>>11387243Universal Pictures and LEGO believe that general audiences are no longer interested in paying to watch an animated LEGO feature film in theaters. This is because the LEGO movie animation style has become prevalent in many YouTube shorts, as it is now relatively easy, cheap, or even free to replicate. They believe audiences might think, "Why watch a LEGO movie in theaters when I can watch LEGO shorts on YouTube for free?"
To differentiate from this and create "event" films, Universal has chosen to focus on live-action LEGO movies—similar to how Disney treated its animated classics or how DreamWorks is currently handling How to Train Your Dragon (also under Universal). As part of this strategy, LEGO will produce four live-action theatrical LEGO films under Universal. Three of these are original ideas, with directors such as Patty Jenkins, Jake Kasdan, and Joe Cornish attached. The fourth film will be a live-action Ninjago movie, with a screenplay written by the Haberman brothers.
It is still unclear whether these films will include LEGO movie-style animation or if they will be hybrids. Keep in mind that Warner Bros.' LEGO movies did feature live-action sequences, such as those with Will Ferrell and his "son."
There are rumors that at least two of these films will have their release dates announced at CinemaCon, with one reportedly fast-tracked for an early 2027 release. It is unknown if any will release in 2026—we’ll have to wait and see. Universal’s presentation is scheduled for Wednesday.
