May 18, 2026

Wildwood, Shrek Buckets & the Return of Matt Braly’s Lost Movie (Ep. 359)

Wildwood, Shrek Buckets & the Return of Matt Braly’s Lost Movie (Ep. 359)
Apple Podcasts podcast player badge
Spotify podcast player badge
Amazon Music podcast player badge
Overcast podcast player badge
Castro podcast player badge
iHeartRadio podcast player badge
PocketCasts podcast player badge
RSS Feed podcast player badge
Apple Podcasts podcast player iconSpotify podcast player iconAmazon Music podcast player iconOvercast podcast player iconCastro podcast player iconiHeartRadio podcast player iconPocketCasts podcast player iconRSS Feed podcast player icon

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the stunning debut of Laika’s “Wildwood” teaser trailer, the surprising revival of Matt Braly’s cancelled animated feature “Afterworld,” and Universal’s massive push behind the 25th anniversary of “Shrek.” They also discuss Warner Bros. Animation’s uncertain future, Disney’s latest animation-themed park projects, and new details on “CoCoMelon: The Movie” and Apple TV’s upcoming “Snoopy Unleashed.”


AUDIO DISCLAIMER - we had some tech issues, but things clear up after the first break. Thanks for hanging in there.


HIGHLIGHTS

• Laika’s “Wildwood” teaser trailer racks up 115 million views in 24 hours as the studio prepares a major theatrical event strategy for the film’s October release.
• Drew previews his upcoming trip to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where “Wildwood” will receive a major presentation.
• Matt Braly’s cancelled Sony animated feature gets new life as Thailand’s MONK Studios acquires the rights to develop “Afterworld.”
• Warner Bros. Pictures Animation hosts an open house amid growing industry concern over the studio’s future during the Paramount acquisition talks.
• Universal begins its full-scale marketing push for “Shrek 5” with anniversary screenings, popcorn buckets, and new theme park expansions.
• A deep dive into DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek” legacy as the original film celebrates its 25th anniversary.
• How NBCUniversal is leveraging “Shrek” across theme parks, merchandising, stage productions, and future film spin-offs.
• New details on Disney’s reimagined Animation Courtyard and “Magic of Disney Animation” experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Fresh casting details for “CoCoMelon: The Movie” and discussion of Apple TV’s upcoming “Snoopy Unleashed.”

HOSTS

• Jim Hill
X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia
Instagram: @JimHillMedia
Website: jimhillmedia.com

• Drew Taylor
X/Twitter: @DrewTailored
Instagram: @drewtailored
Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW

• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

SPONSOR

UnlockedMagic.com - Save on your next Disney or Universal vacation with special ticket deals from https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=finetooning

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you like what you hear, and would like to support all of the Jim Hill Media Network Podcasts, please consider subscribing - for just $4 / month - to hear more episodes exclusive to subscribers 

Go to disneydish.bandcampcom/subscribe (where you'll find an awesome pic of Jim and Len) to subscribe, then listen for your name to be announced by THE Len Testa on a future Disney Dish.

Thanks for listening!