Pack Your Bag, Charlie Brown: ‘Peanuts’ Travel to the Big Apple in First Feature on Apple TV+
In the more than 70 years since their debut, the kids from Peanuts have appeared in newspapers, books, television, movie screens, museums, and have even been featured on record albums, so at this point it’s hard for them to do anything for the first time.
Until now. And while appearing in their first feature-length film on Apple TV+ might not be as huge a milestone as, say, going into space in an actual rocket, but for the Peanuts, it is an epic adventure to the Big Apple.
The as-yet untitled film will follow the Peanuts gang as they travel to New York City for an epic adventure that – we don’t have a lot of plot details yet – will see them learn the true meaning of friendship and meet some new friends along the way. Or something like that.
Karey Kirkpatrick is penning the screenplay from an original story by co-writers Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz along with Cornelius Uliano, who wrote the 2015 feature film The Peanuts Movie. Steve Martino, who directed the 2015 feature, will helm the new movie. Two-time Oscar nominee Bonnie Arnold is producing.
Apple’s Peanuts feature is produced in partnership with WildBrain and Peanuts Worldwide, and marks the trio’s first three-way partnership on a feature film.
“Fans of all ages have been enamored with Peanuts on Apple TV+,” said Tara Sorensen, Apple’s head of children’s programming said in a statement. “With our unmatched library of Peanuts titles, and award-winning collection of stories that bring kids and families together, Apple TV+ is the preeminent home for Snoopy and friends, and offers a world class selection of series and films featuring the most globally cherished animated characters. We can’t wait for everyone to experience this heartwarming new adventure with Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the gang in the Big City.”
Craig Schulz, the son of Peanuts creator and author/artist Charles Schulz, also issued a statement. “It is so special to carry on my father’s legacy with an original story from me, my son Bryan, and his writing partner Neil,” said Craig Schulz. “We are excited to be partnering with Apple TV+ and working with WildBrain Studios to bring audiences a brand-new Peanuts adventure, along with the talented Bonnie Arnold as producer and Steve Martino as director. Peanuts fans have been clamoring for another feature for years, and this film will bring joy to our millions of fans around the world.”