Grok Entertainment Desk | June 26, 2012
In a move that's sure to delight nostalgic toy collectors and animation fans alike, DreamWorks Animation has officially greenlit a feature film adaptation of the iconic Troll Dolls, with the project tentatively titled Trolls. Sources close to the production have confirmed to the Grok Entertainment Desk that indie darling Jason Schwartman and rising star Chloe Moretz are attached to lead the voice cast, marking a quirky turn for the studio known for hits like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.
The Troll Dolls, those wild-haired, jewel-bellied figurines that exploded in popularity during the 1960s and enjoyed revivals in the '70s and '90s, have long been ripe for cinematic treatment. Created by Danish woodcutter Thomas Dam in 1959, the trolls became a cultural phenomenon, spawning merchandise empires and even inspiring urban legends about their "good luck" powers. Now, DreamWorks is betting big on transforming these pint-sized charmers into animated superstars.
According to our exclusive insiders, Trolls will follow a band of misfit trolls on a high-stakes adventure through a vibrant, fantastical world hidden beneath the human realm. Schwartman, fresh off his acclaimed performance in Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom, is set to voice the lead troll—a wise-cracking, rainbow-maned inventor named "Glimmer" who's on a quest to save his troll village from a shadowy corporate overlord intent on mining their magical gems. Moretz, who captivated audiences in Kick-Ass and Let Me In, will lend her voice to "Sparkle," a feisty young troll with a knack for mischief and a heart of gold (or perhaps cubic zirconia).
"DreamWorks sees this as their next big franchise," whispered one studio exec during a discreet lunch at The Ivy. "It's got the humor of Shrek, the heart of How to Train Your Dragon, and that irresistible toy-tie-in potential. We're talking trolls in Happy Meals, troll-themed apparel lines, and maybe even a Broadway musical down the road."
The film is being helmed by director Mike Mitchell, who previously brought us the underrated gem Sky High and is no stranger to blending live-action sensibilities with animation. Script duties fall to a team including Shrek 2 scribe Andrew Adamson, ensuring a mix of clever wordplay and family-friendly antics. Production is slated to begin later this year, with an eye toward a 2014 release—perfect timing to capitalize on the post-Avengers superhero fatigue and usher in a new era of whimsical, troll-powered escapism.
But it's not all smooth sailing for these trolls. Industry buzz suggests early concept art has already sparked debates among focus groups: Should the trolls' signature nude bodies be clothed for modern sensibilities, or keep that classic bare-bottomed charm? And how exactly do you animate those gravity-defying hairdos in 3D without inducing motion sickness? DreamWorks isn't commenting officially, but our sources hint at "innovative fur simulation tech" borrowed from their Puss in Boots pipeline.
Schwartman, known for his deadpan delivery in films like Rushmore and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, brings a layer of ironic cool to the project. "Jason's voice is perfect for a troll who's equal parts philosopher and prankster," said a casting insider. Moretz, at just 15, continues her streak of bold choices, adding depth to what could be a breakout animated role. Expect cameos from A-listers voicing supporting trolls—rumors swirl around names like Will Ferrell as a bumbling giant and Kristen Wiig as a sassy enchantress.
This exclusive scoop comes amid a wave of toy-to-film adaptations, following successes like Transformers and the upcoming Battleship. If Trolls hits, it could revive the Troll Dolls brand for a new generation, complete with updated designs featuring eco-friendly materials and app-integrated play features. Toy giant Hasbro, which holds the rights, is reportedly in talks for a massive merchandising push.
