Many studio tentpoles saw their fair share of postponements during the pandemic last year. But for the formerly titled “Connected,” it got acquired by Netflix. This means the likelihood of seeing it on the big screen is slim to none – there are times where the streaming service releases a film in limited theaters. It was announced today that Netflix has acquired worldwide rights (ex China) to “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” (formerly Connected) from Sony Pictures Animation.
The original animated comedy, produced by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, follows a father’s attempts to reconnect with his college-bound daughter during a technological uprising.
Sure, it is a bit disappointing that we are not getting to see “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” on the big screen. But, these are very strange times. So, seeing anything new in the comfort and safety of our home is a nice distraction. And Lord and Miller do not seem to mind the change in how the film audiences view the film.
“We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm Netflix has expressed for this movie with this acquisition and grateful to everyone at Sony for making a great picture with us and finding a big way to bring it to audiences,” said Lord and Miller. “We’re really proud of the film we all made together, plus we understand our subscription fees are waived in perpetuity as part of the deal? We’re not lawyers, but it does sound right to us.”
Directed by Mike Rianda, with a co-directing credit by Jeff Rowe, the “The Mitchells vs The Machines” uses an animation style that bares a striking resemblance to “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.” But it also feels different and wholly original because it’s not confined to the mechanics of how a comic book world moves.
“This is a very personal movie about my very weird family. I’m so grateful to all the incredible artists that poured their love and passion into this project to make it a reality, and to everyone at Sony who believed in us and were on board to make a different kind of animated movie.” Said Rianda. “I’m so thrilled that everyone at Netflix has been totally in sync with us creatively and are just as excited about the movie as we are! Not only because it’s an original story with a creative visual style that we’re extremely proud of, but also so I can prove to my friends that this five-year journey wasn’t an elaborate delusion on my part.”
It’s unclear when Netflix intends to release “The Mitchells vs. The Machines.” They’ve already got a full schedule considering that they are committed to releasing at least one new film a week. That’s a pretty big promise. But I am sure they can work it out.
