Apple has dropped the official teaser trailer.for its debut animated feature, Wolf Walkers. The Irish folktale from animation studio Cartoon Saloon premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival and will stream worldwide on Apple TV+ in the fall following its domestic theatrical run from GKids.
According to Cartoon Saloon, Wolf Walkers’ follows Robyn Goodfellowe, a young apprentice hunter who journeys to Ireland with her father in a time of superstition and magic to wipe out the last wolf pack. While exploring the forbidden lands outside the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. As they search for Mebh’s missing mother, Robyn uncovers a secret that draws her further into the enchanted world of the Wolf Walkers and risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy.
The movie is directed by two-time Oscar-nominated director Tomm Moore (Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells) and Ross Stewart (The Secret of Kells). They based it on themes that have inspired them since they were teens growing up in Kilkenny. They worked with Irish animator and director Eimhinn McNamara to create a style and palette that would show the viewers how the world looks through the eyes of wolves.
In a statement by TIFF, “The final installment in directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart’s ‘Irish folklore trilogy’ is a stunning testament to their singular animation style and storytelling skills. With visual references to pre-Celtic imagery and Studio Ghibli alike — and some catchy songs — Wolfwalkers is an instant classic for all ages.”
Cartoon Saloon has also produced The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, and The Breadwinner, all of which received Oscar nominations. Cartoon Saloon is the production company alongwith Melusine Productions. The film is produced by Paul Young, Nora Twomey, Tomm Moore and Stéphan Roelants. The screenplay is written by Will Collins, while the cast includes Honor Kneafsey, Eva Whitaker, Sean Bean, Simon McBurney, Tommy Tiernan, Jon Kenny, John Morton, and Maria Doyle Kennedy.
