Netflix reveals first look at new Nicole Kidman movie

Netflix has revealed a first look ahead of Spellbound, a new movie starring Rachel Zegler and Nicole Kidman. The highly anticipated animation follows the story of Princess Ellian, portrayed by Zegler, who attempts to liberate the mystical kingdom of Lumbria following a pernicious curse. 

The movie is set to arrive on the platform on November 22nd. While we are still yet to see a trailer, Netflix has unveiled the first images from the animation, displaying Princess Ellian and some of her friends, including a pair of monks and a small pet on her shoulder. The shots can be seen in the X post below. 

The official synopsis on the platform reads: “Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, and Tituss Burgess star in Spellbound, a magical new film directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek) with an original score from EGOT-winning composer Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled). #NextOnNetflix”. 

Spellbound is directed by Vicky Jenson, and it follows a screenplay by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin, and Julia Miranda. Alongside Zegler and Kidman, the cast also includes Javier Bardem, Tituss Burgess, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis and Nathan Lane. 

Skydance Animation helmed the animation, which was produced by an esteemed team that included John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Bruce Anderson, and Linda Woolverton. 

When it first surfaced in 2017, the project was initially titled Split. It was one of the first animations planned under the new Skydance banner, with Paramount scheduling distribution for 2019. However, a series of setbacks, including Covid-19 difficulties, slowed the project down significantly. Much of the production was conducted remotely during the Covid-19 lockdowns. 

Additionally, Spellbound was initially slated for an arrival on Apple TV+ following its acquisition in December 2022. However, following a back-and-forth, Netflix took over the rights in October 2023. 

Netflix’s new deal with Skydance Animations means that it will also release the studio’s next project, Pookoo. The movie, set to arrive in 2025, follows the story of a friendship between a woodland creature and a mysterious bird. It is directed by Nathan Greno, famed for his work on Tangled and Tangled Ever After.