Walt Disney Animation Studios features have taken audiences on an adventure to fantastical far-off lands that could only be found in fairy tales. But now, they have taken that a step further beyond the unknown in “Strange Things.” Our recent preview of the film at the D23 Expo only scratched the surface of what we can expect to see in a world that’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen. And to give us a better sense of what the Clade family will encounter, the studio has released a brand new trailer from the upcoming film.
The “Strange World” trailer introduces us to Searcher Clade (Jake Gyllenhaal) a proud family man who is raising his family on his farm. As the tag asks us “have you ever wondered what adventures await beyond our world,” we see that Searcher comes from a long line of steadfast intrepid explorers – as noted by the family photo in his compass. Though he has left that life behind the president (Lucy Liu) of Avolonia arrives to tell him that their world is in danger, and she needs his help to come with her on an expedition to help save it.
Searcher refuses to go saying that he is not like his father, Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid), who is the very image of explorers. But ever since he’s gone missing, Searcher is the only one who can save Avoloina. Everyone expects Searcher to be something like his dad, saying that they are a fan of his, even going as far as asking him to forge his signature. And as they venture further into the “Strange World,” Searcher finds out that his son Ethan (Jaboukie Young-White) and their three-legged dog Legend, as stowed away. And Meridian Clade (Gabrielle Union), an accomplished pilot and Searcher’s partner in all things, fearlessly swoops in to rescue her family from dangerous monsters, water that dissolves your skin, and everything else that wants to kill them.
So as three generations of explorers come together to find their way home, the trailer reveals how much “Strange World” revolves around the themes of legacy and what we give to our future generation.
Helmed by Don Hall (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Raya and the Last Dragon”) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer “Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Roy Conli (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Tangled”), “Strange World” releases November 23, 2022.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for “Strange World:”
The feature film introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three-legged dog and a slew of ravenous creatures. “Inspired by classic adventure stories,” said director Don Hall, “‘Strange World’ is an original animated adventure/comedy about three generations of the Clade family who overcome their differences while exploring a strange, wondrous and oftentimes hostile world.”
