We’re delighted to share the news that the star-studded animated comedy feature Blazing Samurai has found a home with Paramount Animation, which has picked up rights from Aniventure & GFM Animation for North America and other territories. Directed by Rob Minkoff (The Lion King, 1994) and veteran animator/story artist Mark Koetsier (Rumble, Illumination’s The Grinch, Pocahontas), the pic is slated for a U.S. release on July 22.

Cinesite Montreal delivered the animation for the film which has an impressive voice cast comprised of Micheal Cera, Samuel L. Jackson, Ricky Gervais, Mel Brooks, George Takei, Djimon Hounsou, Michelle Yeoh, Cathy Shim, Kylie Kuioka, Gabriel Iglesias and Aasif Mandvi. We’re delighted audiences will get to see our artists & technicians brilliant work this summer.

Cera voices Hank, a dog who dreams of becoming a samurai in a land where that privilege is reserved exclusively for cats. He gets his chance when a post opens up in the small town of Kakamucho, but little does Hank know that the local warlord (Gervais) who hired him is bent on destroying the town for his own gain. Seemingly destined to fail, Hank coaxes a reluctant, once great samurai (Jackson) out of retirement to become his mentor, and together they become samurai heroes.

Visit The Hollywood Reporter for the full details and hear directors Rob Minkoff & Mark Koetsier discuss their experience working with our crew on their film here.