“Sneaks,” the upcoming animated movie, has added Anthony Mackie, Martin Lawrence, and Chloe Bailey to its voice cast of famous actors and musicians. They join previously cast Laurence Fishburne, Keith David, Sam Jay, Roddy Ricch, Ella Mai, Swae Lee, Macy Gray, Chris Paul, Quavo, and more.
The story follows Ty, a misguided designer sneaker, who embarks on a journey to rescue his sister after she is stolen by a shady collector (Fishburne). Ty meets new footwear friends –a charming oxford (Mai), an elegant stiletto (Gray), a gifted young athlete (Lee) and more — and finds a “sole-mate” along the way.
Fishburne—who also executive producer under his Cinema Gypsy Production banner—shared in a statement, “Our film will illuminate and pay homage to the forever growing and popular sneaker culture that continues to inspire and be inspired by musicians, athletes and artists alike and I’m thrilled by the cast and crew who have decided to join us on the journey.”
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The film is directed by Rob Edwards, marking his directorial debut with DJ Mustard starring in and serving as the film’s executive music producer.
Mustard added
“I really see the music in this film as a crucial part of the storytelling. As the first family animated feature film to be steeped in sneaker culture, I am honored to draw from my expertise as a producer and artist, and my love of sneakers, to create moments that really connect. The added bonus is that this is a film that I’ll be able to enjoy with my family and kids.”
Bobbito Garcia as its cultural advisor.
The film which is also produced by Lengi Studios also stars Donovan Louis Bazemore, Coi Leray, Kiana Ledé, Jonathan Kite, Amari McCoy, and Olympic skateboarders Sky Brown and Rayssa Leal.
Pre-production, design, and storyboarding are already underway at House of Cool, with animation by Assemblage Entertainment.
It is being co-financed and executive produced by RTG Features, RB Ventures, and Modern Toons, with financing from Ashland Hill Media Finance. Nike’s Waffle Iron Entertainment is also joining as executive producers.
The film is expected to be completed in 2024.
Quavo and Meko Yohannes, 10 Summers co-founder and president, have also signed on as executive producers, alongside Robyn Klein and Jeremy Ross. Bobbito Garcia serves as the film’s cultural advisor. The film is being represented by CAA Media Finance in North America and China, as well as GFM Animation internationally. Mackie and Lawrence are represented by UTA, with Bailey, Quavo, Brown, and Ledé represented by CAA.
“Sneaks” marks the second collaboration between RTG Features and Chris Paul, who is also executive producing the documentary “Handle with Care: the Legend of the Notic Streetball Crew” with RZA of Wu-Tang Clan. The company has a robust slate of projects, including a yet-to-be-titled docuseries from Peabody Award-winning director Kirk Fraser about legendary Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson.