Robert Rodriguez will return to the kids and family space in Paramount Animation’s original Christmas movie, Variety exclusively reports. The deal marks the first major development title for the label’s new leader, Jennifer Dodge.
“The Naughty List” is written, directed and produced by Rodriguez. The film is based on a concept Rodriguez has been developing for more than a decade: drawings and stories he creates with and for children. Paramount sources added that the film will combine a holiday theme with a modern, next-gen approach.
Rodriguez found great success in the youth demo, directing Spy Kids, which spawned the series, a departure from films to his credit such as Alita: Battle Angel and genre classic From Dusk Till Dawn.
Rodriguez confirmed the news on social media on Monday, sharing the lore behind some of the characters. This includes the cover of his own screenplay of young children climbing a giant snowman.
“Just a little bit of trivia. Back in the day, before I became a director, I was a cartoonist, so I’m so excited to share that I’ve returned to one of my first loves, drawing and animation, to direct my first animated feature for Paramount Animation!” He writes of the project as “a funny, irreverent, and surprising Christmas story that the whole family will enjoy.”
The production schedule was not immediately disclosed. Dodge joined David Ellison’s new Paramount administration in January. She reports to Paramount Pictures co-chairmen Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein and oversees all operations of the animation group from development to release. Mr. Dodge previously served as president of Spin Master Entertainment and Consumer Products, overseeing film and television development, production and worldwide distribution for the toy company best known for “Paw Patrol.”
