Disney chief John Lasseter was on hand in London earlier today for an epic presentation on upcoming animated projects. Brought to you via The Hollywood Reporter, one of the biggest reveals of the day included a sneak peak at early animation of a new Toy Story 3 character called Mr. Pricklepants, a theatrical hedgehog to be voiced by James Bond #4, Timothy Dalton. Michael Keaton was also confirmed as the voice of Barbie’s better half, Ken. To conclude the Toy Story 3 roundup, the film’s official trailer debuted and, as suspected, it features Andy’s departure for college and the accidental garbage-bagging of some of our favorite toy characters. The trailer reveals Woody’s heroic efforts—he’s the only toy Andy planned to keep for his dorm room—to free his toy friends from a daycare facility where they end up. And yes, in case you didn't hear, Toy Story 3 will be presented in 3-D.
Lasseter also unveiled the plot to the probably unnecessary Cars 2, due for release the summer of 2011, which will see Owen Wilson’s Lightning McQueen race car caught up in a North By Northwest-like conspiracy set to the backdrop of a worldwide marathon of race competitions.
In other House of Mouse news, Disney announced plans for their latest princess film: an adaptation of the long-locked Rapunzel featuring the voices of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi. Another previously unknown project now unveiled is a new Winnie The Pooh feature film with Disney veteran Burny Mattinson on board as lead story artist.
And in Disney-Pixar news, the studio will release its first fairytale outing, called The Bear And The Bow, with the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, and Julie Walters. Lasseter said that this project’s princess is “more about girl power.” Does that mean she'll do the Bend and Snap?
