EXCLUSIVE: Acclaimed animation artist Octavio Rodriguez – whose credits include Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Ron’s Gone Wrong, Incredibles 2 and Coco – has signed to direct upcoming animated feature On the Edge.
The film follows Donnie, a cynical but lovable Cuban solenodon, who takes on an outrageous mission: to avoid extinction by rebranding himself as a panda – one of the world’s most beloved endangered species.
Alongside an eccentric band of equally overlooked animals, Donnie’s wild journey evolves into a heist-fueled, action-packed tale of identity, belonging, and survival.
Studio 100 Film, which is handling worldwide sales, will be revealing a first look at the Cannes Market for the film, which is scheduled for delivery by Q4 2026.
“I want this film to push the boundaries of animation so our audience can fall in love with these endangered, quirky misfits. It’s a story for the underdog – about resilience, survival, and finding where we truly belong,” said Rodriguez.
“As an Afro-Latino in the industry, I’ve always embraced the underdog spirit, and this film reflects that journey. Oh, and let’s not forget – there’s a high-stakes heist/kidnapping that kicks off Donnie’s mission and leads to unexpected growth and self- discovery.”
Balancing irreverent humor, heartfelt emotion, and kinetic action, On the Edge will aim to offer a family-friendly viewing experience touching on themes of biodiversity and conservation, and also highlighting the fact that every species matters not just the “cute and cuddly”.
Production partners are On The Edge Animation A.I.E., Able & Baker and affiliate Monkeys & Dinos, Telegael, Studio 100 International and On the Edge (The Organization).
Viva Pictures, a Los Angeles-based production studio and distributor, will oversee distribution in North America.
