Robert Rodriguez is returning to the kids and family space with an original Christmas film at Paramount Animation, Variety has learned exclusively. The deal marks the first big development title for the label’s new leader Jennifer Dodge.
“The Naughty List” will be written, directed and produced by Rodriguez. The movie is based on a concept Rodriguez has been developing for more than a decade – originated from drawings and stories created with and for his children. Paramount sources added the film will combine holiday themes with a modern, next-generation approach.
While a departure from his namesake credits like “Alita: Battle Angel” and the genre classic “From Dusk Till Dawn,” Rodriguez has had significant success with the youth demo having directed the franchise-spawning “Spy Kids.”
Rodriguez took to social media on Monday to confirm the news and share the lore behind some characters, including one he drew on his own script cover page of small kids scaling a giant snowman).
“A little trivia: way back in the day I was a cartoonist before I became a filmmaker. So I’m super pumped to share that I’m returning to one of my first loves —drawing and animation— and directing my first animated feature with Paramount Animation!” he wrote, calling the project a “funny, irreverent, surprising Christmas tale for the whole family.”
A production timeline wasn’t immediately clear. Dodge joined David Ellison’s new Paramount regime in January. She reports to Paramount Pictures co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein and oversees all operations of the animation group from development through release. Dodge previously served as president of Spin Master entertainment and consumer products, where she oversaw development, production and global distribution of film and television at a toy company best known for “PAW Patrol.”
