Max has released the newest trailer for an animated adaptation of the classic folktale “Peter and the Wolf.” the short film transforms Sergei Prokofiev’s beloved symphony into an enchanting and visually modern retelling, featuring music and narration by Gavin Friday and artwork based on original illustrations by Bono, from his book of the same name.
The trailer gives a small preview of the animated short’s Gothic and monochromatic visual approach to the dark classic fairy tale about a boy named Peter grieving the loss of his parents. Living with his protective grandfather, adventure calls to Peter when a savage wolf runs loose in the neighborhood. With the help of some new animal companions, Peter must capture the wolf before a group of hunters do.
Peter and the Wolf is based on Sergei Prokofiev’s Op. 67, a “symphonic fairy tale of the same name. In it, the narrator tells a children’s story, while the orchestra illustrates it by using different instruments to play a “theme” that represents each character in the story.
The animated short showcases the elegance of 2D animation set against a 3D world. Though the story itself is dark and emotionally heavy, it’s a resonating one as draws from the real pains of losing a loved one, grieving, and finding the strength to move on. And taking a cue from other animated features that lack dialogue, this feature sees its characters express themselves though music and body language. So it should be interesting to see how today’s audiences respond to it.
And let’s face it, Gavin Friday’s voice was made for narration and reading a bedtime story.
The uniquely creative project is led by musician and composer Gavin Friday, with The Friday Seezer Ensemble performing Prokofiev score, newly arranged by Maurice Seezer and Gavin Friday.
Peter and the Wolf is produced by BMG and Blink Industries and executive produced by Alistair Norbury & Stuart Souter for BMG, Benjamin Lole & James Stevenson Bretton at Blink Industries. Blink Industries’ Elliot Dear and Stephen McNally are Directors, and the producer is Adriana Piasek-Wanski. BBC Studios is handling global distribution.
Peter and The Wolf debuts exclusively on MAX on Thursday, October 19
Here’s the official plot synopsis for Max’s “Peter and the Wolf:”
PETER & THE WOLF follows grieving 12-year-old Peter, who is now in the care of his grandfather after enduring the loss of a parent. Upon hearing stories of a wolf on the loose, Peter decides to explore the vast meadow and forest nearby to try and find the wolf himself. Along the way he encounters creatures who help him on his quest, while contending with hunters aiming to win a prize for capturing the wolf.
