Gkids Acquires U.S. Rights to Cartoon Saloon's 'Julián', Sets March 2027 Release

Gkids will release Cartoon Saloon's animated feature "Julián" in U.S. theaters beginning March 26, 2027, after acquiring all American rights to the film directed by Louise Bagnall and executive produced by Zoe Saldaña.

The deal, closed in partnership with CAA Media Finance, adds another title to a distribution relationship that Gkids' President David Jesteadt described as "a friendship nearly as old as Gkids itself." The film will open day-and-date in Canada through Elevation Pictures, in the United Kingdom through Anime Ltd. and in Ireland through Wildcard Distribution.

"Julián" follows a 7-year-old boy, voiced by Knyght Darius Jack, who spends a transformative summer in Brooklyn with his Abuela, voiced by Milcania Diaz-Rojas. There he discovers her colorful heritage, a vibrant community and his own dream of becoming a mermaid. The story is based on "Julián is a Mermaid," the award-winning, bestselling picture book by Jessica Love.

The production spans four countries. More than 150 artists across Ireland, Luxembourg, Denmark and Canada animated the film by hand, drawing it in 2D at 12 frames per second. The producers are Cartoon Saloon, Melusine Studios, Aircraft Pictures and Sun Creature.

Bagnall welcomed the U.S. partnership. "I am really delighted to be working with Gkids on 'Julián's' American release," she said. "They are true champions of Cartoon Saloon's work and understand how special and unique all of our films are, 'Julián' included."

Jesteadt framed the acquisition in broader terms. "With 'Julián,' Louise and her incredible team of international collaborators have brought a bold and delightful take on Jessica Love's book, at a time when its message of open-hearted acceptance is more important than ever," he said.

What does the deal change for international buyers?

Ahead of the American Film Market, sales agent New Europe Film Sales announced a string of new international deals for the film:

• Rita & Luca Films (Spain)
• Wanted Cinema (Italy)
• Eksystent Films (Germany)
• Films4You (Portugal)
• RTS (Switzerland)
• MCF Films (Serbia/Croatia)

The breadth of the sales, combined with the Gkids deal, signals strong distributor confidence in a hand-drawn title aimed at family audiences.

Guillaume Lorin and Mark Mullery co-direct the film. Juliany Taveras wrote the screenplay. Producers include Nora Twomey, Tomm Moore, Paul Young, Anthony Leo, Andrew Rosen, Stephan Roelants, Fabien Renelli, Charlotte de la Gournerie and Lewis Taylor. The executive producer roster, beyond Zoe Saldaña, lists Mariel Saldaña, Cisley Saldaña, Gerry Shirren, Katja Schumann, David Yates, Yvonne Walcott-Yates, Hannah Goodier, John Gleeson and Oisín O'Neill.

For Cartoon Saloon, the studio behind two Oscar-nominated features co-founded by Moore and Young, "Julián" marks Bagnall's feature directing debut and a continuation of the studio's commitment to 2D craftsmanship. The March 2027 date gives Gkids a long runway to position the film as an awards-season contender in the animated feature category.