With Cars 2 due out in cinemas at the end of the month, the Disney/Pixar machine is in top-flight marketing mode for the sequel to 2006 animated film. So it was with some surprise that the glimpse of the next original animation, the Scottish-themed Brave, due out in June 2012.
Total Film has posted this image of Merida (voiced by Kelly MacDonald), the flame-haired archer who inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Wise Woman (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.
(Click to enlarge)
It’s interesting to compare this with the original sketch art that came out a few months ago. More CG, not doubt, but it seems to be very close to the original vision, much as Tangled resembled its painted origins. There are higher-res versions of these as well, and all you have to do is click on them.
Here’s some the official press stuff:
Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In “Brave,” a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts.
Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane).
Directed by Mark Andrews (“The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “John Carter of Mars”) and Brenda Chapman (“The Lion King,” “Prince of Egypt”), and produced by Katherine Sarafian (“Lifted,” “The Incredibles”), “Brave” is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and the signature Pixar humor enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The film takes aim at theaters on June 2012, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.
Brave will be released in cinemas on 22 June 2012 from Disney. The Australian release date is yet to be confirmed.
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