The highly anticipated animated film “Mars” is set to premiere at the Tribeca Festival on Thursday, marking the end of a bittersweet journey for the film’s writers. The movie, which follows a group of civilians on a trip to Mars funded by a billionaire with a massive ego, has been in the works for over a decade.
Originally conceived as a live-action film in 2012 by Trevor Moore, Zach Cregger, and Sam Brown of The Whitest Kids U’ Know comedy group, “Mars” took a different direction during the Covid-19 pandemic when the writers decided to pivot to animation and crowdfund the project. However, tragedy struck in August 2021 when Moore passed away in an accident.
Despite the devastating loss, Cregger, Brown, and Timmy Williams, along with Darren Trumeter, continued to work on the film, completing Moore’s recordings before his death. The group felt a responsibility to their fans who supported the project through crowdfunding and merchandise sales.
The long production process has been both challenging and rewarding for the writers. Brown expressed that working on the film felt like they were still collaborating with Moore, making it a special and meaningful project for them.
With a mix of crowdfunding, merchandise sales, and royalties from their television show, the group raised enough funds to bring “Mars” to life. Cregger emphasized the importance of finishing the film for their supporters and ensuring that they deliver on their promises.
Directed by Sevan Najarian, his first full-length feature, the animation of “Mars” allowed for creative freedom and collaboration between the writers and the animation team. The visual representation of the script brought the story to life in unexpected ways, adding depth and humor to the film.
“Mars” promises to be a wild ride, with coarse language, sexual situations, and over-the-top violence, earning its place in the festival’s “Midnight” section for mature audiences. The writers have carefully reviewed the script to ensure that the humor remains relevant and entertaining in today’s climate.
As the premiere approaches, Cregger expressed gratitude to the fans who supported the film, emphasizing that “Mars” is not just their movie but a project made for and by their online community. The completion of the film is a testament to their dedication and the enduring legacy of their friend and collaborator, Trevor Moore.
