Apple in Talks to Pick Up Two Animated Films Produced by John Lasseter - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple in Talks to Pick Up Two Animated Films Produced by John Lasseter

Apple is in talks to acquire the rights to two animated films from Skydance Animation, which is headed up by John Lasseter, reports Variety.

Apple TV Ray Light 2 Purple
Lasseter is the former chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar, but he departed the company in 2018 following allegations of sexual misconduct and has been at Skydance Animation since 2019. Prior to joining Skydance Animation, Lasseter directed popular Disney movies that include Toy Story, Cars, and A Bug's Life, plus he executive produced many others.

Apple is interested in the rights to his two newest movies, "Luck" and "Spellbound." "Luck" has been called "vintage Lasseter" with dazzling production value and commercial appeal. It follows the unluckiest girl in the world.

When she stumbles upon the never-before-seen world of good and bad luck, she must join together with magical creatures to uncover a force more powerful than even luck itself.

"Spellbound" is a musical fantasy that's set in a world of magic where a young girl aims to break the spell that has split her kingdom in two.

If Apple acquires the rights to the two movies, they could see a premiere in theaters before coming to Apple TV+, but the deal has not yet been finalized. "Luck" is set to be released on February 18, 2022, while "Spellbound" is slated for release on November 11, 2022.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Popular Stories

Ted Lasso

Apple Shares 'Ted Lasso' Season 4 Trailer

Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:20 am PDT by
Apple today shared the full-length trailer for season four of its hit series Ted Lasso, ahead of the season premiere on Wednesday, August 5. Following the premiere, one new episode will be released every Wednesday through October 7. Ted Lasso is one of the most popular shows ever released on the Apple TV streaming service. The eponymous character Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, starts...
Apple TV Silo

Apple Announces 'Silo' Season 4 is Coming Summer 2027

Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:15 am PDT by
Apple recently announced that its hit sci-fi series Silo will be returning for a fourth and final season in "summer 2027." Silo follows the lives of 10,000 people living in an underground bunker to escape the seemingly toxic wasteland...
The Morning Show Hero

'The Morning Show' Returning to Apple TV for a Final Season Next Year

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:32 am PDT by
Apple today announced that "The Morning Show" will return to Apple TV for a fifth and final season at some point in 2027. "The Morning Show" was one of the first shows available on Apple TV when the streaming service launched in 2019, with an ensemble cast starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Mark Duplass, and others set to return for the final season of the workplace-oriented...

Top Rated Comments

74 months ago
And we're just going to ignore exactly why he left Disney?
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BC2009 Avatar
74 months ago
Lasseter has publicly apologized for his behavior. He said:


“I am deeply sorry for my actions, which were unquestionably wrong. I very much regret making women feel unsafe or disrespected. I will continue to work every day for the rest of my life to prove to you that I have grown and learned. I am resolute in my commitment to build an animation studio upon a foundation of equality, safety, trust and mutual respect for everyone.”
I don't believe people should be condemned and shunned for life for doing something that was not even a crime. Even criminals get released from prison (often early on parole). Give the guy a second chance and see if he has learned his lesson. I am glad that he is making films again and Apple is picking them up -- he is definitely a very talented person -- he has made many of my favorite movies. If Lasseter falls back into habits of bad behavior then I may think differently.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
74 months ago

Next you’ll tell us how Weinstein is good guy as well?
I'm not defending Lasseter but there's a large difference between the Weinstein (sexual assaults and rapes) and Lasseter (sexual harassment) allegations.

The commenter you replied to was misunderstanding or minimizing the severity of the allegations against Lasseter but you jumped in with what's effectively Godwin's Law.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
74 months ago

The only allegations were that he occasionally gave co-workers “unwanted hugs.” Which is absolutely ridiculous. Sure, it’s probably appropriate to ask someone before giving them a hug... but cone on. He got booted for being a teddy bear.

Lasseter is a good guy, and I can’t wait to see his future films!
Next you’ll tell us how Weinstein is good guy as well?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
74 months ago

What allegations?
2.4 Allegations of sexual misconduct and exit from Disney/Pixar ('https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lasseter#Allegations_of_sexual_misconduct_and_exit_from_Disney/Pixar')
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
street.cory Avatar
74 months ago
Apparently Lasseter's allegations aren't as serious as they were once thought... Or Apple is willing to look the other way as long as the content is good.

Either way, I enjoy the stuff that he's been instrumental in developing.

Edit: I hope the allegations are not true.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)