Translation Available Here!!
The trailer for Luc Besson's next film, Arthur and the Minimoys is exclusively available on the French version of Yahoo, and can be watched here. Though the trailer is in French, I suspect the film will be in English, since it stars Freddie Highmore (Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as the titular Arthur, and wil feature many other voice talents (see IMDB page).
It appears as though Arthur and the Minimoys will mainly be a CGI-animated film, though it will have at least a prologue set in the "real world."
I provide an English translation for the trailer, below:
Grandfather (voice): My dear Arthur, I knew I could count on you to solve this mystery. If you are reading it now, it's possible that I'm already dead. This is why it is up to you to accomplish my mission alone, that is if you choose to accept it.
Arthur: I accept, grandfather.
Scary Voice: Now Arthur, you will join your brothers, the Minimoys.
Arthur: No, no no!!
Red-Hair Minimoy: Welcome to the land of Minimoys.
Possibly Grandfather again: You will have the world in between your hands.
Arthur (as Minimoy): In two days, some men will destroy my home, my world, and your world!
Girl Minimoy: Let's go, King!
King: Shut the door!
(Then there is lots of action with no dialogue except for Arthur screaming)
Rasta: Oooooooo, now THIS is cool, brother!
The film looks interesting from the trailer, though some of the animation looks a little stiff, perhaps even unfinished. Nevertheless, the designs for the characters and the world of Minimoys look quite nice. I can already tell that I am going to enjoy watching the girl Minimoy (Princess Selenia, I presume) KICKING ASS (as Jenny would say)!!
In related news, it seems that Luc Besson announced that work has already begun for two sequels to Arthur and the Minimoys, according to Allocine.com (article is in French). The sequels will not be directed by Luc Besson, who reaffirms a vow that he made a few years ago: that he will only direct ten feature films in his entire career.
Arthur and the Minimoys is Besson's tenth film, and if all of this is true, it is the LAST film that he will direct.
Arthur and the Minimoys will open in French cinemas on December 13, and in North American cinemas on Christmas day of this year.
Let's hope Besson is going out with style!
Enjoy the screencaps from Arthur and the Minimoys:
