RedRover has tapped prolific Korean filmmaker Lee Seokhoon to write and direct “Rainmakers,” marking the animation studio’s first foray into K-pop-driven storytelling.
The South Korean-based company is announcing the project at AFM, along with “The Nut Job 3” and the sci-fi racing film “MegaRacer,” which is currently in post-production. The “Nut Job” series has grossed more than $200 million worldwide in two installments.
Lee’s “Rainmakers” centers on unlikely allies: an orphan and a princess who join forces with outcasts to defeat a corporate threat to the world. Music plays a central role in the story, with K-pop aesthetics and energy woven throughout the film’s narrative and visual design. Planet Nero serves as the backdrop for the action-adventure, which includes original songs by unknown K-pop producers.
“As Korean culture, and in particular K-pop, continues to grow and gain worldwide acclaim, we are excited to bring to life a bold music-driven animated production under Lee Seok-hoon’s visionary direction,” said Amy Shi, Strategic Executive and Producer at Red Rover. “With RedRover’s deep understanding of children’s and family entertainment around the world, ‘Rainmakers’ combines the dynamic energy of K-pop with cinematic storytelling to create a vibrant new world that we can’t wait to share with audiences around the world.”
Director Lee is one of South Korea’s highest-paid directors, with credits spanning multiple genres. His action sequel “Confidential Assignment 2: International” became the third-biggest Korean film of 2022, while “Himalayas” remained at the top of the local box office for three weeks. He also directed the historical adventure The Pirates and the romantic comedy Dancing Queen.
“This is a great opportunity to collaborate with one of Korea’s leading animation studios,” said Lee. “Animation has always fascinated me. Animation allows you to create entire worlds beyond what is possible in live-action. With RedRover, a studio that truly understands the stories of global families, I am confident we can deliver world-class work that connects with audiences around the world.”
The third installment of the Nut Job series introduces series regulars and new characters as Surly’s daughter Hazel goes on a journey that tests the bond between father and daughter, while her nemesis Raccoon seeks revenge.
“MegaRacer” takes place during a rare celestial event that occurs once every eight years, in which competitive racers travel through time and space in search of glory and mystical powers.
RedRover was founded in 2004 as a 3D stereoscopic technology company before transitioning into animation production. The studio’s credits include “Spark,” starring Jessica Biel, Hilary Swank, Susan Sarandon and Patrick Stewart, as well as the series “Bolt and Blip” and “Bubble Bubble Marine.”
