Gummybear International, Toonz Unveil ‘Gummibär and Friends, Operation Cotton Candy’ at EFM (EXCLUSIVE)

Toonz Media Group unveiled its new CGI-animated feature “Gummibär and Friends, Operation Cotton Candy” at Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM), bringing YouTube sensation Gummibär to the big screen in partnership with Gummybear International (GBI).

The spy spoof comedy marks the first theatrical outing for the beloved green gummy bear character, whose 2007 viral hit “I’m a Gummy Bear (The Gummy Bear Song)” has racked up billions of views across digital platforms.

The production has assembled a veteran animation team, with “Amazing Maurice” producer Robert Chandler serving as creative producer and Pete Dodd (“Corpse Bride,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Tale of Despereaux”) directing. BAFTA winner Dan Berlinka (“The A-List,” “Dixi”) pens the screenplay.

The plot follows the titular character’s inadvertent entanglement in a high-stakes espionage caper. Joined by martial arts expert Kala and science whiz Harry, Gummibär must save Earth from “colorful destruction” while thinking he’s merely testing cotton candy flavors.

“Gummibär is so cinematic,” Chandler said. “I see his pedigree stretching back through Jim Carrey via Jerry Lewis to Buster Keaton. He’s a disruptor with a heart of gold.”

Toonz, whose animation output tops 10,000 minutes annually of both 2D and CGI content, brings proven feature film experience, having collaborated with Marvel (“Wolverine and the X-Men”), Lionsgate (“Speed Racer: The Next Generation”) and Universal (“Mostly Ghostly”).

Christian Schneider, CEO, and Jürgen Korduletsch, president of GBI, said: “We’re very happy and delighted to once again collaborate with our friends at Toonz to bring the first ‘Gummibär and Friends’ full length feature film to GB’s myriad of fans. It’s a great opportunity to continue the successful relationship started with the ‘Gummibär and Friends Series’ and to present what is sure to be a madcap and chaotic journey for his fans to enjoy.”

P. Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media Group, added: “There is no other character that has generated such an enduring global buzz. With Robert, Pete, and Dan at the helm, we are confident that ‘Gummibär and Friends’ will connect with audiences around the world, taking this iconic franchise to even greater heights.”