Usually known for their unique horror fare, A24 is venturing into fantasy with their new movie The Legend of Ochi. A surreal adventure starring Willem Dafoe.
Synopsis:
In a remote northern village, a young girl, Yuri, is raised to never go outside after dark and to fear the reclusive forest creatures known as the ochi. When a baby ochi is left behind by its pack, she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to reunite it with its family.
This upcoming fantasy adventure features an adorable creature that looks like a cross between Gizmo from Gremlins and Grogu aka Baby Yoda. Could this be there first big merchandising opportunity?
This coming-of-age tale comes from writer/director Isaiah Saxon whose making his feature debut after helming music videos for Björk, Grizzly Bear, Dirty Projectors, and Kanye West. Saxon is also the co-founder of the animation studio Encyclopedia Pictura.
Alongside Dafoe, the cast consists of Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, and Emily Watson.
First announced in 2021, production took place in Transylvania and Romania. The Russo Brothers, Mike Larocca, and Angela Russo-Otstot from AGBO are also attached as executive producers, along with Louise Lovegrove and Alex Plapinger.
The Legend of Ochi will premiere in US theaters on February 28, 2025, however there’s no confirmation about its release in other countries or streaming on platforms.
A24 is clearly in the Dafoe business as he’s appeared in multiple movies they’ve produced, with Robert Eggers’ upcoming Nosferatu being his next.
Does The Legend of Ochi pique your interest?