Laika’s KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS Coming August 19, 2016

This post will have official information from Focus Features on the upcoming stop-motion/CG hybrid animated film KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS, opening in theaters August 19, 2016. KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS is created by the animation studio Laika, makers of the 2012 film ParaNorman and 2014’s THE BOXTROLLS, about one hero’s journey to make his own path.  Directed by Travis Knight (ParaNorman and The Boxtrolls), actors Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Vaccaro, and Matthew McConaughey provide the voices for the film.  Based on the artwork, trailer, voicecast, studio… heck, based on everything, this film looks incredible!  Pixar better take a look over their shoulder.  Continue reading for more details on KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS from Focus Features’ press release.

KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Akihiro (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Academy Award nominee Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta.

Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known.

With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.

(L-R) The journey begins as Little Hanzo, Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson), and Monkey (voiced by Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) trek through The Tundra. Credit: Laika Studios/Focus Features

(L-R) Monkey (voiced by Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) situates herself protectively alongside Kubo (Art Parkinson). Credit: Laika Studios/Focus Features

(L-R) The battle is joined for Monkey (voiced by Academy Award winner Charlize Theron), Kubo (Art Parkinson), and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey). Credit: Laika Studios/Focus Features

(L-R) Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson) gets a lift from his new friend and ally Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey) Credit: Laika Studios/Focus Features

(L-R) Beetle, Kubo, and Monkey take in the beauty of the landscape as they emerge from the Forest. Credit: Laika Studios/Focus Features

(L-R) Beetle, Kubo, and Monkey set off on a promising path. Credit: Laika Studios/Focus Features

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About Dave Parfitt

Married, father of two girls, and living in the heart of the Finger Lakes. I'm a runner with a PhD in neuroscience and a passion for travel.