Netflix to Release DreamWorks Film ‘Orion and the Dark’ in February 2024

During Netflix’s Geeked Week, the eagerly anticipated trailer and exclusive first looks were unveiled for “Orion and the Dark,” marking the second-ever DreamWorks Animation feature film to be released exclusively on the streaming giant. The film, directed by the seasoned industry professional Sean Charmatz, has officially secured a February 2, 2024 release date, following in the successful footsteps of DreamWorks’ inaugural Netflix exclusive, “Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans,” which premiered in 2021. This continued collaboration between Netflix and DreamWorks underscores their decade-long partnership, with the streaming platform featuring hundreds of episodes from the DreamWorks TV division based on their extensive intellectual property.

“Orion and the Dark” has been in development at DreamWorks Animation for the past couple of years, with the studio first acquiring the rights to the beloved 40-page picture book by author and illustrator Emma Yarlett back in 2015. The film was officially announced to be a Netflix project during the DreamWorks panel at the Annecy Film Festival.

Offering an updated guide to the much-anticipated animated feature, the latest details include the fact that the film is set to be released on February 2, 2024. Notably, this creative venture sees industry veteran Sean Charmatz making his directorial debut, having previously contributed to projects such as “The Lego Movie 2,” Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob Squarepants,” and “Trolls.”

The screenplay for “Orion and the Dark” is crafted by Charlie Kaufman, renowned for his work on critically acclaimed films such as “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “Being John Malkovich,” with his more recent collaboration with Netflix being “I’m Thinking of Ending Things.” Additional screenplay material is provided by Lloyd Taylor and Brandon Sawyer, while Peter McCown takes on the role of producer and Walt Dohrn is credited as an executive producer.

Animation for the film is being undertaken by Mikros Animation’s studios located in Paris and Bangalore, promising a visually captivating experience for audiences. The film’s creative team shared insights during a 22-minute interview with CartoonBrew at the Annecy Film Festival.

The narrative of “Orion and the Dark” draws inspiration from Emma Yarlett’s best-selling picture book published in May 2014. The official synopsis provided by Netflix captures the essence of the story, revealing the protagonist Orion’s struggles with various fears, including the dark. When his fears materialize in the form of Dark, a whimsical adventure ensues, challenging Orion to confront and overcome his anxieties.

Two accomplished actors have been enlisted to voice the central characters in the film. Jacob Tremblay, known for his roles in “Wonder,” “Good Boys,” “Luca,” and “The Little Mermaid,” lends his voice to the character of Orion. Meanwhile, Paul Walter Hauser, recognized for his work on Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” and acclaimed films like “I, Tonya” and “BlacKkKlansman,” voices Dark. The distinguished Werner Herzog is also confirmed to contribute his voice to the project.

As Netflix continues to invest in animated content, additional announcements are anticipated throughout the 2023 Annecy Film Festival, with updates expected on projects such as “The Monkey King” and “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.” This robust slate of animated releases reaffirms Netflix’s commitment to delivering diverse and compelling content to its global audience.

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