Tituss Burgess has admired Nathan Lane as a Broadway legend for many years, particularly after seeing his performance in the 1992 revival of Guys and Dolls. They have not had the opportunity to work together until now, with the upcoming animated musical Spellbound from Netflix. Although they recorded their roles separately, they finally met recently.
In Spellbound, they voice the whimsical characters of Ludo and Sunny, who serve as Oracles of the Moon and Sun. This charming duo supports the protagonist, Ellian, voiced by Rachel Zegler, on her quest to break a spell that has turned her parents into monsters.
Nathan Lane shared an intriguing detail about their characters, describing them as living in a “mushroom house” in a state resembling a common-law marriage. He remarked, “Isn’t it interesting, though, that they would choose Queer people to be the Sun and the Moon? It’s kind of beautiful,” explaining the significance of their representation.
The star-studded voice cast of Spellbound also features Jenifer Lewis, Javier Bardem, Nicole Kidman, and Olga Merediz. The film is directed by Vicky Jenson, known for her work on Shrek, and boasts an original score by the talented EGOT winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Spellbound is set to premiere on Netflix on November 22.
This collaboration between two Broadway favorites is a heartwarming reminder of the inclusive nature of storytelling, as well as the evolving representation of LGBTQ+ characters in animated films. Spellbound promises to enchant viewers of all ages with its unique characters and empowering themes.
Summary: Tituss Burgess and Nathan Lane voice magical characters in Netflix’s upcoming animated musical Spellbound. The duo’s characters are presented as queer Oracles supporting the protagonist on an adventurous journey. With a star-studded cast and an engaging backstory, the film aims to promote inclusion and representation while captivating audiences. It is set to be released on November 22.