Kids

GFM Animation, Threshold Entertainment and Syco Entertainment have announced that together they will co-produce a new animated feature film called X Factor in the Jungle.

Targeting a worldwide 4-quadrant audience, the movie is based on Simon Cowell’s singing competition phenomenon TV show The X Factor, which has run for 20 years and was adapted in 178 different territories.

The story begins when a karaoke machine is tossed overboard from a sinking boat, landing in a jungle where it is seized by a little mouse who is quickly challenged by both a jaguar and a rhino, who each want it. A sing off ensues to determine who will have it and this attracts a huge audience of animals and creatures who demand a song contest open to all.

X Factor in the Jungle is written by Emmy Award-winning writer Sean Catherine Derek, directed by long-time Disney director Kirk Wise, and produced by Larry Kasanoff. Threshold partner Jimmy Ienner will manage the music collaboration along with Simon Cowell.

Guy Collins, GFM Animation Chairman, said: "It’s a great opportunity for GFM Animation to work with such an iconic IP that is known literally worldwide and with Larry, Jimmy and Simon. It promises and will deliver a great cinematic experience for all age groups who love music and fun. The budget will enable top level voice casting and music collaboration fitting for this movie."

Producer Larry Kasanoff, said: "Our team is looking forward to creating this great musical blast based on this great TV show that is a true universal hit and working closely with Simon – a true legend."

Simon Cowell added: “I have loved this idea since I first was approached by Larry and the team at Threshold and I’m delighted GFM Animation love it too. We all share the same vision for this fun, positive, family-friendly movie and of course I’m equally really excited for the soundtrack too. I've always wanted to make animated movies and I plan for this to be the first of many!”

Pre-production will start this year while CG animation will begin 2024 - as for the movie distribution, we will have to wait until 2026.