Pixar Reveals New Film 'Luca' For Summer 2021

The idea of regular trips to the cinema might feel like a long way away for much of us right now, but the studios continue to plan for the future. Pixar have brought us a little light in this dark time by giving us something to look forward to, as they have revealed their next film.

Previously, we've discovered that the studio was going to be moving away from sequels or prequels for a while. They've been true to their word, as their newly revealed film will be their third original film in a row, following Onward and the upcoming Soul.

Luca is a coming-of-age film set in the Italian Riveria, centred on the boy of the title as he "experiences an unforgettable summer". Pixar has released a short synopsis alongside the first concept art (above) and the title treatment (see below).

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: he is a sea monster from another world just below the water’s surface.

Most intriguingly, this film will be the feature debut for an up and coming director- but one whose work you've probably seen before. Enrico Casarosa previously wrote and directed the Oscar-nominated short La Luna, which screened with Brave in cinemas. He's also worked as story or storyboard artists on Pixar projects including Ratatouille, Coco, Piper and Up, so he has paid his dues at the studio. The film will be produced by Andrea Warren.

"This is a deeply personal story for me, not only because it’s set on the Italian Riviera where I grew up, but because at the core of this film is a celebration of friendship. Childhood friendships often set the course of who we want to become and it is those bonds that are at the heart of our story in Luca", Casarosa said. "So in addition to the beauty and charm of the Italian seaside, our film will feature an unforgettable summer adventure that will fundamentally change Luca."

The film is scheduled for release on June 18, 2021. Here's hoping that the cinemas are back to normal by then.

[source]