Is “Trolls” from Disney? The Truth Behind the Hair-Raising Franchise

No, “Trolls” is not from Disney. The “Trolls” franchise, encompassing the movies, television series, and associated merchandise, belongs to DreamWorks Animation, a major competitor to Disney in the animated film industry.

The World of Trolls: A DreamWorks Animation Creation

The vibrant, musical world of “Trolls” has captivated audiences of all ages since the release of the first film in 2016. With its catchy tunes, positive messages, and visually stunning animation, it’s easy to see why the franchise has become a global phenomenon. However, despite the Disney-esque feel in its colorfulness and musicality, the driving force behind the franchise is, without a doubt, DreamWorks Animation.

A Brief History of DreamWorks Animation

Before diving deeper, understanding DreamWorks Animation’s background is crucial. Founded in 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen, DreamWorks Animation quickly rose to prominence, challenging Disney’s dominance in the animated feature film market. Films like “Shrek,” “Madagascar,” and “Kung Fu Panda” solidified their position as a powerhouse of animation, known for their distinctive humor and innovative storytelling. While NBCUniversal (Comcast) acquired DreamWorks Animation in 2016, the creative vision and ownership of properties like “Trolls” remains with DreamWorks.

Separating Fact from Familiarity: Why the Confusion?

The confusion surrounding “Trolls” and Disney likely stems from several factors:

• Shared Audience: Both Disney and DreamWorks target a similar demographic – families and children.
• Musical Elements: The heavy emphasis on music in “Trolls” is a trait often associated with Disney animated musicals.
• Visual Style: The bright, colorful, and appealing character designs of “Trolls” can resemble the aesthetic of some Disney films.
• Merchandising Power: Both franchises boast extensive merchandise lines, further blurring the lines for casual observers.
• Universal Distribution: While DreamWorks Animation produces “Trolls,” Universal Pictures, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal (Comcast), distributes the films. Universal has a long and established history of distributing and promoting family-friendly films, similar to Disney’s distribution model.

Despite these similarities, the key point remains: “Trolls” is a creation of DreamWorks Animation, developed and owned by them, not Disney.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Trolls”

Here are some of the most common questions surrounding the “Trolls” franchise, providing further clarity and insight:

1. Who created the original Trolls dolls?

The original Troll dolls were created by Thomas Dam, a Danish fisherman and woodworker, in 1959. These dolls, initially known as “Good Luck Trolls,” became a global craze in the 1960s. DreamWorks Animation acquired the rights to the Trolls franchise in 2013.

2. Does Disney own any part of DreamWorks Animation?

No, Disney does not own any part of DreamWorks Animation. As mentioned earlier, DreamWorks Animation is owned by NBCUniversal (Comcast). In the past, there were various partnerships between different studios, but as of now, DreamWorks is owned by Comcast, which has no connection with Disney ownership-wise.

3. What are the “Trolls” movies in order of release?

The “Trolls” movies in order of release are:

1. Trolls (2016)
2. Trolls World Tour (2020)
3. Trolls Band Together (2023)

4. Are there any “Trolls” TV series?

Yes, there are several “Trolls” TV series:

• Trolls: The Beat Goes On! (Netflix)
• Trolls: TrollsTopia (Hulu & Peacock)
• Trolls: Holiday in Harmony (NBC)
• Trolls: Remix Rescue (video game)

5. Who are the main characters in “Trolls”?

The main characters in the “Trolls” franchise include:

• Poppy: The optimistic and cheerful queen of the Pop Trolls.
• Branch: The initially grumpy but ultimately loyal and loving companion of Poppy.
• Queen Barb: The leader of the Hard Rock Trolls in “Trolls World Tour.”
• Tiny Diamond: A glittery, rapping newborn troll.
• Guy Diamond: Tiny Diamond’s father and a glitter-covered troll.

6. What is the main theme of the “Trolls” movies?

The main themes of the “Trolls” movies revolve around friendship, acceptance, celebrating diversity, and the power of music to unite. Each film explores different aspects of these themes, promoting positive messages for audiences.

7. Who provides the voices for Poppy and Branch?

In the “Trolls” movies, Anna Kendrick voices Poppy, and Justin Timberlake voices Branch. Both actors have contributed significantly to the franchise’s success with their vocal talents and musical performances.

8. Did Justin Timberlake write any songs for the “Trolls” movies?

Yes, Justin Timberlake was heavily involved in the music production for the “Trolls” franchise. He served as the executive music producer for the first film and co-wrote and performed several songs, including the hit “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”

9. How successful has the “Trolls” franchise been?

The “Trolls” franchise has been incredibly successful. The films have grossed over $500 million at the box office, and the merchandise sales have been even more impressive. The franchise’s popularity has led to spin-off TV series, video games, and a wide range of licensed products.

10. Will there be more “Trolls” movies in the future?

While nothing is officially confirmed beyond “Trolls Band Together” (2023), given the franchise’s continued popularity, it’s highly likely that DreamWorks Animation will continue to develop new “Trolls” content in the future, whether it be more movies, TV series, or other forms of media.

11. How does “Trolls” compare to other DreamWorks Animation franchises?

“Trolls” stands out from other DreamWorks Animation franchises like “Shrek” and “Kung Fu Panda” due to its greater emphasis on music and its more overtly positive and optimistic tone. While DreamWorks is known for its humor, “Trolls” is generally considered more family-friendly and geared toward a younger audience.

12. Where can I watch “Trolls” movies and TV shows?

You can typically find “Trolls” movies and TV shows available on streaming platforms like Peacock (NBCUniversal’s streaming service), Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and available to rent or buy on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region and current streaming agreements.

In conclusion, while the vibrant world and musicality of “Trolls” might evoke comparisons to Disney, the franchise is firmly rooted in DreamWorks Animation’s creative vision and ownership. This distinction is crucial for understanding the landscape of animated filmmaking and appreciating the unique contributions of both Disney and DreamWorks to the world of entertainment.