KRU Studios is set to release its second animated film, titled Wheely, early next year.
Bringing viewers into a world of talking motor vehicles, the film, which is undergoing post-production work, will be screened in 80 countries, including China, South Korea, Germany, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Poland.
“Last year, we entered pre-sale agreements with the 18 distributors representing these countries.
“They are thrilled to screen Wheely in their respective territories,” KRU Studios chief executive officer Datuk Norman Abdul Halim told the New Straits Times yesterday.
KRU Studios’s first animated film, Ribbit, which was released in 2014, was shown in 70 countries, taking home US$4 million (RM16 million).
The 3D animation, to be released in conjunction with KRU’s 25th anniversary, is set in a likeness of present-day Kuala Lumpur, called Gasket City, with motor vehicles replacing humans.
“It is partly inspired by the Disney film Cars, but its cast is wholly Malaysian in their dialogue and mannerisms,” said Norman.
It relates the adventures of a taxi named Wheely who aspires to become the “king of the road”, but is forced to take on elite cars and mobster lorries to protect his friends and loved ones.
In the process, he discovers that staying true to oneself is a much greater pursuit than chasing personal glory.
Norman said KRU Studios would put out two editions of Wheely, in English and Bahasa Malaysia.
“The English version will feature the voice talents of American actors, while the Malay version will use the voices of our popular celebrities.”