It was a packed house filled to the brim with kids and adults for the “Lego Ninjago Movie” panel today at San Diego Comic Con. Scott Mantz (Access Hollywood) moderated as the cast took the stage to delight the audience with a little behind the scenes look at the upcoming feature.
The producer, Dan Lin (Lego Movie and IT) introduced the trailer which included the first time a movie in the Lego Universe has incorporated natural elements. That’s right-real trees, grass, water and perhaps *spoiler alert* an adorable animal with fur and whiskers channeling Godzilla.
The Lego Ninjago Movie is a huge cast both in number and credits. Dave Franco (Nerve, Neighbors) plays the green ninja LLoyd. He is an “outcast by day, hero by night.” Justin Theroux (Girl on the Train, American Psycho) is Garmadon, not only the baddie but Lloyd’s father and “worst guy ever.”
Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley, The Big Sick) as Jay the blue ninja started off his introduction by trying to auction off his very own action figure. It was the first time that the actors had seen their very own Lego figures from the movie. Michael Pena (End of Watch, Ant Man) plays Kai, who brings previous knowledge of the Lego Universe courtesy of his own eight year old child/Lego fanatic. Pena and Nanjiani
kept the audience laughing throughout the panel with their antics.
Olivia Munn as Lloyd’s mom Koko, Abbi Jacobson as Nya the kick butt female ninja and Zach Woods as Kai round out the cast of cylindrical headed characters.
Also in the film but absent from San Diego Comic Con today are Fred Armisen and Jackie Chan. The fight choreography in the Lego Ninjago Movie was done by Chan and his team.
After watching the second and newest trailer, I was once again amazed at how these inanimate figures that litter our play room are transformed on the big screen as characters with heart and emotions. These static play things become alive with human expression in the Lego Ninjago Move. It’s not necessary to be a fan of Ninjago to follow the movie. Nor is it necessary to have watched the other Lego movies but if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?
Judging by the audience reaction, I wasn’t the only one excited to see this film. The Lego Ninjago Movie will be in theaters September 22nd, 2017.
