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''Spirit Riding Free'' is a
computer-animated Computer animation is the process used for digitally generating animations. The more general term computer-generated imagery (CGI) encompasses both static scenes ( still images) and dynamic images (moving images), while computer animation refe ...
series, produced by
DreamWorks Animation Television DreamWorks Animation Television (abbreviated as DWATV or simply DAT) is an American animation studio that serves as the television production arm of DreamWorks Animation, itself a subsidiary of Universal Pictures and a division of Comcast's ...
and distributed by
Netflix Netflix, Inc. is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service and production company based in Los Gatos, California. Founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California, it offers a fil ...
, based on the 2002
Oscar Oscar, OSCAR, or The Oscar may refer to: People * Oscar (given name), an Irish- and English-language name also used in other languages; the article includes the names Oskar, Oskari, Oszkár, Óscar, and other forms. * Oscar (Irish mythology), ...
-nominated traditionally animated film, '' Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron'', and the first series in the ''Spirit'' franchise. The series was first released on Netflix on May 5, 2017. A feature film based on the series, titled ''
Spirit Untamed ''Spirit Untamed'' is a 2021 American computer-animated adventure film An adventure film is a form of adventure fiction, and is a genre of film. Subgenres of adventure films include swashbuckler films, pirate films, and survival films. Adv ...
'', was released on June 4, 2021.


Plot

Set in the small frontier town of Miradero, a 12-year-old girl named Fortuna "Lucky" Esperanza Navarro Prescott, who had recently relocated from the city, encounters a wild kiger mustang named Spirit Jr., the son of Spirit and Rain from the 2002 movie '' Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.'' When Lucky is on the train travelling to Miradero. The horse is caught by wranglers and brought to Miradero to be “ broken in”. Lucky immediately bonds with the stallion and frees him from his pen. Lucky also makes friends with Prudence "Pru" Granger and Abigail Stone. Pru owns a talented and proud
palomino Palomino is a genetic color in horses, consisting of a gold coat and white mane and tail; the degree of whiteness can vary from bright white to yellow. Genetically, the palomino color is created by a single allele of a dilution gene called t ...
horse called Chica Linda, and Abigail owns a friendly and goofy
pinto horse A pinto horse has a coat color that consists of large patches of white and any other color. The distinction between "pinto" and "solid" can be tenuous, as so-called "solid" horses frequently have areas of white hair. Various cultures through ...
called Boomerang. The three girls call themselves the PALs and go on many adventures with their horses.


Cast

*
Amber Frank Amber Dawn Frank (born December 2, 1998), formerly known professionally as Amber Montana, is an American actress. She is known for her role as Taylor Hathaway in the Nickelodeon series ''The Haunted Hathaways''. Biography Frank started acti ...
as Fortuna "Lucky" Prescott. She is a very brave, kind, and headstrong girl, and does not like rules. She is the main protagonist. *
Sydney Park Sydney Park is a recreational area in the inner-city area of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The parkland is located in the suburb of Alexandria, sitting along the borders with Newtown and Erskineville. Sydney Park is the third largest p ...
as Prudence "Pru" Granger. She is often the brains of the team, knowing something about everything. She is also brave and nice at heart. *
Bailey Gambertoglio ''Bubble Guppies'' is a CGI-animated children's television series produced for Nickelodeon and created by Jonny Belt and Robert Scull. The series is a combination of the sketch comedy, edutainment, and musical genres, and revolves around the ...
as Abigail Stone. She is the least rebellious, and is often portrayed as sweet and funny. But she can still be smart and is courageous like her friends. *
Darcy Rose Byrnes Darcy Rose Byrnes (born November 4, 1998) is an American and Irish actress, singer, and songwriter. She is best known for her roles as Abby Newman on ''The Young and the Restless'' and ''The Bold and the Beautiful'', Penny Scavo on ''Desperate ...
as Maricela Gutierrez. She is the spoiled daughter of the mayor of Miradero. Initially an adversary of Lucky and the others, she eventually becomes their friend. *
Victor Garber Victor Joseph Garber (born March 16, 1949) is a Canadian-American actor and singer. Known for his work in film, television, and theatre, he has been nominated for three Gemini Awards, four Tony Awards, and six Primetime Emmy Awards. He has also ...
as James Prescott Sr. (1st Voice) *
Nolan North Nolan North (born October 31, 1970) is an American actor best known for his voice acting roles. After his breakthrough role as Dr. Chris Ramsey on the ABC soap opera ''Port Charles'' in 1997, North moved into voice acting when the show ended i ...
as James "Jim" Prescott Jr., and his father James Prescott Sr. (2nd Voice) *
Kari Wahlgren Kari Wahlgren (born July 13, 1977) is an American actress who has provided English-language voices for animated movies, TV series, and video games. She got her start in anime voice-overs as Haruko Haruhara in '' FLCL'', and would later land ma ...
as Lucky's aunt Cora Prescott and Polly Prescott. * Duncan Joiner as Snips, Abigail's little brother. * Tyler Nathan as Daniel Granger, Pru's middle brother. *
Jeff Bennett Jeffrey Glenn Bennett (born October 2, 1962) is an American voice actor who voiced Johnny Bravo in the Johnny Bravo, eponymous television series, Dexter's Dad in ''Dexter's Laboratory'', Brooklyn in ''Gargoyles (TV series), Gargoyles'' and List o ...
as Mesteneros/Various *
Andy Pessoa Andrew Stephan Pessoa (born October 30, 1995) is an American actor. His first leading role was in the 2006 independent short film ''Fishy'', which was directed by Laurie Epstein. His current projects include ''Adventures in Odyssey'', '' Transf ...
as Turo. The teenage craftsman of Miradero who is the largest student in his class and is extremely friendly. *
Tiya Sircar Tiya Sircar (born May 16, 1982) is an American actress best known for her role as "Real Eleanor"/Vicky in '' The Good Place'' (2016–2020). She also provided the voice for Sabine Wren in Disney XD's '' Star Wars Rebels'' (2014–2018), played Ro ...
as Kathryn "Kate" Flores-Prescott. The schoolmarm of Miradero who later becomes Lucky's stepmother and Polly's mother which made her resign from her job as a teacher. * Jonathan Craig Williams as Al Granger *
Dawnn Lewis Dawnn Jewel Lewis (born August 13, 1961) is an American actress. Lewis is best known for her role as Jaleesa Vinson–Taylor on the NBC television sitcom ''A Different World'' from the series beginning in 1987 until the end of its fifth season in ...
as Fannie Granger *
Lucas Grabeel Lucas Stephen Grabeel ( ; born November 23, 1984) is an American actor, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his role as Ryan Evans in the ''High School Musical'' film series (2006–2008). His other film appearances include ''Halloweent ...
as Julian Prescott. Lucky's charismatic cousin who tries to collect big bucks with his schemes and lies his way out whenever he gets into trouble. * Andy Aragon as Javier. He is also Lucky's crush and later boyfriend. * Bridger Zadina as Mixtli. A Native American who healed Spirit from his cactus injuries which made him an ally of the PALs. * Eric Lopez as Fito * Marite Mantilla as Estrella * Lilimar Hernandez as Solana *
Tony Hale Anthony Russell Hale (born September 30, 1970) is an American actor and comedian. He is known for his role in the Fox comedy series ''Arrested Development'' as Buster Bluth. Hale played Gary Walsh on the HBO comedy ''Veep'' from 2012 until its ...
as Bellhop *
Carlos Alazraqui Carlos Jaime Alazraqui (born July 20, 1962) is an American actor, stand-up comedian, impressionist, producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for his role as Deputy James Garcia on ''Reno 911!'' and for his voice acting roles. His extensive ...
as Pablo and Rusty *
Julie Brown Julie Ann Brown (born August 31, 1958) is an American actress, comedian, screen/television writer, singer-songwriter, and television director. Brown is known for her work in the 1980s, where she often played a quintessential valley girl charac ...
as Mrs. Hungerford *
James Patrick Stuart James Patrick Stuart is an American actor, currently portraying Valentin Cassadine on the daytime soap opera ''General Hospital'', for which he received three consecutive Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama ...
as Harlan Grayson *
Katey Sagal Catherine Louise "Katey" Sagal (; born January 19, 1954) is an American actress and singer. She is known for playing Peggy Bundy on '' Married... with Children'' (1987–1997), Leela on ''Futurama'' (1999–2003, 2008–2013, 2023), Cate Henne ...
as Jane "Butch" LePray *
Thomas Lennon Thomas Patrick Lennon (born August 9, 1970) is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer, director, and novelist. He plays Lieutenant Jim Dangle on the series ''Reno 911!'' Lennon is an accomplished screenwriter of several major st ...
as Rooster *
Rhys Darby Rhys Montague Darby (born 21 March 1974) is a New Zealand actor and comedian, known for his energetic physical comedy routines, telling stories accompanied with mime and sound effects of things such as machinery and animals. He was nominated for ...
as Headmaster Perkins * Paul-Mikél Williams as Jack *
Rob Riggle Robert A. Riggle Jr. (born April 21, 1970) is an American actor, comedian, and former United States Marine Officer. He is known for his work as a correspondent on Comedy Central's ''The Daily Show'' from 2006 to 2008; as a cast member on ''Satu ...
as Major Schumann *
Jane Lynch Jane Marie Lynch (born July 14, 1960) is an American actress, comedian and author. She is known for starring as Sue Sylvester in the musical comedy series ''Glee'' (2009–2015), which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award. Lynch also gained recogni ...
as Coach Bradley


Production

The first season premiered on May 5, 2017. The final eighth season premiered on April 5, 2019.


Crew

The voice director for the first three episodes was
Ginny McSwain Ginny McSwain is an American voice actress, voice casting director, and animation production professional from Los Angeles, CA. Life and career McSwain graduated from Stephens College in 1974, before moving to Los Angeles. She has worked as cas ...
. Katie McWane took over as voice director after that.


Episodes


Webisodes (2017-2019)

A number of webisodes have been released exclusively (except for "Unstoppable Music Video") on the DreamWorks Spirit YouTube-channel during the course of the series.


Home media

''Spirit Riding Free: Season 1–4'', containing all of the episodes from seasons 1–4, was released on DVD on June 5, 2018 by
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (formerly Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Universal Studios Home Video, MCA/Universal Home Video, MCA Home Video, MCA Videodisc and MCA Videocassette, Inc.) is the home video distribution division of Am ...
. On September 24, 2019, Universal released ''Spirit Riding Free: Season 5–8'', containing all of the episodes from seasons 5–8 on DVD. The series is also scheduled for DVD releases in the UK, France, Italy, and Germany. ''Spirit Riding Free: Spirit Of Christmas was released on DVD on November 11, 2021.''


Film adaptation and web-series

On October 7, 2019,
DreamWorks Animation DreamWorks Animation LLC (DWA, also known as DreamWorks Animation Studios and simply known as DreamWorks) is an American animation studio that produces animated films and television programs and is a subsidiary of Universal Pictures, a division ...
announced that a feature film based on the series was in development scheduled for a theatrical release on May 14, 2021. It was produced by
DreamWorks Animation DreamWorks Animation LLC (DWA, also known as DreamWorks Animation Studios and simply known as DreamWorks) is an American animation studio that produces animated films and television programs and is a subsidiary of Universal Pictures, a division ...
and released by
Universal Pictures Universal Pictures (legally Universal City Studios LLC, also known as Universal Studios, or simply Universal; common metonym: Uni, and formerly named Universal Film Manufacturing Company and Universal-International Pictures Inc.) is an Ameri ...
. The film was directed by Elaine Bogan and co-directed by Ennio Torresan Jr. in their feature directorial debuts, and written by the developer of the series, Aury Wallington, and produced by Karen Foster. The film was produced on a lower budget and made by a different animation studio outside of DreamWorks, similar to '' Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie''. On November 10, 2020, the film's title was announced as ''Spirit Untamed'', with a new release date of June 4, 2021.


''Spirit & Friends'' (2022)

On February 9, 2022, DreamWorks has announced a new series ''Spirit & Friends'' inspired by the characters from ''Spirit Riding Free'', which taking place in setting of ''Spirit Untamed'' and was released on
YouTube YouTube is a global online video platform, online video sharing and social media, social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. It was launched on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. It is owned by ...
on February 12.


Video game

On December 4, 2019,
Dreamworks Animation DreamWorks Animation LLC (DWA, also known as DreamWorks Animation Studios and simply known as DreamWorks) is an American animation studio that produces animated films and television programs and is a subsidiary of Universal Pictures, a division ...
released a game for Android and iOS based around the series entitled ''Spirit Trick Challenge''.


Reception

The series was received positively. Emily Ashby of
Common Sense Media Common Sense Media (CSM) is an organization that reviews and provides ratings for media and technology with the goal of providing information on their suitability for children.
described the series as "sweet," arguing that the series treads lightly on "factual strife between new settlers and the indigenous population," and said the series "raises issues, such as migration and assimilation" while saying that Lucky was a heroine who showed "courage, selflessness, and a tireless sense of adventure." Ashby further argued that the series has stories that are "humorous and heartwarming" and themes which reflect the "changing atmosphere of the 19th century American West." Dave Trumbore of
Collider A collider is a type of particle accelerator which brings two opposing particle beams together such that the particles collide. Colliders may either be ring accelerators or linear accelerators. Colliders are used as a research tool in particle ...
, said that the series is less about social commentary and more about a girl, her horse, and "real, complicated friendships and life lessons learned in a refreshingly sincere manner." Trumbore added that the series tames the message from the 2002 film, noted that in the early seasons of the series mainly focus on the "class divide," offering a sense of adventure rather than social commentary, and noted that while the animation is uneven, it is "an adventurous, kid-friendly series." Ashby of
Common Sense Media Common Sense Media (CSM) is an organization that reviews and provides ratings for media and technology with the goal of providing information on their suitability for children.
called the "Riding Academy" seasons of the series "geared toward tweens" and praised the series for having a "diverse group of characters," female characters who are self-confident, and characters "coping with challenges of growing up." Ashby noted these seasons show "healthy self-awareness and emotional maturity for tween viewers," argued that unlike the "Spirit Riding Free" seasons doesn't "touch on themes of the historical time." Armaan Babu of ''Meaww'' called the series "one of the most wholesome and inspiring shows on Netflix," arguing that while it is aimed at one young girls, it is written well enough to connect with those of all ages, with the protagonists growing "into mature and responsible young adults." Babu also noted that part 2 of the series dealt with heavier topics than part 1, and praised the series for being filled with characters who are "constantly, and genuinely supportive of each other." Mandie Caroll of Common Sense Media called the two "Pony Tales" seasons "fun" and noted that while the series does not substantially confront "the actual history of westward settlement," it does focus on cheating, conflicts within friendships, and doing what's right. She also said that while these collections are a bit disorganized, the seasons have the same storytelling and visual quality of the original series. Emily Ashby of Common Sense Media reviewed the "Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas" special, calling it a "so-so holiday horse tale warms with timely themes." While criticizing the film for "relegating the animals to mere afterthoughts" she said that the special is emotionally-laden and emphasizes themes perfect for a focus on Christmas. John Serba of ''Decider'' concurred, saying that he didn't understand the positive message trying to be sent, he thought it may have a "positive message for its target demographic." Emily Ashby reviewed the "Spirit Riding Free: Ride Along Adventure" special for Common Sense Media, describing it as "lengthy story tangents" that result in a "laborious interactive story." She criticized the special for becoming an "exercise in guessing which choice might lead to the exit most quickly," but noted that involves much "realistic" peril for the young protagonists.


Notes


References


External links

* at Netflix * at DreamWorks TV * {{Netflix original ended series (2012–2018) 2010s American animated television series 2020s American animated television series 2017 American television series debuts 2020 American television series endings American children's animated adventure television series American computer-animated television series American sequel television series Animated television series about children Animated television series about horses Animated television shows based on films Netflix children's programming English-language Netflix original programming Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron Television series by DreamWorks Animation Television series by Universal Television