Apple Sets Studio’s First Original ‘Peanuts’ Feature Film

Justin Kroll
·4 min read
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Looking to build out on its impressive film slate on a piece of IP they are all too familiar with, Apple said it is developing a new, untitled Peanuts feature film from WildBrain and Peanuts Worldwide.

Slated to begin production in 2024 from WildBrain Studios, the new family film will see the Peanuts gang go on an epic adventure to the Big City, learning the true meaning of friendship while meeting some surprising new friends along the way.

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The screenplay is co-written by Karey Kirkpatrick from an original story by co-writers Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano, who wrote the 2015 feature film The Peanuts Move. That film’s director Steve Martino will helm the new pic, which will be produced by two-time Oscar nominee Bonnie Arnold.

“Fans of all ages have been enamored with Peanuts on Apple TV+,” said Tara Sorensen, Apple’s head of children’s programming. “With our unmatched library of Peanuts titles, and award-winning collection of stories that bring kids and families together, Apple TV+ is the preeminent home for Snoopy and friends, and offers a world class selection of series and films featuring the most globally cherished animated characters. We can’t wait for everyone to experience this heartwarming new adventure with Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the gang in the Big City.”

Apple’s Peanuts feature is produced in partnership with WildBrain and Peanuts Worldwide, and marks the trio’s first three-way partnership on a feature film.

“It is so special to carry on my father’s legacy with an original story from me, my son Bryan, and his writing partner Neil,” said Craig Schulz. “We are excited to be partnering with Apple TV+ and working with WildBrain Studios to bring audiences a brand-new Peanuts adventure, along with the talented Bonnie Arnold as producer and Steve Martino as director. Peanuts fans have been clamoring for another feature for years, and this film will bring joy to our millions of fans around the world.”

This latest feature film is a sign that Apple is still very much in the animation business even after letting its deal expire with Skydance Animation (who went on to sign a new one with Netflix), and how Apple remains committed to animated movies.

Apple TV+ is home to the largest library of original animated series and specials featuring the globally beloved Peanuts characters, including iconic holiday specials from Mendelson/Melendez Productions and Peanuts Worldwide It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown; A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving including a free window for viewing the special on November 18-19; and A Charlie Brown Christmas, including a free window for viewing the special on December 16-17. There are scores of the other classic specials available to Apple TV+ subscribers.

The growing collection of Peanuts specials and original series on Apple TV+ includes the Emmy-nominated Snoopy in Space, a series of animated shorts featuring the Peanuts gang and Snoopy as he fulfills his dream of becoming a NASA astronaut; and The Snoopy Show, featuring new adventures with Snoopy, along with his best pal, Woodstock, and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Apple TV+ is also home to the Emmy-winning Apple Original documentary Who Are You, Charlie Brown?, honoring “everyman” creator Charles Schulz.

Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz and Uliano were also executive producers on a range of new Peanuts family specials on Apple TV+ including the Emmy-nominated Earth Day special Snoopy Presents: It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown; Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s School, an original special celebrating educators and based on the classic Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz; Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie, which follows endearing introvert Marcie as she helps her friends in her own unique way; Humanitas and Emmy nominee Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love, a Mother’s Day celebration of friendship and family featuring the beloved Peanuts gang; and fan favorite Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne.

Additionally, Apple TV+ has expanded its partnership with WildBrain, welcoming more new originals including upcoming new series Camp Snoopy, featuring Snoopy and the Beagle Scouts along with Charlie Brown and friends as they enjoy an adventure-filled summer outdoors; and the new Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin special uncovering the origin story of one of Peanuts’ most beloved characters and how he ultimately makes friends with Charlie Brown and the gang.

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