It’s not opening in theatres for another 12 months, but that doesn’t mean we can’t revel in the beauty of the wonderful Peanuts teaser trailer that has just been released. As the first theatrical Peanuts movie in 35 years, this glorious return to the world of Charlie Brown and Snoopy is sure to stir all kinds of feelings in those that recall the TV specials, while creating a whole generation of new fans.
Created by Charles M Schulz, Peanuts was originally a syndicated comic strip which ran from 1950 until 2000, when Schulz had prepared to retire due to ill health, but sadly passed away. At the height of its popularity – though, thanks to continued re-prints, it has never really waned – the strip was printed in more than 2,600 newspapers with a collective readership of 355 million.
The story centred around Charlie Brown – a nervous boy, lacking in self-confidence, and having little experience of anything. He’d never even kicked a football. Encompassed in the brilliantly drawn tales were his friends – Franklin, Lucy, Linus, Sally and Peppermint Patty, in addition to a beagle named Snoopy, and a tiny yellow bird named Woodstock.
The official synopsis of the movie is as follows:
“In Peanuts, a 3D, CGI animated comedic adventure, Snoopy, the world’s most loveable beagle – and flying ace! – embarks upon his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis, while his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own quest back home.”
Often, when a classic character or property is suddenly snapped up for cinematic modernization, the results are distinctly cringe-inducing. That certainly does not seem to be the case here. On the contrary, this seems to be a faithful and beautiful rendition of a group of characters that are dear to the hearts of millions. While we have yet to see the whole finished product, this teaser trailer is clear demonstration that the filmmakers have captured the real essence of Peanuts – almost certainly due to the fact that it is written by Charles M. Schulz’s son, Craig, and his grandson, Bryan, with short film writer Cornelius Uliano also on board. Additionally, filmmaker Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, The Heat) is in the producer’s chair.
Peanuts is directed by Steve Martino (Horton Hears A Who!) and uses archive recordings of Bill Melendez, who provided the original voice of Snoopy and Woodstock. If that isn’t reassuring enough, just listen to those familiar and comforting piano tones laid over the footage. While fans of the franchise might think, “Good grief!” at the insertion of a generic pop song through the middle of the teaser, I would suggest looking past that marketing ploy and watching the incredible recreation of Charles M. Schulz’s own animation style on the faces of these beloved characters.
Peanuts will be released on November 6th 2015.
