his family life and marriage are also deteriorating, thrusting him into an existential crisis that many can relate to: a midlife dilemma.
In another corner of the animation world, Toei Animation has been making headlines for its impressive financial performance. The company reported its earnings for the fiscal year that concluded in March 2022, revealing that it had generated a staggering 57 billion yen, which is approximately $440 million in U.S. dollars. This figure represents a 10% increase from the previous fiscal year, which saw sales of 51.5 billion yen. Toei also reported an operating income of 18.1 billion yen, marking a 16.8% growth, along with a net income of 12.8 billion yen, translating to around $99 million, showing a significant 15.8% increase.
Toei Animation’s success can largely be attributed to its strong portfolio of beloved franchises. Key properties like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Mobile Suit Gundam, and Naruto have all played vital roles in elevating the company’s revenue and brand recognition. The success of Dragon Ball alone has been remarkable, generating a staggering 127.6 billion yen, or about $987.6 million. This is a slight increase from the previous year, indicating the franchise’s enduring popularity.
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming release of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero has contributed to Toei’s optimistic forecast for the current fiscal year, projecting 133.5 billion yen in revenue from this intellectual property. In addition to Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Toei Animation has other exciting projects lined up, including One Piece Film Red and Slam Dunk: The Movie. The company forecasts that it will achieve approximately 70 billion yen in sales for the fiscal year 2022-2023, further solidifying its status as a powerhouse in the animation industry.
Shifting gears, the Oscars have announced key dates ahead of the 95th Academy Awards. After the whirlwind of the previous awards season, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in conjunction with ABC, has laid out important timelines leading up to the ceremony scheduled for Sunday, March 12, 2023. The event will be broadcast live on ABC and will be accessible in over 200 territories worldwide from the iconic Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.
Noteworthy dates include the submission deadline for general entry categories, which is set for Tuesday, November 15, 2022. The Governors Awards will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2022, while preliminary voting is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. PT on Monday, December 12, 2022, and conclude at 5 p.m. PT on Thursday, December 15, 2022. The announcement for Oscar shortlists will occur on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, and the eligibility period for films will end on Saturday, December 31, 2022.
Voting for nominations will kick off on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 9 a.m. PT and wrap up on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 5 p.m. PT. The Oscar nominations will be revealed on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, followed by the Oscar Nominees Luncheon on Monday, February 13, 2023. The final voting process is slated to begin on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 9 a.m. PT and will close at 5 p.m. PT on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
In the realm of animation events, Animation Production Days (APD) recently concluded alongside the ITFS and FMX in Stuttgart, where it showcased the top projects on offer this year. This event serves as a curated platform aimed at connecting the German and international animation communities. During pre-arranged one-on-one meetings, producers had the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas for animated feature films, TV series, games, and transmedia projects to a diverse audience, including broadcasters, streamers, investors, distributors, and potential co-production partners.
A panel of German broadcasters, including KIKA, SWR, Super RTL, Walt Disney Germany, WDR, and ZDF, recognized two standout projects from Germany, granting them direct selection to the Cartoon Forum, which is set to take place from September 19 to 22 in Toulouse, France. The first project, titled Dino Fino, is produced by German Film Partners and is based on a popular children’s book series. This charming story follows the adventures of two dinosaur friends, Dino and Ricky, who have contrasting personalities. The second project, Tiger & Bear, produced by Wolkenlenker, is conceptualized as a TV series for young children. It centers around Little Tiger and his best friend Bear, who embark on delightful everyday adventures while living in a lakeside home.
Furthermore, the CARTOON organization announced the recipient of the Cartoon Springboard Award for a Young Author Series. This award provides a direct selection to Cartoon Springboard, scheduled for October 25 to 27 in Madrid, Spain. The winning project, titled Pour une heure et demie (“For an Hour and a Half”), is helmed by Marie Derambure and Paco Moccand. The story offers a unique take on love, set against the backdrop of an unconventional train journey, blending romantic comedy with elements of suspense in a vibrant and colorful universe.
In the world of gaming, DC has released a gameplay walkthrough for the highly anticipated Gotham Knights, an open-world action RPG set in a richly interactive version of Gotham City. This preview was presented by Geoff Ellenor, the director at Warner Bros. Games Montreal, featuring characters Nightwing and Red Hood as they join forces to safeguard their beloved city. The captivating visuals and engaging gameplay mechanics have fans eagerly awaiting the game’s release, promising an immersive experience for both new players and long-time fans of the franchise.
As the animation and entertainment industries continue to evolve, these developments highlight the creativity and innovation that define contemporary storytelling across various platforms. Whether it’s through animated series, blockbuster films, or groundbreaking video games, the future looks bright for creators and audiences alike.
