Today is the day I learned that the upcoming DreamWorks animation Rise of the Guardians has absolutely nothing to with Zack Snyder‘s owl movie Legend of the Guardians. We got the first look at this adaptation of William Joyce‘s book, which is produced by Guillermo del Toro and directed by Joyce and Peter Ramsey. With a voice cast of Chris Pine, Isla Fisher, Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law and Dakota Goyo, the film follows a group of fantasy heroes (Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny) that team for a mission to save the word. One can see the first poster below via Bleeding Cool, which doesn’t look far removed from a World of Warcraft game. I know it’s an early look but hopefully the animation quality gets a bump, because if done right, this is concept might just work.

Arriving on November 21st, 2012 check out the full synopsis: “When an evil spirit called Pitch becomes bent upon taking over the world by inspiring fear in the hearts of kids everywhere, a group of our greatest heroes — Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman and Jack Frost — band together for the first time, determined to stand in Pitch’s way. More than a collection of storybook subjects, The Guardians are also a band of superheroes, who possess their own special powers. Now joined in opposition of a common foe, the Guardians heed the call and combine their powers to defeat Pitch and protect the world from his campaign of fear.”

We’ve also got a first look at another DreamWorks animation I’m much more looking forward. From co-director Chris Sanders (How to Train Your Dragon, Lilo & Stitch), comes The Croods. With a voice cast including Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener, Emma Stone, Clark Duke and Cloris Leachman, the film is set in a prehistoric area where a genius along with new inventions. Just due to Sanders’ previous output, I can’t wait for this one. check out the early poster below via Bleeding Cool.

Arriving on March 22nd, 2013, check out the full synopsis: “Surviving in a volcanic world is tough enough, but caveman Grug (Nicolas Cage) gets a rude awakening when an earthquake forces him to leave behind the only world he knows. With his family in tow, he ventures out into the volatile world in search of a new home. The situation becomes even more complicated when Grug’s family – in particular his eldest daughter – falls for a nomad (Ryan Reynolds) they encounter on their dangerous journey. This quirky, imaginative stranger’s search for ‘tomorrow’ is at odds with Grug’s reliance on the traditions of yesterday.”

Which animation are you most looking forward to?