The Weinstein Co. and Kanbar Ent. are teaming on a sequel to their current CG-animated release HOODWINKED, to be called HOOD VS. EVIL, reports VARIETY with confirmation to AWN by the pics writer/director, Cory Edwards.
HOODWINKED finished half a nose behind Disney's GLORY ROAD for the top spot over the four-day holiday weekend box office to take in $16.9 million in its debut.
The Weinstein Co.'s first animated venture was budgeted at less than $20 million, but great marketing overcame lukewarm reviews. Harvey Weinstein said they will double the budget on the sequel.
"Our whole marketing team rose to the occasion," said Harvey Weinstein. "For every rave, there was someone saying that the animation isn't as great as Pixar, but the movie is funny and fun for kids and adults. We never would have been able to do this at Disney."
The reported storyline for the new installment in the franchise will have a teen Red training in a distant land with a mysterious, covert group, called Sisters of the Hood. Nicky Flippers, head of the Happily Ever After Agency, teams Red with the Wolf to investigate the disappearance of Hansel and Gretel. Granny and the rest of the HOODWINKED gang return and will be joined by new characters. Most of the voice cast is expected to return.
HOOD VS. EVIL will be written by HOODWINKED creative troika Edwards, Todd Edwards and Tony Leech. Maurice Kanbar and David K. Lovegren serve as producers, and Eric Robinson will oversee for the Weinstein Co.
The Weinstein Co. will co-produce and co-finance the sequel, with Kanbar's animation banner, with production to be carried out again in Manila.
Weinstein added that he sees the franchise potentially going for two additional pics.
