One and Only Ivan, The (film)

Live-action/CGI film adaptation of the popular children’s book by Katherine Applegate. Ivan is a 400-pound silverback gorilla who shares a communal habitat in a suburban shopping mall with Stella the elephant, Bob the dog, and various other animals. He has few memories of the jungle where he was captured, but the arrival of a baby elephant named Ruby touches something deep within him. Ivan begins to question his life, where he comes from, and where he ultimately wants to be. Originally planned for theatrical release, it digitally premiered Aug. 21, 2020, on Disney+. Directed by Thea Sharrock. 94 min. Stars Bryan Cranston (Mack), Ramon Rodriguez (George), Ariana Greenblatt (Julia), with the voices of Sam Rockwell (Ivan), Angelina Jolie (Stella), Danny DeVito (Bob the dog), Helen Mirren (Snickers the poodle), Brooklynn Prince (Ruby). Filmed in widescreen format at London’s Pinewood Studios and in Lakeland, Florida. The original song “Free” was written by Diane Warren and performed by Charlie Puth.