RedRover has tapped prolific Korean filmmaker Lee Seok-hoon to write and direct “Rainmakers,” marking the animation studio’s first foray into K-pop-driven storytelling.
The Korea-based company is presenting the project at AFM along with “The Nut Job 3” and “MegaRacer,” a sci-fi racing pic currently in post-production. The “Nut Job” franchise has earned more than $200 million globally across two installments.
Lee’s “Rainmakers” centers on unlikely allies — an orphan and a princess — who join forces with outcasts to take down a corporate threat to their world. Music plays a central role in the story, with K-pop’s aesthetic and energy woven throughout the film’s narrative and visual design. Planet Nero serves as the backdrop for the action-adventure, which will include original songs from an unnamed K-pop producer.
“As Korean culture, and K-pop in particular, continues to grow and be celebrated globally, we are thrilled to bring a bold, music-driven animated feature to life under the visionary direction of Lee Seok-hoon,” said Amy Shi, strategy executive and producer at RedRover. “With RedRover’s deep understanding of global kids and family entertainment, ‘Rainmakers’ combines the dynamic energy of K-pop with cinematic storytelling to create a vibrant new world we can’t wait to share with audiences everywhere.”
Lee ranks among South Korea’s top-earning directors, with credits spanning multiple genres. His action sequel “Confidential Assignment 2: International” was Korea’s third-biggest film of 2022, while “The Himalayas” led the local box office for three weeks. He’s also helmed period adventure “The Pirates” and romantic comedy “Dancing Queen.”
“This is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with one of Korea’s leading animation studios,” Lee said. “Animation has always fascinated me — it allows you to create entire worlds beyond what’s possible in live action. With RedRover, a studio that truly understands global family storytelling, I’m confident we’ll deliver a world-class production that connects with audiences everywhere.”
The third “Nut Job” film will feature franchise regulars alongside new characters, following Surly’s daughter Hazel on a journey that tests the father-daughter bond while old nemesis Raccoon seeks payback.
“MegaRacer” takes place during a rare celestial event that occurs once every eight years, when competing racers travel through time and space chasing glory and mysterious powers.
RedRover launched in 2004 as a 3D stereoscopic tech company before transitioning to animation production. The studio’s credits include “Spark,” which featured Jessica Biel, Hilary Swank, Susan Sarandon and Patrick Stewart, plus series “Bolts & Blip” and “Bubble Bubble Marin.”
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