Exclusive: Peanuts Movie Sequel Sparks Excitement with Creator's Son's Enthusiastic Response

Summary

Craig Schulz, son of the creator of Peanuts, is hopeful for a new Peanuts movie and confirms that "nothing is off the table."

The Peanuts Movie's success in 2015, along with the current popularity of Peanuts content on Apple TV+, indicates that now is an ideal moment for a new theatrical release. A crucial aspect to address for this upcoming movie is determining the animation studio that Schulz and his team will collaborate with. It is essential to find a studio that matches the creativity and innovation of Blue Sky Studios, even after its closure by Disney.

Craig Schulz expresses hope for a new Peanuts movie, nearly a decade after the release of The Peanuts Movie in 2015. Despite the positive reception and moderate box office success of the film, no sequel has been made. In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant to promote the Apple TV+ special Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie, Schulz shares his enthusiasm for bringing the beloved characters back to the big screen, stating that he personally wants to see it happen and that all possibilities are open.

I could give you the information, but it would have serious consequences. [Laughs] We are open to all possibilities and constantly exploring new ideas in this collaborative series. We have covered various topics such as the environment, the appreciation for teachers, Mother's Day, and how it impacts people's lives. These subjects have been incredibly enjoyable to work on, and the Peanuts universe offers endless opportunities. With an abundance of memorable characters and compelling themes, we are able to delve into any topic. Although there are no definite plans, a movie is certainly a possibility. It would be wonderful to bring one to life, but we can only hope for the best.

Note: This text was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and the creation of the movie discussed here would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the writers and actors in both unions.

Why Now Is Perfect For A New Peanuts Movie

After the release of The Peanuts Movie, Schulz's widow Jean expressed openness to the idea of a sequel, but made it clear that she would not rush into any new projects. She acknowledged that the previous movie took eight years to make and suggested that she might revisit the idea after a similar time frame. Now, eight years have passed since the movie's release, during which it garnered its first Golden Globe nomination for Blue Sky Studios in almost 30 years, although it was overlooked by the Oscars. With this in mind, the present moment seems ideal for a new big-screen adventure.

The Peanuts brand has experienced a successful resurgence through Apple TV+'s The Snoopy Show, which recently aired its third season. This series has maintained the wholesome essence of the original source material and previous adaptations. The Snoopy Presents specials, created by the streaming platform, have also received positive feedback from both critics and audiences. Furthermore, as streaming services have yet to truly establish themselves in the theatrical realm, besides limited releases, the recognition and popularity of the Peanuts franchise could give Apple TV+ an advantage in the ongoing competition among streamers if they were to produce a new film.

The choice of animation studio is a crucial aspect to consider for a new Peanuts movie. Disney's closure of Blue Sky Studios, known for their innovative combination of 3D and hand-drawn animation, after acquiring 20th Century Fox, has left a void in the industry. It is ideal to find a studio equally creative and inventive as Blue Sky to bring new life to the Peanuts franchise.