It’s high time for DreamWorks Animation to breathe new life into the ‘Rise of the Guardians’ franchise, which brought an unlikely superhero team of holiday figures to the big screen. After the success of The Avengers showcased the appeal of the superhero team-up formula, DreamWorks Animation took a unique approach by assembling a cast of mythical holiday characters in ‘Rise of the Guardians,’ released in late 2012. The film, an adaptation of William Joyce’s book series ‘The Guardians of Childhood,’ introduced a superhero council consisting of Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and Sandman, voiced by notable actors Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher, Hugh Jackman, and featuring Chris Pine as Jack Frost. The narrative unfolds as Jack Frost, a free-spirited and invisible character, joins the council and undergoes a journey to prove himself as a true guardian.
While director Peter Ramsey’s innovative twist on familiar characters offered a fresh and immersive experience, ‘Rise of the Guardians’ faced challenges at the box office, becoming DreamWorks Animation’s worst-performing film at the time. However, the reasons for its lack of success remain uncertain, leaving room for speculation that the film may have been ahead of its time. With 11 years having passed since its release, there’s a compelling case for resurrecting the franchise, considering its established mythos, potential for expanding the lineup of classic figures, and the relevance of its generational clash theme.
One key aspect that makes ‘Rise of the Guardians’ ripe for revival is its rich mythos. The film introduces audiences to the backstories of iconic holiday figures such as Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny. Yet, it primarily focuses on Jack Frost’s origin story, offering a glimpse into the elaborate worlds and supporting characters associated with each guardian. This intricate world-building provides a foundation for storytelling that can be explored in various media, akin to successful franchises like ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ and ‘The Croods.’
The potential avenues for exploration within the ‘Rise of the Guardians’ universe are diverse. From delving into Sandman’s dream-weaving for new generations to exploring the challenges faced by the fairy army in managing an influx of teeth, or even an Easter Island adventure leading the Easter Bunny on a quest for a new home—the possibilities are endless. With just one film, ‘Rise of the Guardians’ laid the groundwork for a mythology that can serve as a springboard for new and captivating stories.
Moreover, the film’s unique spin on holiday figures as action heroes with distinct personalities and voices opens the door to expanding the lineup. ‘Rise of the Guardians’ seamlessly weaved each guardian’s lore into the narrative, offering a distinctive voice to each character. The franchise could potentially introduce other holiday classics like Cupid, Father Time, leprechauns, or even a kid-friendly jack-o’-lantern to join the team in their fight to preserve childhood beliefs and the world’s hope.
Additionally, the generational clash depicted in ‘Rise of the Guardians’ holds more relevance than ever. Jack Frost, embodying a free spirit frozen in eternal adolescence, serves as a bridge between the guardians and the sensibilities of the younger generation. This clash mirrors the contemporary generational gap seen between millennials and Generation Z, offering an opportunity for the franchise to explore and bridge this disconnect in a deeper and more relevant way.
In conclusion, ‘Rise of the Guardians’ is more than just a holiday-themed animated film; it’s a unique experience that resonates with both children and adults. Whether one is a staunch believer in traditions or views holidays as a corporate venture, the film’s characters tell a different kind of story that bridges these perspectives. With its potential for new and original creations beyond the adapted books, ‘Rise of the Guardians’ stands as a prime candidate for revival. As DreamWorks Animation charts its course for the future, rekindling the magic of these unlikely heroes becomes crucial to preserving children’s beliefs in the present day.
For those interested, ‘Rise of the Guardians’ is available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
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