iWorld
Audible and Disney launches new kid-focused audio originals: Frozen, Cars & Star Wars
Mumbai: Audible, Inc., the creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, and Disney Publishing released three new Audible Originals today from Disney’s Frozen, Disney & Pixar’s Cars, and Star Wars, in addition to 60 audiobooks featuring stories including Finding Dory, Marvel’s Avengers, Monsters, Inc., Mulan, and Toy Story. All of these offerings are available today exclusively on Audible at audible.com.
Today’s three Audible Originals feature multiple Disney character voices and immersive sound design. The titles include:
1 Star Wars: Padawan’s Pride
Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan Anakin Skywalker star in this thrilling galactic adventure set three years after the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. When a Republic spy goes missing on the Moons of Varl, the Jedi Council asks Obi-Wan and Anakin to infiltrate an underground podracing circuit run by a crime boss believed to be holding the spy prisoner. Master and apprentice must use all their Jedi skills in this action-packed tale of cutthroat competition, deadly deception, and, ultimately, what it means to be a Padawan. Recommended for ages 8–12. Written by Bryan Q. Miller.
2 Disney Frozen: Olaf’s Quest
Olaf, Arendelle’s adorable snowman, loves to read. One day, an unexpected message leads Olaf and his friends Anna, Kristoff, and Sven on a quest for a place known as Haus Biblio, described as a “sea of stories.” Join the group’s journey as they cross over mountains, search for monsters under bridges, and have conversations with friendly sheep. Recommended for ages 6–8. Written by Suzanne Francis.
3 Disney Pixar Cars: The Legend of the Crystal Hubcap
Best friends Lightning McQueen and Mater are on the road to attend Mater’s sister’s wedding across the country when they accidentally find themselves at the legendary Cave of the Crystal Hubcap. Legend has it, that whoever gazes into this hubcap becomes the luckiest racer in the world. Mater thinks the hubcap would make the perfect wedding gift and heads into the cave in search of it with Lightning—when it comes to treasure hunting, sometimes friendships are the greatest treasures of all. Recommended for ages 3–5. Written by Steve Behling.
Rachel Ghiazza, Chief Content Officer at Audible, said: “As a customer-obsessed company, we know our devoted listeners want to share their love of audio with the children in their lives. We believe imagination is at the core of family entertainment, which Disney has championed as an industry leader for generations. We’re honoured to collaborate with Disney to bring smiles to kids’ faces when they hear the swoosh of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s lightsaber or the squeal of Lightning McQueen’s tires. New audio adventures begin today, and we can’t wait to share what’s in store over the next few years.”
Disney Publishing’s Tonya Agurto, Senior Vice President of New IP and Global Business Development said, “Kids-targeted audio experiences connect families, spark imagination, and foster a life-long love of storytelling. Disney Publishing is delighted to bring original and enchanting stories to Audible listeners which span beloved franchises and characters across Disney Frozen, Pixar and Star Wars.”
This new content follows Audible’s global launch of Kids Profiles. In this new, kid-friendly listening space on Audible, parents can easily share audio titles with children, delighting their little ones while ensuring that audio content can be enjoyed in a parent-controlled environment right from the Audible app. Children will only be able to see and listen to titles shared with them. For instructions on how to create a Kids’ Profile and additional information, click here.
The Disney titles join a quickly expanding offering of family listening content on Audible including Pottermore Publishing’s complete Harry Potter collection and the forthcoming full-cast audio productions of the original Harry Potter stories; Sesame Workshop’s The Sesame Street Podcast with Foley and Friends (Seasons 1-3) and Ready, Set, Ride with Elmo; Hasbro’s Peppa Pig’s Play-A-Long Podcast; Nickelodeon’s Are You Afraid of the Dark? The Official Podcast; Letters from Camp (Seasons 1-3), produced and performed by Jamie Lee Curtis and an all-star cast; KIDZ BOP Never Stop, from the #1 music brand for kids; and more. Audible’s production and development deals include collaborations with top industry creatives such as President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground, Kerry Washington’s Simpson Street, Daniel Dae Kim’s 3AD Productions, Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video Enterprises, and James Patterson Entertainment.
iWorld
Prime Video and Hrithik Roshan reunite for quirky heist comedy Mess
HRX Films expands pact with quirky heist comedy set for production
MUMBAI: Prime Video is doubling down on its partnership with Hrithik Roshan, announcing a new comedy film Mess that promises chaos, chuckles and a clever twist on the classic heist.
Produced by Hrithik Roshan and Eshaan Roshan under HRX Films, a division of FilmKraft Productions, the film is being made in association with Soda Films Lab. Directed by Rajesh A Krishnan, Mess marks the second collaboration between the streaming platform and HRX Films after the upcoming thriller Storm.
At the heart of Mess lies an unusual premise. A group of robbers break into the home of a man with OCD, only to find themselves outmatched in a night-long standoff that flips the script on who is really in control. It is a set-up that blends tension with humour, turning a break-in into a breakdown of expectations.
Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok said, “A good story should surprise and entertain, and Mess does both with ease. It brings together a unique premise, memorable characters and a tone that keeps you laughing throughout.”
He added that the collaboration with HRX Films continues to grow stronger, with the new film reflecting a shared appetite for bold and original storytelling.
Hrithik Roshan said, “After Storm, Mess feels like a natural next step in our journey with Prime Video. The film captures the kind of unconventional storytelling we want to champion, with Rajesh bringing a distinctive voice to the narrative.”
Director Rajesh A Krishnan said, “The world of Mess is a mix of comedy and chaos, unusual enough to keep audiences on edge while still delivering humour. It has been a deeply collaborative and creatively fulfilling experience.”
The original screenplay comes from Paul Soter, with adaptation and dialogues by Kapil Sawant, adding another layer of craft to the film’s offbeat narrative.
As production gears up, Mess looks ready to live up to its name, serving up a delightful tangle of mayhem, mischief and movie magic for audiences in India and beyond.
