Yahoo Lifestyle ‘Little Prince’ Chinese Adaptation in the Works From Stars Collective, Shanghai’s El Pajaro (EXCLUSIVE)
In a major push into animation, media tech investment firm Stars Collective is partnering with Shanghai-based El Pajaro Pictures to develop, produce and distribute a fresh take on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved classic “The Little Prince.”
“The Little Prince” weaves a poetic tale of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting eccentric characters that offer allegorical insights into human nature. Narrated by a stranded aviator, the story unfolds as the prince recounts his adventures and his quest to understand life’s deeper truths.
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The novella has inspired several adaptations. The 1974 live-action musical, directed by Stanley Donen, captured its whimsy, while Mark Osborne’s 2015 animated feature blended CGI and stop-motion and proved there’s still magic in the property, pulling in $97 million worldwide, including $24 million from China. The original 1943 book has been translated into over 300 languages with more than 200 million copies sold globally.
The new adaptation aims to blend the story with Saint-Exupéry’s life from 1940-1944, employing a hybrid animation approach that melds 2D watercolor techniques with 3D oil painting aesthetics. At the helm is Li Jihong, who previously translated “The Little Prince” into Chinese. His 2013 translation has moved over six million copies. “The new animation movie will tell the entangling and intriguing story of the author and his masterpiece,” Li said.
The project has received full authorization from POMASE, the official body managing Saint-Exupéry’s legacy. POMASE president Olivier d’Agay gave his stamp of approval, noting: “The family of Antoine de Saint Exupéry has been thinking for a long time to a Chinese animated movie adapted from the original story ‘The Little Prince’ in regards to the success of the book in China.”
The deal continues Stars Collective’s aggressive rights-acquisition strategy. Founded in 2020 by Peter Luo, the company recently optioned “Fortune Sons” with Oscar winner Donna Gigliotti (“Silver Linings Playbook”) producing, and nabbed rights to bestseller “Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor.”
“By introducing cutting-edge AI technology and innovative animation aesthetics, we are committed to presenting audiences with an unprecedented visual spectacle,” said Luo, who via his Starlight Media has backed films including “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Marshall.”
Stars Collective’s recent moves also include partnering with VFX house DNEG on immersive experiences in China, and teaming with Hana Investment and Starlight Media on a $300 million fund for films, TV, games and tech. That slate includes game adaptations of upcoming pics like “The Garfield Movie” and projects from James Wan, Sam Raimi and Jon Chu.
Medialink Animation International Limited is handling licensing for the new “Little Prince” project, which is currently in production.
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