#USA #Los Angeles #Content Partners #Hoodwinked #Hoodwinked Too

Content Partners LLC Revives Iconic Animated Franchise

In a significant move for the animation industry, Content Partners LLC has officially acquired the beloved animated films Hoodwinked and its sequel Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil from Kanbar Entertainment. This acquisition not only marks the beginning of a new chapter for these cult classics but also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the original Hoodwinked, which first hit theaters in 2005. The new owners plan to reintroduce these films to audiences across the globe, reigniting interest and appreciation for the innovative storytelling that these films offer.

The original Hoodwinked took the familiar fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood and infused it with humor, creativity, and a unique twist that captured the hearts of viewers. Notably, the film featured a star-studded voice cast, including Anne Hathaway and Glenn Close, which contributed to its charm and overall appeal. Upon its release, it quickly became a breakout success, leading to the creation of Hoodwinked Too!, which premiered in 2011 with additional talent such as Hayden Panettiere, Bill Hader, and Amy Poehler in its roster.

Despite its popularity, both movies have been hard to find in recent years, with only select clips available online. The acquisition by Content Partners aims to remedy this by making the films accessible once again for streaming and purchase. Sony Pictures will be responsible for the domestic distribution, while Lionsgate will handle international distribution. Interestingly, Lionsgate retains co-ownership of Hoodwinked Too!, indicating a strong collaborative effort in reviving this franchise.

In a statement, John Mass, President of Content Partners, expressed his excitement, saying, "We’re thrilled to give Hoodwinked and Hoodwinked Too! a new home as we revive and preserve these beloved films for fans from all generations. This milestone anniversary serves as the perfect opportunity to bring the franchise back into the spotlight, especially with the growing demand for animated family content in today’s streaming landscape."

John Mass further emphasized the franchise's revolutionary impact on independent animation, highlighting its creative roots and the vision of its original creators. The acquisition also reflects an effort to continue celebrating the legacy of Maurice Kanbar, the visionary behind the films. Jeffrey Kanbar of Kanbar Entertainment remarked on the decision to choose Content Partners, emphasizing their commitment to preserving and promoting his uncle's enduring legacy in animation.

The acquisition marks a notable moment in the repertoire of Content Partners, a company known for owning a collection of highly recognizable films such as Black Swan, Hugo, and xXx. The company's expansive library includes interests in over 600 studio-release films and around 3,000 hours of television programming, with a cumulative box office revenue exceeding $40 billion worldwide. Founded in 2006, Content Partners focuses on acquiring films, television programming, and associated royalties, creating valuable content for audiences both domestically and internationally.

With the historic charm of Hoodwinked now back under the spotlight, fans can look forward to more than just a revival of their favorite childhood films. The company has secured rights to develop sequels, prequels, and other related projects, signaling exciting potential for new stories that may further expand the Hoodwinked universe. As the industry continues to evolve, this acquisition illustrates the importance of reimagining and revitalizing beloved classics to cater to today’s family-friendly content demands.

In the ever-competitive landscape of animated films, Hoodwinked and its sequel stand as a testament to the creativity and innovation that independent filmmakers can achieve. As audiences eagerly await the reintroduction of these films, Content Partners LLC is poised to bring a breath of fresh air to a franchise that continues to endear itself to fans, both old and new alike.