The ‘stuff it yourself’ teddy bear toy company is teaming with Foundation Media Partners on its first animated Christmas feature, complete with an all-star cast, based on the real-life Holiday plush collection star Glisten the snow deer.
Build-A-Bear Entertainment and Foundation Media Partners have joined forces to produce the Build-A-Bear subsidiary’s first animated Christmas feature, based on its real-life Holiday plush collection star Glisten the snow deer.
The film, Glisten and the Merry Mission, follows the young elfling Marzipan and her mother Cinnameg on an adventure to rediscover the enchanted snow deer named Glisten and save Christmas. Marzipan must believe in the magic of the season with help from a colorful cadre of reindeer and elves.
According to Variety, the holly jolly film will be led by an all-star cast, including Julia Michaels (A Star Is Born) as Cinnameg, Dionne Warwick as Sage Evergreen, and Trinity Jo-Li Bliss (Avatar: The Way of Water) as Marzipan. Additional voice cast includes Chevy Chase as Santa; Freddie Prinze Jr as Crumble Starsnaps; Morgan Simianer as Estrellastar; Tim Johnson Jr. as Egard; Michael Rappaport as Grizz; Billy Ray Cyrus as the reindeer Donner; and Reginald VelJohnson as Snowy Owl.
“We are truly excited about this incredible opportunity to bring our beloved Glisten snow deer character to life in this beautifully animated interpretation of the Merry Mission story, especially with this dream cast,” said Build-A-Bear President and CEO Sharon Price John in a statement. “The journey of Santa and the reindeer along with our adorable emboldened elfling Marzipan, who finds a way to assure all of the kids receive a toy made with heart on Christmas eve, is sure to delight holiday fans.”
Glisten is co-penned by Temple Mathews (Mariah’s Once Upon a Christmas) and John, based upon an original story by John. Foundation Media Partners and CEO Patrick Hughes will produce, with John executive producing. Big Jump Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer Cory Morrison will direct, with the studio providing art direction, design, and animation. The voice cast will be directed by Michael Mariano and Traci Burwitz.
A release date for the film has not been announced, but all signs point to the holiday season 2023/2024.
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