DreamWorks Animation will debunk mermaid tales this summer and present a new hero from the deepest parts of the ocean! Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, is a film produced by the same company that made How to Train Your Dragon and Shrek. In the movie, Lana Condor plays a mythical creature who learns her secret abilities and prepares to become famous.
Over the years, there have been a variety of both successful and unsuccessful DreamWorks films. Sadly, there are a number of DreamWorks movies that people will never get to see. But thankfully, “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” is not among them. The movie is the result of another partnership between Universal Studios and DreamWorks Animation.
When you hear the word “Kraken,” what normally comes to mind?
If you’re familiar with the legendary sea monster, chances are some terrifying thoughts pop into your head. A specific instance that comes to mind is when Zeus in Clash of the Titans (1981). In that, Zeus ordered the monster to be unleashed onto the Greek world. Another excellent example is that Davy Jones in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006). He used the giant sea monster to drag his enemies into the underwater depths. It’s unsurprising that the Kraken has developed into an iconic monster in a number of stories given its long history in folk and mythology.
There aren’t many instances of the friendly Kraken in films or television, and even fewer of them become leading roles. Now it seems things will change, because of an animation studio famous for turning established stereotypes on its head. That company is Dreamworks, and their next motion picture Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023) is slated to offer a unique viewpoint on the Kraken.
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken: The Trailer
On March 16, 2023, Universal Pictures released the Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken first trailer. The opening monologue of the video is Ruby’s grandma claiming that the stories and legends surrounding the infamous Kraken have been hugely exaggerated. They aren’t all that different from the typical person; they aren’t savage, murderous creatures that scour the seas for ships to feed on. Invader Zim (2001–2006) laws may be in effect in this universe, this is proven by young Ruby, who goes about her daily life like a regular teenager despite having a blue body.
When Chelsea, a new popular teenager who also has a secret related to the sea, comes on campus, things take a significant turn. Chelsea is actually an undercover mermaid. And in what feels like a slap in the face to yet another animated redheaded merperson, mermaids are actually the Kraken’s ancient enemies. However, Chelsea has grand ambitions to conquer the entirety of the surface world. So, Ruby decides it’s time to acknowledge her all-important heritage. And, she will learn the ways of the Kraken and save the day.
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken’s Plot
When most people hear the word “Kraken,” they probably immediately imagine the massive mythological creature. But as far as Ruby Gillman is concerned, everyone has a lot to learn about the Kraken. Especially the teenage ones. The DreamWorks animation aims to totally change how viewers perceive underwater life.
Ruby Gillman, the film’s title character, tries to lead a typical teenage girl’s life in this new animated adventure. This new movie also produced by the same studio that created Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon. When Ruby learns about her family background, that gets more complex. Because she is a long-lineal royal Kraken descendent, and in this world, Krakens are the vowed defenders of the ocean.
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken appears to be an underwater superhero tale at a first impression. But on closer inspection, it appears to be more of a tale of maturation and accepting responsibility.
The main character of the film is 16-year-old Oceanside High student Ruby Gillman, who is either rejected by her crush or the majority of the school’s students. To make matters worse, the poor girl has an overprotective mother. Surprisingly, she doesn’t even allow herself to enter the water under any circumstances. Teenagers don’t always listen, though, and Ruby’s rule-breaking leads to the discovery that she is actually a Kraken. This cause to change everything. Yet instead of destroying vessels, these super-strengthened creatures are tasked with protecting the ocean from one main threat. In reality, mermaids are terrible monsters that must be eliminated at any cost. Ruby will have to show her ability to deal with her family’s legacy as a young Kraken with the support of her warrior queen grandmother.
The Cast
Lana Condor, who achieved breakthrough popularity after appearing in “All the boys I’ve Loved Before”, plays the title role of Ruby Gillman. Condor is supported by a remarkably strong supporting cast. Annie Murphy, who starred in Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020), is Condor’s major adversary and has a lot of experience playing popular rich kids.
The Gilman family is also star-studded, including legendary Oscar winner Jane Fonda voicing Ruby’s grandmother. In Knives Out (2019) Toni Collette plays Ruby’s overprotective mother. Fear the Walking Dead, Adi Coleman Domingo is Ruby’s more supportive father. And Council of Dads (2020) Blue Chapman as Ruby’s younger brother.
Will Forte (The Last Man on Earth), Jaboukie Young-White (Ralph Breaks the Internet), Nicole Byer (Nailed It!), Liza Koshy (Liza on Demand), Ramona Young (Never Have I Ever), Eduardo Franco (Stranger Things), and Echo Kellum (Arrow) are more participants of the supporting cast.
Who’s Making Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken?
Kirk DeMicco, who earlier directed Dreamworks’ The Croods (2013), and Faryn Pearl, who will be making his directorial debut with the movie, are co-directing Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken. Together with Pam Brady, who wrote the screenplay for South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999), DeMicco will also co-write the movie.
Production designer Pierre-Olivier Vincent, editor Michelle Mendenhall, and composer Stephanie Economou comprise the rest of the movie’s crew.
Release Date of Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Just in time for the summer, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, will be debuting in cinemas. As a result, the release date of the following animated movie is set for Friday, June 30, 2023.
