Composer Alan Menken Joins Skydance’s Animated Film Spellbound

May 21, 2020

Alan Menken set as composer Skydance’s animated film Spellbound

Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken has signed on to pen and compose the music for Skydance Animation’s forthcoming musical animated film titled Spellbound, which is one of the first four projects that the up-and-coming animation studio is currently working on. For the film, Menken will also be reuniting with long-time collaborators and fellow Grammy-winners, lyricist Glenn Slater and former Walt Disney Music president Chris Montan, who have all worked together on The Little Mermaid and Tangled.

“I’m thrilled to be united with so many talented collaborators and very much look forward to working with Vicky Jenson, Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin,” Menken said in a statement (via Deadline). “Spellbound promises to be quite unique and inspiring.”

Spellbound will follow the story of a young who must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two. The film will be directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek) from a script co-written by Mulan‘s Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin along with Linda Woolverton (The Lion King). Further details about the film’s cast and characters are being kept under wraps.

“Alan Menken’s music defines a generation and is loved by audiences around the world,” Jenson said. “From day one, we knew this magical world would be full of music, and we knew only Alan could bring it to life. With Glenn and Chris onboard, their combined creativity adds so much depth and complexity to the emotions of our characters and this very unique story. It is a true honor to collaborate with this team.”

Alan Menken is widely recognized for composing the songs for a number of Disney classic animated films such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules and more which had all earned him 8 Academy Awards including Best Original Score.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)