The teaser trailer for Domee Shi’s upcoming feature film has been unveiled, and it’s a delight! Watch the trailer for Turning Red below.
We’re loving Pixar’s twist on the adolescent/coming of age story, with children who aren’t entirely human. Meilin Lee, the protagonist of Turning Red, transforms into a giant red panda. Here is the film’s official synopsis:
Growing up is a beast. Check out the new trailer for the upcoming all-new original feature film “Turning Red” from Pixar Animation Studios’ director Domee Shi, who won an Oscar® for her 2018 short film, “Bao.” Young actress Rosalie Chiang lends her voice to Mei Lee, a 13-year-old who suddenly “poofs” into a giant red panda when she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS). Sandra Oh voices Mei Lee’s protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, who is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager.
As the teaser shows, it’s not excitement that leads Mei to change, but a mortifying incident, courtesy of her mother. As awesome as the panda is, Mei’s human design is so endearing and adorable. She’s perfectly round. Her hat and glasses complement the shape and add to the appealing quality of her design.
Other highlights from the trailer are the bright colors and fluffy clouds. The stills here look like they’re straight out of a storybook.
Another great detail is the red panda mask on the elderly man’s house.
Like her 2018 short “Bao,” Shi’s full length debut centers on a Chinese-Canadian family with a unique tension between mother and child. No doubt Turning Red also has personal significance to Shi, another trend we’ve loved in Pixar’s stories recently.
There’s a new poster as well. Mei attends middle school in the early 2000s, so us ’90s kids can probably expect a little nostalgia trip! Hearing “Larger than Life” by The Backstreet Boys in the trailer more or less confirms it.
Turning Red will premiere in March of next year.
Last modified: July 13, 2021
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