The book cover.
On April 2018, it was announced that DreamWorks Animation was making a coming-of-age film titled Yokai Samba (Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth), based on the folklore of the same name.[1]
Plot[]
Based on the trade reports that are inspired by a folk story Matsuda heard in his youth about growing up and has Brazilian and Japanese influences.
Development[]
Leo Matsuda, who previously directed the short Inner Workings for Disney, was slated to write and direct the film. The development of the film was being overseen by Dreamworks Feature Animation Group president Chris DeFaria and development exec Chris Kuser.
Why It Was Cancelled[]
- The cancellation reasons are currently unknown.
Results[]
- The film was later permanently cancelled.
- On March 2, 2021, it was announced that Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon would instead develop the film, but put their own unique twist into it. Though as of 2025, there have been zero updates on it and its believed to be stuck in development hell.[2]