New Year, new beginning in ‘Migration’

CEBU, Philippines — This January, meet the latest adorable characters created by Illumination – the animation studio behind the record-shattering “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and beloved franchises “Minions”, “Despicable Me”, “Sing” and “The Secret Life of Pets” – a duck family called the Mallards, who are going to embark on a great adventure for the first time in the new comedy “Migration.”

With “Migration”, a funny, emotional and visually stunning film that explores universal themes of family, curiosity and the rewards of stepping outside your comfort zone, Illumination embarks on a new adventure as well.

“We’re fortunate to be the stewards of a number of franchises, but we also believe that we have a mission to bring new stories and new characters to the world,” Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri says.

“The making of ‘Migration’ has been a great adventure. Each time we create a new story, we start in different places. From the time I was a child, I’ve always found ducks incredibly appealing because they’re so silly and likable. But what really gives this movie its universality is that it is touching on issues that are very human and relevant.”

At the core of “Migration” is a narrative that taps into the comedic, wise, irritating and affectionate elements of universal family dynamics, and thanks to the razor-witted mind of Emmy winner Mike White, creator of the HBO sensation “The White Lotus” and writer of the 2003 comedy blockbuster “School of Rock”, paired with the direction of Oscar® nominee Benjamin Renner, audiences are in for quite an adventure.

In “Migration”, the Mallard family is led by dad Mack (voiced by Kumail Nanjiani), who is content to keep his family safe paddling around their New England pond forever, and mom Pam (Elizabeth Banks), who prefers to shake things up and show their kids – teen son Dax (Caspar Jennings) and duckling daughter Gwen (Tresi Gazal) – the whole wide world.

When a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, Pam seizes the opportunity and persuades Mack to embark on a family trip, via New York City, to tropical Jamaica.

“Migration”, also voiced by Keegan-Michael Key, Awkwafina and Danny Devito, lands in Philippine cinemas this January 17, 2024.