Spirit (franchise) explained

Spirit
Creator:John Fusco
Jeffrey Katzenberg
Origin: (2002)
Owner:DreamWorks Animation
Years:2002–2023
Soundtracks:Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)
Music:"Here I Am"
Website:Spirit

Spirit is an American media franchise owned by DreamWorks Animation, which began with the 2002 animated film written by John Fusco from an idea by producer Jeffrey Katzenberg. The franchise follows the adventures of a Kiger Mustang stallion named Spirit and his same named descendants.

The first film, Stallion of the Cimarron, received mostly positive reviews from critics and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 75th Academy Awards.[1]

An animated television series, Spirit Riding Free, premiered on Netflix in 2017 and introduced new characters like Lucky Prescott, who became one of the franchise's main protagonists alongside Spirit. It spawned a short-form series titled Pony Tales, a spin-off series titled Riding Academy, and two television specials.

The television series also served as the basis for the 2021 film Spirit Untamed, which is a re-imagined version of the first episode of Spirit Riding Free.[2]

Films

FilmU.S. release dateDirector(s)Screenwriter(s)Producer(s)
Kelly Asbury and Lorna CookJohn FuscoMireille Soria and Jeffrey Katzenberg
Spirit UntamedElaine Bogan
Co-Directed by:
Ennio Torresan Jr.
Aury Wallington and Kristin HahnKaren Foster

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)

See main article: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is a 2002 American animated adventure film produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by DreamWorks Pictures. It was directed by Kelly Asbury and Lorna Cook, in their feature directional debuts, from a screenplay by John Fusco.[3]

Set in the Old West in the late 19th century, the film follows Spirit, a Kiger Mustang stallion (voiced by Matt Damon through inner dialogue), who is captured during the American Indian Wars by the United States Cavalry; he is freed by a Native American man named Little Creek who attempts to lead him back into the Lakota village.

The film was released in theaters on May 24, 2002. In July 2014, the film's distribution rights were purchased by DreamWorks Animation from Paramount Pictures (owners of the pre-2005 DreamWorks Pictures catalog) and transferred to 20th Century Fox[4] before reverting to Universal Studios in 2018.

Spirit Untamed (2021)

See main article: Spirit Untamed. Spirit Untamed is an 2021 American animated adventure film produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film is directed by Elaine Bogan, in her feature directorial debut, and co-directed by Ennio Torresan Jr.

It is a reboot and kind of a sequel of the traditional animated film and based on the characters from its spin-off television series Spirit Riding Free, created by Aury Wallington, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Kristin Hahn. The film is a re-imagined version of the series' story that follows a young girl named Fortuna "Lucky" Prescott who moves to the small rural community of Miradero, where she meets the titular wild kiger mustang whom she names "Spirit" and immediately begins to bond with him.[2]

The film was released in the United States on June 4, 2021.[5]

Television series

Spirit Riding Free (2017–2019)

See main article: Spirit Riding Free. Spirit Riding Free is an animated spin-off television series, produced by DreamWorks Animation Television based on the traditionally animated film, . Created by Aury Wallington, it premiered on Netflix on May 5, 2017.[6]

The series is set in small frontier town of Miradero and follows Lucky Prescott, a 12-year-old girl who had recently relocated from the city. She encounters a wild kiger mustang named Spirit. Lucky immediately bonds with the stallion and also makes friends with Pru Granger and Abigail Stone. Pru owns a palomino horse called Chica Linda, and Abigail has a pinto horse called Boomerang. The girls call themselves the PALs.[6]

Webisodes (2017–2020)

A number of webisodes have been released exclusively (except for "Unstoppable Music Video") on the DreamWorks Spirit YouTube-channel during the course of the series.

Spirit Riding Free: Pony Tales (2019)

Spirit Riding Free: Pony Tales is an animated short-form television series, produced by DreamWorks Animation Television and the second spin-off television series of and the first from the first television series Spirit Riding Free. It premiered on Netflix on August 9, 2019.[7]

Spirit Riding Free: Riding Academy (2020)

Spirit Riding Free: Riding Academy is an animated television series, produced by DreamWorks Animation Television and the third spin-off television series of and the second from the television series Spirit Riding Free. It premiered on Netflix on April 3, 2020.[8]

Lucky, Pru and Abigail are preparing to leave Miradero as they move away to boarding school at the Palomino Bluffs Riding Academy. But the girls are faced with fresh responsibilities and experiences. From meeting their new competition, the BUDs, their transition to the academy is anything but easy. Along the way the PALs will make new friends and explore their individual talents as they grow up and discover their new home together.[8]

Spirit & Friends (2022-2023)

On February 9, 2022, DreamWorks Animation Television announced a new series titled Spirit & Friends inspired by the characters from Spirit Riding Free, which takes place in the same setting of Spirit Untamed. It was released on YouTube on February 12.[9] The cast trio of Spirit Untamed (Merced, Martin, and Grace) reprised their roles and all shorts were directed by Andrew Wilson with animation provided by Doberman Pictures and Top Draw Animation. The series was also released on Peacock months later after the release.

Television specials

Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas (2019)

Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas is a Christmas special which premiered on Netflix on December 6, 2019. The special starred the characters from Spirit Riding Free television series.[10]

Lucky and her friends embark on a Christmas Eve adventure into the city to find the perfect gift, but their return to Miradero for the holiday festivities are ruined when an avalanche derails their plans.[10]

Spirit Riding Free: Ride Along Adventure (2020)

Spirit Riding Free: Ride Along Adventure is a interactive special which premiered on Netflix on December 8, 2020.[11]

In this special, Lucky and her friends go on a mission to save Maricela's beloved mare, Mystery, from greedy horse thieves who've taken her captive with a wild herd.[11]

Cast and crew

Cast and characters

CharactersFeature filmsTelevision seriesWeb seriesTelevision special(s)
Spirit:
Stallion of the Cimarron
Spirit Untamed
Spirit Riding FreePony TalesRiding AcademySpirit & FriendsSpirit of ChristmasRide Along Adventure
SpiritMatt Damoncolspan="7"
Little CreekDaniel Studi
Lucky Prescottstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Isabela Merced
Bridget Hoffman
(young)
Amber FrankIsabela MercedAmber Frank
Pru Grangerstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Marsai MartinSydney ParkMarsai MartinSydney Park
Abigail Stonestyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Mckenna GraceBailey GambertoglioMckenna GraceBailey Gambertoglio
Snips Stonestyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Lucian PerezDuncan Joinerstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Duncan Joiner
James “Jim” Prescott Jr.style=background-color:#D3D3D3 Jake GyllenhaalNolan Northstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Nolan Northstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3
Cora Prescottstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Julianne MooreKari Wahlgrenstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Kari Wahlgrenstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Kari Wahlgrenstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3
Al Grangerstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Andre BraugherJonathan Craig Williamsstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Jonathan Craig Williamsstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3
Maricela GutierrezDarcy Rose Byrnesstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Darcy Rose Byrnes
TuroAndy Pessoa
Bianca and Mary PatGabriella Gravesstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Gabriella Gravesstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3
Fannie GrangerDawnn Lewisstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 style=background-color:#D3D3D3
Kathryn "Kate" FloresTiya Sircarstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Tiya Sircarstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Tiya Sircarstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3
Julian PrescottLucas Grabeel
James Prescott Sr.style=background-color:#D3D3D3 Joe HartVictor Garber
(1st voice)
Nolan North
(2nd voice)
style=background-color:#D3D3D3 Victor Garber
(Archive recordings)
Milagro Navarrostyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Eiza GonzálezNatalie Otano
TitoEric Lopez
EstrellaMarite Mantilla
SolanaLilimar Hernandez
JavierAndy Aragon
MixtliBridger Zadina
Miz McDonnellChristine Baranaski
Major GutierrezChristian Lanz
Mrs. HungerfordJulie Brown
Bebe SchumannJulia Lester
DaphneGeorgia Dolenz
Ursula Lin YangCharlet Chung
Headmaster PerkinsRhys Darby
Lydia SterlingKitana Turnbull
JackPaul-Mikél Williams
Saher KapoorKaran Brar
Priya KapoorRoshni Edwards
Alex FoxJustin Felbenger
BeefAustin Kane
Dr. Annalisa CopeBriana León
Coach BradleyJane Lynch
Major SchumannRob Riggle
Mr. DanielsPiotr Michael
TylerBenjamin Flores Jr.
Mr. GaelCarlos Alazraqui
Anahí
Mrs. Johnson
Banks Beller
Sally JessupKatherine McNamarastyle=background-color:#D3D3D3
The ColonelJames Cromwell
Sgt. AdamsChopper Bernet
Hendricksstyle=background-color:#D3D3D3 Walton Goggins
Harlan GraysonJames Patrick Stuart
Butch LePrayKatey SagalKatey Sagal
RoosterThomas Lennon
Frankie LePrayRachel Kimsey

Crew

RoleSpirit Untamed
20022021
Director(s)Kelly Asbury
Lorna Cook
Elaine Bogan
Co-Directed by:
Ennio Torresan Jr.
Producer(s)Mireille Soria
Jeffrey Katzenberg
Karen Foster
Screenplay byJohn FuscoAury Wallington
Kristin Hahn
Composer(s)Hans ZimmerAmie Doherty
Editor(s)Nick Fletcher
Clare De Chenu
R. Orlando Duenas
Studio(s)DreamWorks Animation
Animation producer(s)DWA Glendale
Anvil Studios
Bardel Entertainment
Stardust Pictures
Jellyfish Pictures
88 Pictures
Minimo VFX
Distributor(s)DreamWorks PicturesUniversal Pictures
Running time84 minutes85 minutes

Reception

Box office performance

FilmRelease dateBox office grossBudget
North AmericaOther
territories
Worldwide
May 24, 2002$73,280,117$49,283,422$122,563,539$80 million[12]
Spirit UntamedJune 4, 2021$17,716,215$25,001,000$42,717,215$30 million[13]
Total$90,996,332$74,284,422$165,280,754$110 million

Critical and public response

Film! scope="col" colspan="2"
CriticalPublic
Rotten TomatoesMetacriticCinemaScorePostTrak
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron[14] 52 (29 reviews)[15] [16]
Spirit Untamed[17] 49 (23 reviews)[18] [19]
75%

Video games

YearTitleDeveloper(s)Publisher(s)Platform(s)
2002Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron — Forever FreeThe Fizz FactorTHQWindows[20] [21]
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron — Search for HomelandHyperspace CowgirlsGame Boy Advance
2019Spirit Trick ChallengeDreamworks AnimationDreamworks AnimationAndroid / iOS[22] [23]
2021Spirit: Lucky's Big AdventureaheartfulofgamesOutright Games LTD.Windows / PlayStation 4 / Xbox One / Nintendo Switch[24]

Book series

Shortly after the movie, a book series called “Spirit of the West” was released by writer Kathleen Duey; telling the story of Spirit's family lineage and herd.[25]

Music

Soundtracks

TitleU.S. release dateLengthLabel
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron - Music from the Original Motion Picture59:55A&M Records
Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas - EP10:42Back Lot Music
Spirit Untamed (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)[26] 68:06

Singles

TitleU.S. release dateLengthArtist(s)LabelFilm/Series
"Here I Am"4:06Bryan AdamsA&M Records
"Riding Free"3:07Maisy StellaBack Lot MusicSpirit Riding Free
"Friends Forever"1:56Amber Frank, Sydney Park and Bailey Gambertoglio
"Unstoppable"2:40Spirit Riding Free: Pony Tales
"Fearless (Valiente Duet)"4:14Isabela Merced and Eiza GonzálezSpirit Untamed
"You Belong"3:16Becky G

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The 75th Academy Awards 2003. Oscars.org Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 5 October 2014 . en. 2019-05-09.
  2. Web site: DreamWorks Animation & Universal To Release 'Spirit Riding Free' & 'The Bad Guys' In 2021. D'Alessandro. Anthony. 2019-10-07. Deadline Hollywood. 2019-12-13. https://web.archive.org/web/20191205053635/https://deadline.com/2019/10/dreamworks-animation-2021-releases-spirit-riding-free-the-bad-guys-1202753767/. 2019-12-05. live.
  3. Web site: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. Turner Classic Movies. April 11, 2016.
  4. News: Chney. Alexandra. DreamWorks Animation Q2 Earnings Fall Short of Estimates, SEC Investigation Revealed. July 30, 2014. Variety. July 29, 2014.
  5. Web site: D'Alessandro . Anthony . Jennifer Lopez Romantic Comedy 'Marry Me' Heads To Summer . 10 November 2020 . . 10 November 2020 . November 10, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201110180056/https://deadline.com/2020/11/jennifer-lopez-marry-me-maluma-movie-summer-2021-release-date-spirit-untamed-june-release-1234612262/ . live .
  6. News: Milligan. Mercedes. Trailer: DreamWorks' 'Spirit Riding Free' Races to Netflix. May 27, 2017. Animation Magazine. April 18, 2017.
  7. News: SPIRIT RIDING FREE - Pony Tales Trailer - Netflix. April 11, 2021. YouTube. July 26, 2019.
  8. News: First Look at 'Spirit Riding Free: Riding Academy' Part 1 on Netflix. April 11, 2021. What's on Netflix. March 20, 2020.
  9. 1491487240702382090. DreamWorksTV. Saddle up for an all-new adventure! Spirit & Friends is coming to YouTube on February 12!. 9 February 2022.
  10. News: Stream It Or Skip It: 'Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas' on Netflix, an Animated Adventure About Some Frontier Girls (and Maybe a Horse?). April 11, 2021. Decider. December 9, 2019.
  11. News: Spirit Riding Free: Ride Along Adventure. April 11, 2021. What's on Netflix. December 8, 2020.
  12. Web site: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. Box Office Mojo. April 11, 2021.
  13. 11084896. Spirit Untamed (2021). August 20, 2021.
  14. . Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron . m . .
  15. spirit-stallion-of-the-cimarron . movie . Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron . June 2, 2022.
  16. Web site: Cinemascore :: Movie Title Search . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20190809062201/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ . August 9, 2019 . August 9, 2019 . CinemaScore.
  17. . Spirit Untamed . m . .
  18. spirit-untamed . movie . Spirit Untamed . June 2, 2022.
  19. News: D'Alessandro . Anthony . 'Conjuring 3' Out-Scaring 'A Quiet Place Part II' At Weekend B.O. . June 5, 2021 . . June 2, 2022.
  20. Web site: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002). GameSpot. April 29, 2021.
  21. THQ. THQ Ships Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron – Search for Homeland for Game Boy Advance and Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron – Forever Free for PC. THQ. December 6, 2014. October 28, 2002.
  22. Web site: Spirit Trick Challenge. January 31, 2021. App Store. Apple Inc.. en-us.
  23. Web site: January 25, 2020. Spirit Riding Free Trick Challenge - App Review. January 31, 2021. Common Sense Media. en.
  24. Web site: 2021. DREAMWORKS SPIRIT LUCKY´S BIG ADVENTURE. April 11, 2021. Outright Games LTD.. en.
  25. Web site: Kathleen Duey's Spirit of the Cimarron books in order . 2024-05-21 . www.fantasticfiction.com.
  26. Web site: 'Spirit Untamed' Soundtrack Album Details | Film Music Reporter.