Lost Animated Classic featuring James Earl Jones, John Candy and Olivia Newton-John in production for Earth Day 2026

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A long-lost animated eco-adventure originally developed with Olivia Newton-John is being reimagined by a visionary team of students and recent graduates from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). THE MAGIC 7, a live-action/animated project that seeks to empower children to care for the environment and build a sustainable future, has just launched a Kickstarter campaign with a goal to release it globally as a free educational gift to children on Earth Day 2026 (April 22).

THE MAGIC 7 began development in the early 1990s in collaboration with environmental icon Olivia Newton-John, shortly after she was named the United Nations' first environmental spokesperson. With live-action scenes fully filmed and voice recordings completed by an all-star cast, the project was shelved when the animation studio went bankrupt. The original live-action performances feature Ted Danson, Dee Wallace, Cory Danziger, and Jennifer Love Hewitt. The voice cast includes James Earl Jones, Demi Moore, Michael J. Fox, John Candy, Madeline Kahn, and Ice-T.

Thanks to a bankruptcy court ruling, the rights to THE MAGIC 7 have been fully secured, and a new generation of creators is giving the project new life.

The New Creative Team of CalArts Students and Grads includes Sedona Cruz – Co-Director & Creative Producer / Sonia Lee – Animator & Illustrator / Gabrielle Milman – Video Editor / Lauren Wisdom – Marketing & Social Media / Sarah Allen – Background Artist / Ben Umansky – Special FX Artist and industry veterans Roger Holzberg – Co-Director & Writer and John Kilkenny – Executive Producer.

Become a Part of The Magic 7
The Kickstarter Campaign aims to raise $35,000 to fund the completion of animation, post-production, and distribution of THE MAGIC 7. Rewards for backers include never-before-seen footage, exclusive digital art, collectible pins, limited-edition figures, and the ultimate fan bundle.

Click here to explore the Kickstarter Campaign and see some of the work in progress.

Why It Matters
THE MAGIC 7 is a story that empowers children to believe they can save the environment by transforming fear and greed into courage, compassion, and action.

Contact:
Roger Holzberg
8059901965
[email protected]

SOURCE Magic 7