Viva Pictures has secured the North American rights for animated feature film Grand Prix of Europe. This new CG family title combines humor, adventure and the thrill of racing, and is planned as a long-term franchise.

Grand Prix of Europe is set to play a key part of Europa-Park’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025. Europa-Park, part of the MACK family group, is a major theme park in Europe, and has won the Golden Ticket Award eight times for being the best park worldwide.

The film’s story revolves around Edda, a racing car-obsessed young mouse, who must disguise herself as her idol, Ed, and take his place to compete in the Grand Prix to save her family’s amusement park. Thrilling car races and comedic misadventures follow as they work together to save Edda’s home and Ed’s title.

Gemma Arterton (The King’s Men) and Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Game of Thrones) star, voicing the park’s key mascots Edda and Ed for the first time. They are joined on the voice cast by Hayley Atwell (Captain America: The First Avenger) and British comedian Lenny Henry.

“We are happy to work with Timeless Films again on this acquisition. It’s a particularly active period for us as we continue to expand our portfolio with innovative, visually spectacular stories that resonate with all audiences. Grand Prix of Europe not only embodies the spirit of adventure and the joy of following your dreams but does so in a package of humor and high-speed action. With its deep integration into the celebrations of Europa-Park’s 50th anniversary, this film promises to be a memorable event that will delight and inspire viewers of all ages.”

Produced by Mack Magic and animated by Mack Animation (Animals United, Monster Family), Grand Prix of Europe is an action-comedy aimed at families and created for a broad audience.

Viva Pictures will release the film wide theatrically in North America in Summer 2025, day and date with its global premiere across key European markets including Germany, Austria and Switzerland where Warner Bros. Discovery is distributing. The premiere will be a part of the grand 50th anniversary celebrations at Europa-Park, enhancing festivities with promotions and events featuring the beloved park mascots, a new ride attraction and the film’s characters Ed, Edda and friends.

Michael Mack, CEO of Mack One — one of the eighth generation family member running the business — commented, “We have been bringing joy to people for over 245 years with rides and attractions that we manufacture and sell all over the world. I am more than happy that Viva is joining our vision, and that people in North America will not only smile at MACK attractions, but also be seeing our film.”

The deal was negotiated by VP of Acquisitions Laura Prieto for Viva Pictures and Timeless Films SVP Distribution and Production, Gareth Kamp representing the Producers at Mack One.

The Animation Magazine