Movies: Meet “Ferdinand”: The Inspiring Bull That Isn't A Bully

Wrestling superstar John Cena lends voice to the gentlest bull that will soon capture everyone’s hearts on January 8 in “Ferdinand” – a giant bull who prefers flowers to fighting.

Today’s generation can enjoy the delightful CG-animated film based on the 1936 book “The Story of Ferdinand” by author Munro Leaf and illustrator Robert Lawson, a warm and charming take on how appearances can be deceptive (or, why you should never judge a bull by its cover…) the book’s message of love and acceptance has resonated for decades.

Directed by Academy Award nominee Carlos Saldanha, creator and director of the Rio series and director of many of the Ice Age movies, “Ferdinand” centers on the adventures of a peace-loving bull (voiced by John Cena), who is adopted by a loving farmer and daughter. However, his idyllic life changes after he’s mistaken for a vicious beast and is taken away to the last place on earth he wants to be, a bull training camp. But Ferdinand is determined to get back home. Along the way, the kind-hearted bull makes many friends and changes the lives of those he meets. But there still one great obstacle he’ll have to overcome… in the film’s thrilling climactic scene, Ferdinand has to face the matador El Primero in a packed arena, but he valiantly stays true to his peaceful nature, and inspires all those around him.           

Movies: Blue Sky Studio’s “Ferdinand” Second Trailer Reveal

20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studio released the second trailer of the upcoming adventure animation “Ferdinand” about a gentle giant bull voiced by wrestling star John Cena.

“Ferdinand” tells the story of a bull who was mistaken for a dangerous beast and separated from his human best friend.  Unknown to his captors, Ferdinand is the gentlest of all bulls and prefers to smell the flowers instead of fighting matadors.    

The latest trailer brings us to Ferdinand’s journey from quietly living with his family to his captivity and meeting new friends who eventually go with him on an exciting journey going back to his family.

The animated movie is directed by Carlos Saldanha, who also helmed the animated franchise “Ice Age” movies.  The movie also features the voices of Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez, Daveed Diggs, Gabriel Iglesias, Bobby Cannavale, David Tennant, Anthony Anderson, Flula Borg, Sally Phillips, Boris Kodjoe, Jerrod Carmichael, Raúl Esparza, Karla Martínez, and Miguel Ángel Silvestre.

“Ferdinand” will open in cinemas (Phils.) on January 8, 2018 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.                

Movies: Wrestling Superstar John Cena Is A Friendly Bull In Blue Sky Studios’ “Ferdinand”

WWE superstar John Cena takes on the form of a friendly bull in Blue Sky Studios’ “Ferdinand.”  From blockbuster toonmaker Carlos Saldanha, who also helmed global hits “Ice Age” and “Rio” comes the story of a beast with a big heart in “Ferdinand,” based on the story of a classic children’s book by Munro Leaf illustrated by Robert Lawson.

“Ferdinand” (Cena) tells the inspiring and joyful story of a giant gentle bull forced into the dangerous arena of bullfighting.  After being mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure. Set in Spain, Ferdinand proves you can’t judge a bull by its cover.

Cena, in recent interviews clearly relates to his character – big but hesitant to fight. “He's a peaceful bull, people think he's a fighter because he's a big bull,” said Cena.

“Ferdinand” voice cast includes (Jane the Virgin’s) Gina Rodriguez as hedgehog Una, Kate McKinnon as goat Lupe,  David Tennant as Angus, Anthony Anderson as Bones, Gabriel Iglesias as Cuatro, Daveed Diggs as Dos, Miguel Ángel Silvestre as El Primero, Sally Phillips as Greta, Flula Borg as Hans, Karla Martinez as Isabella, Boris Kodjoe as Klaus, Raul Esparza as Moreno, Jerrod Carmichael as Paco and Bobby Cannavale as Valiente.

A Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox presentation distributed by Warner Bros. - “Ferdinand” opens in cinemas (Phils.) on January 8, 2018 and will also be available in 3D screens.