Paramount Animation picks up ‘Blazing Samurai’, sets July theatrical release

Paramount Animation grass acquired animated feature Blazing Samurai, setting July theatrical release. The ‘toon is from GFM Animation, with Paramount picking up the movie for distribution in North America and other key international territories, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

An action packed animated comedy for all the family inspired by Mel Brooks’ timeless classic, Blazing Saddles. Hank, a loveable dog with a head full of dreams about becoming a samurai, sets off in search of his destiny.

Hank, a scrappy dreamer of a dog, aspires to one day be a bonafide Samurai. But in a world of cats, he’s not sure it’ll ever happen – that is until the nefarious warlord, Ika Chu, hustles the unwitting Hank into becoming the samurai for the town of Kakamucho; the same town Ika Chu intends to pillage.

Produced by Disney’s The Lion King director, Rob Minkoff, and from the mind of comedy genius Mel Brooks, this Japanese-inspired animated comedy teaches kids and adults alike that embracing diversity is what truly makes you a hero.

The voice cast includes Michael Cera, Samuel L. Jackson, Ricky Gervais, Mel Brooks, George Takei, Djimon Hounsou, Michelle Yeoh, Cathy Shim, Kylie Kuioka, Gabriel Iglesias and Aasif Mandvi.

Paramount has set the film for a July 22nd release.