What is the primary genre of the 2020 animated film 'Onward'?

The 2020 animated film 'Onward' is primarily categorized as an American animated urban fantasy adventure film. This means it blends elements of fantasy, such as mythical creatures and magic, with a contemporary, urban setting, and follows a narrative focused on a journey or quest.

Which animation studio produced 'Onward', and under which label was it distributed?

Pixar Animation Studios produced 'Onward'. The film was distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, under the Walt Disney Pictures banner.

Who directed and produced the film 'Onward'?

Dan Scanlon directed 'Onward', and Kori Rae served as the producer.

Who wrote the screenplay and story for 'Onward'?

The screenplay for 'Onward' was written by Dan Scanlon, Jason Headley, and Keith Bunin. The story was also credited to Dan Scanlon, Keith Bunin, and Jason Headley.

Which prominent actors lent their voices to the main characters in 'Onward'?

The main voice cast of 'Onward' included Tom Holland as Ian Lightfoot, Chris Pratt as Barley Lightfoot, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Laurel Lightfoot, and Octavia Spencer as The Manticore, known as Corey.

What is the central premise of the plot in 'Onward'?

The film is set in a suburban fantasy world and follows two elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot. They embark on a quest to find a magical artifact that will allow them to spend one day with their deceased father, Wilden, who died before Ian was born.

What personal experience inspired Dan Scanlon to create 'Onward'?

Dan Scanlon was inspired to create 'Onward' by the death of his own father, who passed away when Scanlon and his older brother were very young. The film explores themes of brotherhood and loss, stemming from Scanlon's personal experience of growing up without his father and his relationship with his brother.

How did the discovery of an old cassette tape influence the development of 'Onward'?

After seeing home videos of his father without audio, Dan Scanlon was inspired to write the story when a family member found an old cassette tape containing his father's voice. Hearing just two words, 'Hii' and 'Goodbye', at the end of the tape, Scanlon described this moment as 'magical' and it became a pivotal point in shaping the film's narrative about reconnecting with a lost parent.

When was 'Onward' first announced, and when was its title and main cast revealed?

'Onward' was announced in July 2017 at the D23 Expo by then-studio head John Lasseter. The film's title and main voice cast, including Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Octavia Spencer, were revealed on December 12, 2018.

What was the approximate budget for the production of 'Onward'?

The development and production of 'Onward' spanned six years, with an approximate budget ranging between $175 million and $200 million.

How did the animation team approach designing the magic in 'Onward'?

The animators studied various animated films featuring magic, such as 'Fantasia', 'Aladdin', and 'Hercules', to develop a unique visual style for the magic in 'Onward'. They aimed to make the magic abstract yet personified, ensuring it fit within the film's suburban setting by balancing hand-drawn elements with computer-generated effects.

Who composed the musical score for 'Onward', and who contributed an original song?

The film's musical score was composed by Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna. Brandi Carlile, along with Phil and Tim Hanseroth, contributed the original song 'Carried Me With You' for the film.

What was the theatrical release date for 'Onward' in the United States?

The film 'Onward' was theatrically released in the United States on March 6, 2020.

What short film was shown before 'Onward' during its theatrical run?

The short film 'Playdate with Destiny', which centers on Maggie Simpson from 'The Simpsons', was shown before 'Onward' during its theatrical release.

Why was 'Onward' banned in certain Arab countries like Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia?

'Onward' was banned in several Arab countries due to a brief scene featuring a cyclops police officer named Specter, voiced by Lena Waithe. Specter briefly mentions her 'girlfriend's daughter,' indicating she is a lesbian, which conflicted with the laws criminalizing homosexual acts in those predominantly Muslim nations.

How were the references to Specter's sexuality altered in international dubs of 'Onward'?

In the Arabic dub, Specter's line was changed to refer to 'my sister's daughter' instead of 'my girlfriend's daughter'. Similarly, the Russian dub altered the line to 'my partner's daughter' to comply with the country's laws regarding LGBT content for minors, and Specter was also referred to using gender-neutral pronouns.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the theatrical performance of 'Onward'?

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted 'Onward's box office performance. The widespread closure of theaters began shortly after the film's release, drastically reducing attendance and contributing to its underperformance against its budget.

When was 'Onward' made available digitally and on Disney+?

'Onward' was released digitally on March 20, 2020, and became available on Disney+ on April 3, 2020. This early digital release was a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of movie theaters.

What was the worldwide box office gross for 'Onward'?

'Onward' grossed a total of $141.9 million worldwide against its production budget of $175–200 million, indicating it underperformed at the box office.

How did 'Onward' perform during its opening weekend in the United States and Canada?

In its opening weekend in the United States and Canada, 'Onward' debuted to $39.1 million, topping the box office. However, this was noted as the third-lowest opening weekend for a Pixar film.

What was the critical consensus for 'Onward' according to Rotten Tomatoes?

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the critical consensus for 'Onward' was that while it might not reach the heights of Pixar's classics, it effectively uses the studio's formula and stands on its own as a funny, heartwarming, and dazzlingly animated adventure.

What was the average audience score for 'Onward' from CinemaScore?

Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave 'Onward' an average grade of 'A-' on their A+ to F scale, indicating a generally positive reception from moviegoers.

Which specific countries saw 'Onward' banned due to its depiction of an LGBTQ+ character?

The film 'Onward' was banned in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia due to the brief mention of a lesbian character, Specter.

What was the reason for the lawsuit filed against Disney and Pixar concerning the 'Vanicorn' in 'Onward'?

A lawsuit was filed by tattoo artist Sweet Cicely Daniher, who claimed that Pixar copied the design of her unicorn-themed van, the 'Vanicorn', for the van used by Ian and Barley Lightfoot in 'Onward'. She alleged copyright infringement and violations of artists' rights acts.

What was the outcome of the lawsuit filed by Sweet Cicely Daniher against Pixar?

The copyright lawsuit was dismissed because Daniher's copyright on the design was cancelled, as it was based on a pre-existing work and she had hired someone else to paint the mural. Her subsequent lawsuit for breach of contract was also denied.

What awards did the music composers Mychael and Jeff Danna receive for 'Onward'?

Mychael and Jeff Danna won the award for Film Music at the BMI Film & TV Awards for their score in 'Onward'.

For which category was 'Onward' nominated at the 93rd Academy Awards?

'Onward' was nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Which actor received a nomination for Best Voice Actor in an Animated Movie at the Critics' Choice Super Awards for their work in 'Onward'?

Both Tom Holland and Chris Pratt were nominated for Best Voice Actor in an Animated Movie at the Critics' Choice Super Awards for their roles as Ian and Barley Lightfoot, respectively, in 'Onward'.

What was the primary reason cited for 'Onward's box office underperformance?

The primary reason cited for 'Onward's box office underperformance was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to widespread theater closures and reduced audience attendance shortly after the film's release.

What was the significance of 'Onward' in relation to Pixar's theatrical releases in the early 2020s?

'Onward' was the last Pixar film to be released in theaters worldwide until 'Lightyear' in June 2022, due to the pandemic shifting release strategies.

What specific detail about the character Specter led to censorship or bans in some countries?

The character Specter, a cyclops police officer voiced by Lena Waithe, briefly indicates she is a lesbian by mentioning her 'girlfriend's daughter,' which led to censorship or bans in several countries.

How did the film's animation style for magic differ from typical fantasy films?

The animation team studied films like 'Fantasia', 'Aladdin', and 'Hercules' to create a unique visual style for magic in 'Onward', aiming for something abstract yet personified that would fit the suburban setting, blending hand-drawn and CGI techniques.

What was the inspiration behind the specific dialogue 'Hii' and 'Goodbye' related to Ian and Barley's father?

The dialogue 'Hii' and 'Goodbye' was inspired by an actual audio cassette found by the filmmakers that contained the last recorded words of Dan Scanlon's father. This personal touch added emotional depth to the film's exploration of father-son relationships.

Which award did 'Onward' win at the Saturn Awards?

'Onward' won the Saturn Award for Best Animated Film.

What was the purpose of the 'Onward Event' in the video game 'Disney Magic Kingdoms'?

The 'Onward Event' in 'Disney Magic Kingdoms' was a limited-time promotion to coincide with the film's release, featuring characters and attractions from the movie within the game's storyline.

What was the reasoning behind omitting the goat girl character from a deleted scene in 'Onward'?

The goat girl character was omitted from the final film because the filmmakers wanted to keep the focus primarily on the relationship between the two elf brothers, Ian and Barley.

What was the critical reception of 'Onward' on Metacritic?

On Metacritic, 'Onward' received a weighted average score of 61 out of 100, based on 56 critics, which indicates generally favorable reviews.

What specific detail about the film's release made it the last Pixar film in theaters worldwide for a significant period?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on global cinema, 'Onward' became the last Pixar film released in theaters worldwide until 'Lightyear' in June 2022.

What was the outcome of the second lawsuit filed by Sweet Cicely Daniher against Pixar?

After the initial copyright lawsuit was dismissed, Daniher attempted to sue Pixar for breach of the Lease Contract related to the 'Vanicorn'. This second lawsuit was also denied in May 2022.

Which actors voiced the two main elf brothers in 'Onward'?

Tom Holland voiced Ian Lightfoot, and Chris Pratt voiced Barley Lightfoot, the two elf brothers central to the film's story.

What was the main objective of Ian and Barley Lightfoot's quest?

The main objective of Ian and Barley Lightfoot's quest was to find a magical artifact, specifically a Phoenix gem, to cast a spell that would resurrect their deceased father, Wilden, for twenty-four hours.

What role did the Manticore's Tavern play in the brothers' quest?

The Manticore's Tavern was a location the brothers visited to find a map to the gem. It was formerly a gathering place for adventurers but had become a family restaurant run by the Manticore, Corey.

How did the film's release strategy change due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Due to the pandemic, Disney accelerated the digital and Disney+ release of 'Onward', making it available much sooner than the typical theatrical window would allow, to reach audiences while theaters were closed.

What specific type of creature is Officer Colt Bronco, and what is his relationship to the Lightfoot family?

Officer Colt Bronco is a centaur and serves as Laurel Lightfoot's boyfriend. He is the stepfather figure to Ian and Barley Lightfoot.

What event marked the end of magic in the film's world?

According to the film's lore, magic became obsolete and eventually fell out of use as technology progressed over the centuries.

What was the significance of the 'visitation spell' in the plot?

The visitation spell was a magical ritual created by the brothers' father, Wilden, intended to resurrect him for one day. Ian attempts to cast it, but it's incomplete, setting the brothers on their quest.

What was the name of Barley Lightfoot's beloved van, which played a role in the quest?

Barley Lightfoot's beloved van, used for the quest, was named 'Guinevere'.

What challenge did the brothers face in the cave leading to Raven's Point?

While navigating the cave system, which was marked by raven statues, the brothers encountered and had to evade a series of increasingly dangerous traps.

What personal revelation did Barley share with Ian during their quest?

While in the mountains, Barley confessed to Ian that he was too afraid to say goodbye to their father, Wilden, on his deathbed.

Onward Film Wiki: Onward: A Journey Through Mythic Modernity

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The Narrative Unfolds

A World of Magic and Modernity

Set in a suburban fantasy realm, Onward introduces Ian and Barley Lightfoot, two elf brothers. Their father, Wilden, passed away before Ian's birth. On Ian's sixteenth birthday, they receive a magical gift from their father: a staff, a Phoenix gem, and a resurrection spell meant to bring him back for a single day. However, the spell is incomplete, only partially resurrecting Wilden.

The Quest for a Gem

Driven by the desire to spend time with their father, Ian and Barley embark on a perilous quest to find another Phoenix gem. Their journey takes them through treacherous landscapes and encounters with mythical creatures, all while trying to keep their resurrected father hidden and evade the authorities.

Brotherhood and Closure

As the quest progresses, the brothers face numerous challenges that test their bond. They must overcome obstacles, confront their fears, and learn the true meaning of family and brotherhood. The film culminates in a climactic confrontation that allows the brothers to find closure and appreciate each other's presence.

The Voices Behind the Characters

Principal Cast

The film features a stellar voice cast that brings its unique characters to life:

Tom Holland as Ian Lightfoot
Chris Pratt as Barley Lightfoot
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Laurel Lightfoot
Octavia Spencer as \"Corey\" The Manticore
Kyle Bornheimer as Wilden Lightfoot
Mel Rodriguez as Colt Bronco
Lena Waithe as Specter
Ali Wong as Gore

Supporting Voices

Further enriching the world of Onward:

Grey Griffin as Dewdrop
Tracey Ullman as Grecklin
Wilmer Valderrama as Gaxton
John Ratzenberger as Fennwick

This ensemble cast contributes significantly to the film's emotional depth and comedic timing.

Crafting the Cinematic Experience

Development and Inspiration

Director Dan Scanlon drew inspiration from his own childhood experiences following the early death of his father. The concept evolved from a personal story about his relationship with his brother into a broader narrative about family, loss, and rediscovery. The film's development spanned six years, allowing for meticulous world-building and character development.

Animation and Visual Style

The animation team aimed to create a unique visual style for the film's magic, blending hand-drawn elements with CGI to achieve a distinctive look that complemented the suburban fantasy setting. They studied various animated films to refine the depiction of spells and magical effects, ensuring they felt both abstract and personified.

Legal Considerations

A notable aspect of the film's production involved a copyright lawsuit filed by a tattoo artist regarding the design of the \"Vanicorn,\" the brothers' iconic van. The case highlighted the complexities of intellectual property in creative works, ultimately being dismissed due to copyright issues with the original artwork.

The Art of Animation

Conjuring Magic

The visual effects team focused on making the magic feel tangible yet ethereal. They developed spells by first sketching them in 2D, then translating these concepts into 3D computer-generated effects. The goal was to integrate the magic seamlessly into the film's world, ensuring it resonated with the characters' emotional journey.

Character Animation

The animation of the characters, particularly Ian's growth in confidence and Barley's energetic personality, was crucial. The team worked to convey subtle emotional nuances through character performance, ensuring that even non-human characters like the Manticore and centaur officers felt relatable and expressive.

The Score and Sound

Compositions

The film's musical score was composed by Mychael and Jeff Danna, who previously collaborated with Pixar on The Good Dinosaur. Their work aims to enhance the film's blend of adventure, fantasy, and emotional resonance, underscoring both the grand quest and the intimate moments between the brothers.

Original Song

Brandi Carlile contributed the original song \"Carried Me With You\" to the film's soundtrack. Co-written with Phil and Tim Hanseroth, the song captures the film's themes of love, loss, and enduring connection, serving as a poignant addition to the narrative's emotional core.

Promotional Efforts

Digital Tie-ins

To promote the film's release, the mobile game Disney Magic Kingdoms featured a limited-time event. This event introduced characters from Onward, including Ian, Barley, and their father, into the game's storyline, offering players a new interactive experience related to the movie's universe.

Cinematic Debut and Distribution

Global Premiere

Onward premiered at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival on February 21, 2020. It received a wide theatrical release in the United States on March 6, 2020. The film was also accompanied by the short film Playdate with Destiny, featuring Maggie Simpson.

Digital and Home Media

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the film's theatrical run was cut short. Disney strategically released Onward early on digital platforms and Disney+ starting March 20, 2020, and April 3, 2020, respectively. It later became available on DVD, Blu-ray, and Ultra HD Blu-ray on May 19, 2020.

Censorship and Bans

The film faced bans and censorship in several Middle Eastern countries, as well as modifications in its Russian dub, due to a brief scene featuring an openly lesbian character. This decision reflected differing cultural and legal standards regarding LGBTQ+ representation.

Critical and Commercial Reception

Critical Acclaim

Onward garnered generally positive reviews from critics. Praise was directed towards its heartfelt story, character development, animation quality, and emotional depth. Reviewers often noted its resonance with themes of brotherhood and overcoming adversity, though some felt it didn't quite reach the heights of Pixar's most iconic films.

Box Office Performance

The film's box office performance was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to widespread theater closures shortly after its release. It grossed $61.6 million in the U.S. and Canada and $80.4 million internationally, for a worldwide total of $142 million against a production budget of $175–200 million, marking it as a box office underperformance.

Accolades

Despite its commercial challenges, Onward received several accolades. It was nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the 78th Golden Globe Awards and the 93rd Academy Awards. It also garnered nominations at the Annie Awards, BAFTA Awards, and other critics' circles, recognizing its artistic and technical achievements.

Legal Disputes

Copyright Infringement Claim

A lawsuit was filed by a tattoo artist alleging that Pixar copied the design of her \"Vanicorn\" van for the film's depiction of the Lightfoot brothers' vehicle. The suit claimed violations of copyright and related acts. However, the case was dismissed after the artist's copyright registration was canceled, finding the design was based on pre-existing work and not solely her creation.

Notes and References

Source Information

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References

'Onward' Director Breaks Down How Pixar Makes Movies & Debuts New Footage at CCXP - Collider

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This page has been generated by an AI and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the film Onward. It is not a substitute for official film analysis or critical reviews.

This is not official film commentary or marketing material. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source, interpretations and stylistic choices have been made to align with the persona and target audience. Always refer to official sources for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Onward: A Journey Through Mythic Modernity

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Narrative Unfolds 📖

✨ A World of Magic and Modernity

🗺️ The Quest for a Gem

❤️ Brotherhood and Closure

The Voices Behind the Characters 🗣️

🎤 Principal Cast

⭐ Supporting Voices

Crafting the Cinematic Experience 🛠️

💡 Development and Inspiration

🎬 Animation and Visual Style

⚖️ Legal Considerations

The Art of Animation 🎨

✨ Conjuring Magic

🎭 Character Animation

The Score and Sound 🎵

🎶 Compositions

🎤 Original Song

Promotional Efforts 📢

🎮 Digital Tie-ins

Cinematic Debut and Distribution 🚀

🌍 Global Premiere

💻 Digital and Home Media

🚫 Censorship and Bans

Critical and Commercial Reception 📊

⭐ Critical Acclaim

💰 Box Office Performance

🏆 Accolades

Legal Disputes ⚖️

📜 Copyright Infringement Claim

Notes and References 📌

📚 Source Information

Test Your Knowledge ❓

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Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Narrative Unfolds

A World of Magic and Modernity

The Quest for a Gem

Brotherhood and Closure

The Voices Behind the Characters

Principal Cast

Supporting Voices

Crafting the Cinematic Experience

Development and Inspiration

Animation and Visual Style

Legal Considerations

The Art of Animation

Conjuring Magic

Character Animation

The Score and Sound

Compositions

Original Song

Promotional Efforts

Digital Tie-ins

Cinematic Debut and Distribution

Global Premiere

Digital and Home Media

Censorship and Bans

Critical and Commercial Reception

Critical Acclaim

Box Office Performance

Accolades

Legal Disputes

Copyright Infringement Claim

Notes and References

Source Information

Test Your Knowledge

Interactive Quiz

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Considerations

Disclaimer