It’s Official – ‘Big Hero 6’ Is Next Up for Disney

Well, so much for more Internet rumors or waiting for August’s D23 Expo – Walt Disney Animation Studios announced today that its next film after Frozen will be Big Hero 6, an action comedy adventure based on a Marvel comics series of the same name. The CG-animated film is scheduled to open November 7, 2014. The film will be directed by Don Hall, co-director of 2011’s animated feature Winnie the Pooh.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ official YouTube channel posted this first video footage of the film along with this synopsis:

“From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes Big Hero 6, an action comedy adventure about brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city. Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name, and featuring comic-book style action and all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, the CG-animated Big Hero 6 hits theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014.”

For Hall, the movie itself  is a mash-up of two passions — animation and comic books.

“It’s basically geek wish fulfillment…”

“I was looking for something on the obscure side, something that would mesh well with what we do,” Hall said. “The idea of a kid and a robot story with a strong brother element, it’s very Disney.”

“Marvel properties take place in the real world,” Hall said. “We were looking for something to do where we could make our own world — bring in the Japanese influences,  have recognizable landmarks mashed up with a Japanese aesthetic.”

Today’s Los Angeles Times also published a big article about the upcoming film, along with a current snapshot about how things are going for the storied studio. The article also includes some new art from both Frozen and Big Hero 6 along with more details about the production of both films. Check it out and let us know what you think.