Sony Pictures Animation President Kristine Belson said in a recent interview with Deadline that she believes more adult cartoon films are on the way, filling a market already saturated with friendly content.
What’s happening:
- Belson told Deadline that the film industry could see an influx of animated projects due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced production studios to slow down and has raised questions about how actors work together in confined spaces.
- Belson said animation has already been moving toward diverse types of content. The pandemic, she said, will only increase that change.
- She said Disney and Dreamworks already fill the industry with family-friendly content. But companies like Sony could make an impact by adding more.
- Belson said: “I don’t think you’re going to see more family animated movies because that’s very saturated. There will be more R-rated animated movies. ... There are a couple we’re working on and we’re really excited about releasing our first one. I think you’re going to see PG-13 animated movies, which is something you haven’t seen before. Harder action-adventure sort of stuff.”
Why this matters
- This might not matter too much in the long term. According to ComicBook.com, Americans have seen adult animated shows for years. Examples include “The Simpsons” or “Family Guy,” not to mention all of the indie animation that doesn’t go mainstream.
- ComicBook.com said: “It seems Sony believes its best shot at becoming a powerhouse in the animation space is to adopt this new model — and the pandemic is almost providing proof of concept.”