DreamWorks Unveils New Opening Logo With Gender-Neutral ‘Moon Child’
Video screenshot via DreamWorks
The Moon Child, formerly known as the Moon Boy, is no longer a single child of the DreamWorks family and will now share some screen time with others at the start of animated films. The production giant—co-founded by former Walt Disney Studios chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg alongside Steven Spielberg and David Geffen—has debuted a new, extended opening sequence introducing some of its most prominent characters and a refreshing arc to its mascot.
DreamWorks Animation’s theatrical opener incorporates icons from How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Boss Baby, Trolls, The Bad Guys, and, last but not least, Shrek. Strangely missing in action are the animals of Madagascar, though. The opening theme seems to be the studio’s answer to the Marvel Studios sequence, which reminds viewers of how intricate the franchise’s storylines are.
According to Collider, DreamWorks roped in its veteran animators to help bring the imaginative branding to life.
The unifying character is, of course, the Moon Child, who is seen floating the titular moon like a boat across the DreamWorks universe and greeting other icons.
Speaking of the Moon Child, the mascot now apparently sports a more polished appearance.
More importantly, this is the first time audiences will refer to the character by the non-gender-conforming moniker of ‘Moon Child’, instead of ‘Moon Boy’.
DreamWorks emphasizes that every child—not necessarily boys—could be a dreamer and, therefore, insert themselves onto the floating moon.
Film producer Suzanne Buirgy tells the Hollywood Reporter that the reformed, inclusive character should “be appealing to everybody.”
Margie Cohn, president of DreamWorks Animation, chimes in that “all dreamers are welcome here,” and that they could see themselves in the Moon Child when they look up at the stars or sky to make a wish.
The opening sequence will make its grand first appearance on the silver screen when Puss in Boots: The Last Wish premieres in theaters on December 21. Watch it first below.
[via AV Club, Collider, The Hollywood Reporter, images various sources]
