 "Angry Birds movie coming in 2016")
Rovio is celebrating the third anniversary of Angry Birds by announcing a movie about the wrathful birds. The company revealed yesterday that Despicable Me producer John Cohen has signed on as Producer for the movie and David Maisel, former Chairman of Marvel Studios and Executive Producer of Iron Man, will be the Executive Producer. The feature film will be coming to theatres in the summer of 2016 and will be produced and financed by Rovio Entertainment. Rovio states that by following Marvel Studios’ example, which was created by Maisel, Rovio will produce and finance the movie outside the studio system and retain full creative control.
“John’s an exceptionally talented producer, and we’re delighted to have him join the flock,” said Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio Entertainment. “With John’s hands-on producer background and David´s expertise in establishing and running his own successful studio, these two are the dream team for making a movie outside the studio system. Both professionals have the ideal skills and vision to achieve incredible things.”
A movie coming out in 2016
John Cohen produced Illumination Entertainment/Universal Pictures’ Despicable Me in 2010 and executive produced Illumination/Universal’s Hop in 2011. Prior to Illumination, Cohen was VP of Production at Twentieth Century Fox Animation. He worked closely with Blue Sky Studios on films including Ice Age, Robots, Ice Age: The Meltdown and Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who. Rovio states that Cohen had the idea to re-imagine Alvin and the Chipmunks while developing the 2007 film.
“I’m so excited and honored to be working on this film with Mikael, David, and Rovio’s incredibly talented game developers and artists,” said Cohen. “From both an entertainment and strategic perspective, Rovio is at the forefront of game innovation and is trailblazing terrific new ways for Angry Birds fans to interact with these characters. I’ve personally spent countless hours playing the Angry Birds games over the last few years, which I can now happily justify as research for the movie."
“John’s experience, expertise, and passion are perfect for the Angry Birds film and I look forward to working with him to create the best movie experience for all the fans,” said David Maisel.
The movie marks Rovio Entertainment’s first foray into feature films, though fans have already gotten an introduction to the Angry Birds world through Rovio’s games, books, consumer products, and animations. Since its debut in 2009, Angry Birds has been downloaded more than a billion times across platforms. The most recent release, Angry Birds Star Wars, soared to the top of the US iPhone charts within 2.5 hours of release.
In early November, Rovio released Angry Birds Star Wars for iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle Fire, Mac, PC, and Windows 8 devices. Along with the game, the company has also released a new trailer and merchandise in select retailers worldwide.
For those not in the know, the game follows a group of Rebel Birds in their fight against the evil Imperial Pigs. Players will use the Force, wield a lightsaber, and blast away Pigtroopers on an intergalactic journey from the deserts of Tatooine to the depths of the Pig Star—where they’ll face off against the terrifying Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Pigs.
Read our review of Angry Birds Star Wars here.
 "Israel targets top Hamas leaders in Doha; Qatar, Iran condemn strike as violation of sovereignty")
 "Nepal: Oli to continue until new PM is sworn in, nation on edge as all branches of govt torched")
 "Who is CP Radhakrishnan, India's next vice-president?")
 "Israel informed US ahead of strikes on Hamas leaders in Doha, says White House")
 "Israel targets top Hamas leaders in Doha; Qatar, Iran condemn strike as violation of sovereignty")
 "Nepal: Oli to continue until new PM is sworn in, nation on edge as all branches of govt torched")
 "Who is CP Radhakrishnan, India's next vice-president?")
 "Israel informed US ahead of strikes on Hamas leaders in Doha, says White House")
