Netflix Rescues 'The Little Prince'
Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 8:00AM 
Back in March, Paramount unceremoniously dumped The Little Prince at the very last minute before its planned release. The animated adaptation of the beloved children's book debuted out of competition at 2015's Cannes Film Festival and unfortunately word evaporated stateside quickly. Even though Paramount did zilch to promote the film, it has been received well globally, even winning the animated film César.
Netflix has swooped in to bring the film to American audiences - exciting news for those of us still anticipating the film, but a downer for those who hoped to see it on the big screen in most markets. This year's animated field is going to be tough to crack, but maybe Netflix can replicate the success they have had with the documentary branch in recent years.
Check out the just released trailer for The Little Prince below. The film begins an Oscar qualifying theatrical release and streaming simultaneously on Netflix on August 5th.
Reader Comments (8)
I am not smart enough to understand these industry issues, I cried when I saw the trailer last year and am now crying because I won't be able to see it in a theater. Why does this happen?
I'm still so disappointed in Paramount for this. I've been looking through archived trade articles from March, and I can't find any official reason given by Paramount for dropping the picture; just the director's confirmation (via Twitter) that it had happened.
I'm glad Netflix stepped up. Too bad it won't get much big-screen release though.
I have been DYING for this to come out ever since that gorgeous first trailer, so I'm glad Netflix has rescued it. BUT, it better be playing at a theater near me, or else I will be inconsolable.
Anne Marie - I am genuinely curious of ANOMALISA changed their plans for this in some way. Weird that they had this one that could've easily had a qualifying run for Oscar, but instead they quickly snatch up ANOMALISA at Telluride and rush it out.
Leslie - and in the theatre, maybe it would've been worth the 3D experience like was initially planned
Theater purists should invest in a home projector. Seriously find a wall in your home where you can project images on. When it comes time for all this video on demand stuff from streaming services you can recreate the theatrical experience at home. It does wonders for older movies you've only seen on TV.
Glad this will get some sort of release- it looks like a lovely film
It's weird that they're treating an animated adaptation of a beloved children's film like this in the US. I saw it back in November in theaters (I live in Mexico, here they released it with three language tracks), it's a lovely film visually, even though I'm not so sure I like what they did with the story (the third act in particular is a little too mainstream), even though it expands on the books themes Everything brought straight out of the book is a masterpiece though, so I do hope everyone sees it.
What's really weird is that there's some obvious (to me) catering of the American audience with a needless action sequence that Richter allude to above. I am almost certain that meddling from Paramount was involved. So why ditch the film then? If only the project was started in Netflix from the beginning; it would probably have made a much stronger film.
But yes, people should check it out!