Timeline-Ga/Rickey the Wicked: Alaxesis

***Rickey the Wicked: Alaxesis*** is a 2023 3D American computer-animated supernatural dark fantasy action-adventure film directed by Brad Bird based on the animated series *Rickey the Wicked* and serves as the sequel to *Rickey the Wicked Witch of the City*. The film will be directed and written by Brad Bird, who also created the series and returning to direct after directing the previous film while also being the first film in the franchise to be fully animated in stylized CGI rather than traditional 2D animation. The ensemble cast features the reprised TV series voices of as well as the new voices of Jennifer Hale (replacing Desirée Goyette), Fred Tatasciore (replacing Tony Jay following his death in 2005), Robert Englund, Daniel Radcliffe, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Zendaya, Finn Wolfhard, Elizabeth Olsen, and Glen Powell.

Following the success of *Witch of the City,* Bird postponed development on a sequel to work on other films at Pixar. After various videogames based on the franchise, Warner Bros. announced a revival/continuation as well as a sequel to the 2002 film with Bird returning to write and direct. He wrote it like a more modern fantasy film with more anime-like elements and opted to make a more darker story while comparing the movie to popular animes such as *Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba* and *Dragon Ball*. Bird also decided to use computer-animation in a mix of 3D and 2.5D style to give the characters an enhanced look and utilized newer animation styles and systems as well as borrowing animators from fellow sequel *Incredibles 2* with the focus on sibling bonding, urban legends, and the lore of vampires.

The film premiered at the Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles, California on October 31, 2023, and was theatrically released by Warner Bros. Pictures on November 3, 2023 in IMAX and 3D. It received universal acclaim, praising the darker tone, performances, animation, story and humor, with most critics calling the film superior to the original film, and has grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, becoming Warner Animation Group's highest grossing film and the third highest grossing film of the year.

## Plot

Alzak and Telyar, two mythical grand sorcerers, guard their precious Wilcox stones int he self built city Alaxesis three thousand years ago. Barred and heavily hidden from the world following the anicent Ogon attacks, they are greeting by Letemis del Toro and his young son Driscoll Victor, both who are vampires that quickly turn Alaxesis into a well protected city with a militia. Months go by and Alaxesis is ridden by vampires and witches alike.

*Coming soon!*

## Cast

* Candi Milo as:
	+ Rickey Diablo / Rickey the Wicked, an apathetic yet smart teenage witch who wants to use his powers for good.
	+ Grandma Diablo, the grandmother of Rickey. She took over the role from June Foray after her death in 2017.
* Scott Menville as Noah Wilcox, Rickey's mortal best friend who is aware that Rickey is a witch.
* Jennifer Hale as Becky Williams, a teenage cheerleader whose aware of the supernatural activities that Rickey indulges in and also his girlfriend. She was previously played by Desirée Goyette in the original TV series and in the previous film.
* Ashley Johnson as Wendy Diablo, the younger sassy witch sister of Rickey.
* Frank Welker as Cerberus, Rickey's pet black cat who can talk.
* Jim Cummings as Bella, Rickey's pet dog that can talk.
* Charlie Adler as Wade Diablo, the father of Rickey.
* B.J. Ward as Merril Diablo, Rickey's mother.
* Fred Tatasciore as Beck Diablo, the grandfather of Rickey. He was previously voiced by Tony Jay in the previous film and the original TV series.
* Willem Dafoe as Grinsnot, the proclaimed "legendary witch" who is apathetic. Dafoe reprises his role from the original film.
* Robert Englund as Letemis del Toro, the deadly vampire ruler of Alaxesis who the father of Driscoll Victor and his alter ego Death.
* Daniel Radcliffe as Driscoll Victor / Death, the powerful yet timid son of Letemis del Toro whom has an uncontrollable rage which when angered enough it unleashes the ultimate darkness in him dubbed Death, making him a killing machine.
* Keegan-Michael Key as Mulrich, a vapid Cambion who lives in Alaxesis along with his brother Ulrich.
* Jordan Peele as Ulrich, a prudent Cambion who lives in Alaxesis along with his brother Mulrich.
* Zendaya as Ophalia, an human outcast of Alaxesis who was exiled.
* Finn Wolfhard as Zalos, a scrawny and ingenious vampire that's the youngest member of the Psi-force.
* Elizabeth Olsen as Aseffo, an undercover vampire who resides in New York that’s a part of the Psi-force.
* Glen Powell as Akzodi, a buff and grumpy bloodsucking vampire who is the leader of the Psi-force.
* Jonathan Majors as Glifdor, a human-like Familiar whom Rickey finds in Alaxesis.
* Taraji P. Henson as Sakura Waxlan, a trickster witch who guides Rickey and his friends through Alaxesis.
* Jack Dylan Grazer as Earthan Graves, the immature yet brave teenage grim reaper of Darkville who has just recently acquired the position.
* Brad Bird as Lucky, an ordinary dog who mutates into a hobgoblin that is Rickey's companion.
* Jeff Bennett as Lenny Wilds, Rickey's nerd classmate whose prone to bullying.
* Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling as Alzak and Telyar, two mythical grand sorcerers who were the founders of Alaxesis.

Additionally, singer Taylor Swift and streamer Kai Cenat have been cast in undisclosed roles. Phil LaMarr briefly reprises his role as Randy Rabbit in a cameo.

## Production

### Development

Following *Rickey the Wicked Witch of the City*, Brad Bird directed his next film for Pixar, *The Incredibles*, which was released in November 2004. Near its premiere, Bird said he was open to an idea of a sequel and continuation to *Rickey the Wicked*, but only if it could be better than the original. He stated, "I have pieces that I think are good, but I don't have them all together." In an August 2011 interview, Bird reiterated his interest in a sequel: "I have been thinking about it. People think that I have not been, but I have—because I love those characters, and love that world ... I have many, many elements that I think would work really well in another *Rickey* film, and if I can get 'em to click all together, I would probably wanna do that." While publicizing the first film, Bird had already conceptualized the eventual approach where Rickey would travel to the forbidden land of Alaxesis to rescue one of his close friends while discovering new secrets and powers of his own.

In July 2015, it was announced that Warner Bros. Pictures was developing a supernatural-themed animated film about witches, and that Brad Pitt was on board as a producer and star. However, *Deadline Hollywood* debunked rumors that the film was a sequel to *Rickey the Wicked Witch of the City*. In November 2015, Candi Milo said in a *Reddit* "Ask Me Anything" that she was ready and willing to return for a sequel as Rickey Diablo. She also said the rest of the cast including Charlie Adler, B.J. Ward, Scott Menville, Frank Welker, Jennifer Hale, Jim Cummings, June Foray, and Jesse Douglas were all interested in reprising their respective roles although the death of Tony Jay could affect it, but stressed that Warner Bros. had yet to greenlight any sequel, encouraging fans of the original film and series to persuade Warner Bros. to make one. In November 2016, Mil ostated in a Facebook Q&A that "after all these years and all the fan demand, I do believe I can stand and firmly say an unequivocal no" in response to a question about a sequel. Also in December 2016, in an interview, director Brad Bird discussed rumors of sequel and stated "due to my focus on Pixar and *Incredibles 2*, the answer is no as of right now."

In June 2017, actor Jim Cummings mentioned that Warner Bros. had been considering a sequel, and behind the scenes discussions were in place to possibly continue the series. However that same month, actress June Foray, who plays Grandma Diablo passed away which caused trouble in a possible sequel. In October 2017, while promoting *Teen Titans Go!*, Scott Menville was asked by Brad Bird about a sequel. His response was "I would love that. I think we've been very vocal that we're very keen", yet he insisted that fans should encourage Warner Bros. to develop a sequel. In November 2017, Bird revealed that he was writing a script for a possible sequel.

In February 2019, Bird revealed that there had been talks to do a sequel and with a script ready, though he admitted that he was still interested in bringing back the old cast as well. Bird also insisted that he had a few "tricks and surprises" in the film as well as going to the city Alaxesis for the sequel.

In September 2019, a sequel along with a revival series was officially announced with the revival being released in 2024 and the movie in 2023. Bird stated that the sequel will also take place after the original film while also having a darker tone than the first one with moments he stated that "could rival a PG-13 rating". He also clarified his hopes of the film giving fans of the franchise a nice return to its roots as well as bringing in new fans.

### Casting

The main cast of the television series reprised their roles for *Rickey the Wicked: Alaxesis*. However, due to the deaths of Tony Jay in 2005 and June Foray in 2017, the respective characters of Beck Diablo and Grandma Diablo, were respectively voiced by Fred Tatasciore and Candi Milo. In addition to the series' cast, it was reported on March 23, 2020, that Robert Englund was added to the cast in a undisclosed role. By 2021, ahead of the announcement of his reprise as Green Goblin in *Spider Man: No Way Home*, it was announced that Willem Dafoe would also be reprising his role as Grinsnot from *Wicked Witch of the City* as well as stating that the character will stand out more with his mentor/father-figure relationship being more strengthened. In March 2022, Keegan-Michael Key was added to the cast while Taraji P. Henson was added in June 2022 and Glen Powell was added in September 2022. On September 21, 2022, the film was officially titled *Rickey the Wicked: Alaxesis* with Bird insisting that the film will keep it's horror and adventure element along with it's dark humor like the original film and the series. On November 14, 2022, Zendaya and Finn Wolfhard were added to the cast.

### Animation

Inspired by *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* and anime like *Dragon Ball Z* and *Hunter x Hunter*, Bird decided to go for a mix of 3D and 2.5D stylized animation for various action sequences, which Bird described as pleasing for fans. Bird revealed that design work for new characters in the film had begun by November 2019, with veteran Walt Disney Animation Studios animators Mark Henn, Tony Bancroft, and the latter's brother Tom beinf hired by Warner Animation Group to work on the film with Bird also being the animation director once again. Based on inspiration from *Demon Slayer Movie: Mugen Train*, Bird decided to give every key area a look where different artists animated and decided to generate ten different animation styles. The intent was to give a video game like feel and a more fast paced tone for audiences to enjoy and be engaged in.

To train the animators, Brad Bird recreated old storyboards to show animators the process when they used 2D animation and transferred them to computers.

On October 1, 2022, it was announced that the film will feature scenes formatted for IMAX with its aspect ratio opening up to 1.90:1 in certain scenes using virtual IMAX cameras similar to *Lightyear* and *Hyper*. Bird included this to enhance the experience for the audience in the film's IMAX release.

## Music

On September 18, 2022, it was announced that Michael Giacchino, who composed the scores for *The Incredibles* (2004) and *Incredibles 2* (2018), both also directed by Bird, will compose the score for the film after the death of Ennio Morricone in 2020, the composer for the original film although it was stated that some pieces from the original film will be used via archive recordings as well as unused pieces from Morricone too.

## Release

The film was theatrically released by Warner Bros. Pictures on November 3, 2023 in IMAX theaters and 3D formats. It was accompanied by the *Teen Titans Go!* episode *Warner Bros. 100th Anniversary* in it's theatrical release. The film was originally scheduled to be released in November 4, 2022 but was delayed to October 13 before moving up a week and later moving to it's current release date after being moved back to October 13.

### Marketing

The film's official teaser trailer was attached to screenings of *Black Adam* and was posted online on October 25, 2022. The film received 245.6 million views in the first 24 hours of its release, the biggest for a film by Warner Animation Group and Warner Bros. Pictures in general. Many commentators noted the good transition to 3D animation rather than traditional animation that the previous forms of media in the franchise was animated in. Austen Goslin at *Polygon* conversely felt much of what had been rumored did not get revealed in the trailer, feeling that the rumors were either false or Warner Bros. was still intending to keep them a secret. *Entertainment Weekly*'s Devan Coggan noted that the trailer confirmed the return of certain one-shot characters, in the series, as well as the fan-favorite characters while Ethan Anderton from */Film* called the trailer "nothing short of thrilling" since it confirmed many of the previous rumors about the film. Additionally, Funko Pops for the film were also revealed a day after. Warner Bros. stated that the film is the most lucrative release of their centennial anniversary. The official trailer for the film was released on March 13, 2023. The second official trailer was released on July 31, 2023. A final trailer was released on October 2, 2023 while pre-sale tickets for the movie came out that same day

## Reception

### Box office

As of November 17, 2023, *Rickey the Wicked: Alaxesis* grossed $495.4 million in the United States and Canada and $723.5 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $1.218 billion.

In the United States and Canada, *Rickey the Wicked: Alaxesis* was released alongside *Priscilla,* and was initially projected to earn $160–175 million in its opening weekend. The film made $111.8 million, including $45.1 million in Thursday previews, the biggest of all time for an animated film including $2.1 million in Halloween screenings, leading analysts to increase projections to as much as $225 million. The film ended up overperforming and making $237.2 million in it's opening weekend, the biggest of all time for an animated film, beating *Cool Spot: Spot: Goes to Hollywood'*s $232 million opening, the biggest for a PG rated film, biggest for November, the fifth biggest opening weekend of all time, and the biggest opening weekend for Brad Bird beating *Incredibles 2* ($182.7 million). In it's second weekend, the remained at the top with $107.1 million, after dropping -54.9%, making it the biggest second weeknd for an animated film and the best second weekend gross of 2023.

Worldwide, the film was projected to make at least $350 million globally, with $190 million from overseas. Like the domestic opening, the film ended up overperforming overseas, opening to $314.1 million overseas, for a worldwide global opening of $551.3 million.

### Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 99% based on 210 reviews, with an average rating of 9.2/10. Another review aggregator, Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average score to reviews from mainstream critics, gave the film an average score of 94 out of 100, based on 6 critics, indicating "universal acclaim". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film a rare average grade of "A+" on an A+ to F scale, while PostTrak reported 96% of audience members gave it a positive score, with 89% saying they would definitely recommend it.

## Future

### Sequels

Brad later revealed in October 2022 that this film could possibly be the start of a revival franchise.

### Spin-off

Warner Bros. began the development of a prequel film involving Rickey's parents and grandparents with Maya Forbes in talks to write along with Mark Andrews directing, which would make it the first form of *Rickey the Wicked* media that's not directed nor written by Brad Bird.