Before Alan Cumming suits up as Nightcrawler for Avengers: Doomsday, he's taking on a very different kind of adventure. The actor, known for his role as the host of The Traitors and his recent return to the X-Men universe, is lending his voice to a new animated film called Treasure Trekkers. The first trailer, which you can watch exclusively above, gives us a look at his character, the vain and flamboyant King Clarence, who stands in the way of a young monkey's quest to discover his true origins.
Based on J.S. Friedman's beloved children's book series Maurice's Valises, Treasure Trekkers follows Mip, a 12-year-old adopted marmoset who feels out of place in a world of cats and rodents. But when he discovers a magical map to the land of Empathra in his family home, he's whisked away on a journey that will not only reveal his past but also help restore compassion to a fractured world.
The trailer opens with Mip struggling through middle school, where he's picked on for being different. His adoptive cat family loves him, but he still feels like an outsider. That all changes when he touches the map and is teleported to Empathra, where he meets new friends Mac and Mo. Together, they form the Treasure Trekkers, a team of young explorers who traverse mountains, temples, waterfalls, and jungles in search of answers.
But their journey is fraught with danger, especially from King Clarence, who seems to have a mysterious connection to Mip's lineage. Clarence is determined to keep the truth about Mip's past hidden, and he'll stop at nothing to capture the young monkey. The trailer teases plenty of action and humor as the Trekkers dodge danger at every turn, all while delivering the kind of lighthearted fun that has made stories of young adventurers so appealing to audiences for generations.
Director Kevin Munroe, known for his work on TMNT and Ratchet & Clank, brings his experience to this new feature. It's his first directorial effort in eight years, and he's assembled a stellar voice cast to bring these characters to life. Alongside Cumming, the film features Greg Cipes and Tara Strong, both of Teen Titans Go! fame, as Mip's companions Mo and Mac, with Meredith Bull voicing Mip. Jack McBrayer, beloved for his role on 30 Rock, and John DiMaggio, the voice of Bender on Futurama and Jake on Adventure Time, also lend their talents to the project.
For fans of fantasy adventures, this film promises to be a delightful addition to the genre. If you're looking for more magical journeys, check out our list of fantasy films so good you'll hit replay instantly. And for those who appreciate a good villain, our ranking of fantasy's most terrifying villains might pique your interest.
Treasure Trekkers is set to hit theaters on October 9, just in time for families to enjoy a fun-filled adventure. With its mix of heart, humor, and high-stakes exploration, it's shaping up to be a must-see for fans of animated features and fantasy tales alike.
