Ferdinand the Bull was my favorite childhood book growing up, and now, it is my son’s favorite book. When I picked up the book after all of these years, it took me back to that time when my mom would read it to me.
Consideration provided by Blue Sky Studios.
About Ferdinand
Ferdinand the Bull is a story about a Spanish-Fighting bull who is filled with love, compassion, and a wonderment for life. All Ferdinand wants is to stop and smell the flowers, show kindness to all living things, and is totally unaware of the ugliness in the world. He is a Bull that sees the world through rose-colored glasses. When disasters falls upon him, he is captured and taken to a fighting stadium and must decide if he is a fighting bull, or a flower-smelling, generous bull, in order to earn his freedom.
Ferdinand was inspired by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson’s book, The Story of Ferdinand and is directed by Carlos Saldanha.
Things You Didn’t Know About Ferdinand
1. Nick Jonas recorded a new song for the soundtrack.
What will come as surprise is that Nick Jonas has a new song for the Ferdinand soundtrack! I asked him during our press junket what attracted him to Ferdinand? Nick loves the story. Ferdinand was a story that his mom read to him and it is extremely sentimental.
2. Director Carlos Saldanha worked on Ferdinand for four years.
Did you know Ferdinand was a passion project for director Carlos Saldanha? He has been working on this project for four years! Mr. Saldanha’s message from the classic book, “having the courage to be true to who you are no matter what,” was his biggest responsibility. “The message is so big,” he said. “Making sure that every character carried that message was my goal. That is how we expanded the story. But, believe me, it was not easy.” John Cena embodied much of Ferdinand’s character. “He looks like Ferdinand, he’s so big and so gentle. When John came into record the first pages, it was like magic. He became the character. He is the character. Once that happens, it is all good.”
3. John Cena relates closely to the film’s message.
John Cena couldn’t agree more on the movie’s agenda. “The movie sends a message that resonates very strongly with me: don’t judge a bull by its cover.” Ferdinand is captured by bullfighters because of his large size. His contempt for violence compels him to escape with the help of some animal allies. “He is a peaceful bull, but people think he is a fighter because he is a big bull. Sound familiar?” said the WWE superstar. John is a big gentle bear, and I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing Ferdinand.
4. Moms of young children should know that some scenes may spark questions about bullfighting and what happens to these bulls.
I loved Ferdinand the Bull. It is entertaining with a lot of heartwarming scenes. Moms, if you take children under the age 8, be ready to answer some questions. There are a few scenes that stir up questions about “what’s happening here mom?” In once scene, an animal is being taken and bull horns are shown on the wall.
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. ~ Nelson Mandela
5. Ferdinand teaches children that you cannot judge a “bull” by it’s cover.
Overall, Ferdinand is a film for all ages and teaches. It teaches children about courage and that fear is something not be scared of but to be looked at straight on. Being brave means that it is okay to be unsure. Overcoming challenges, persevering through difficulties and adversity will help define who you are as a person. The possibility of winning the fight is worth the chance of making a difference. That is what Ferdinand is about, to love life, to make a difference, and to stop and enjoy the moment for what it is.
Our beloved classic tale Ferdinand is directed by Carlos Saldanha. All-around nice guy John Cena voices the gentle bull, and he is joined by Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez, Daveed Diggs, Gabriel Iglesias, Bobby Cannavale, David Tennant, Anthony Anderson, Flula Borg, Sally Phillips, Boris Kodjoe, Jerrod Carmichael, Raúl Esparza, Karla Martínez, and Miguel Ángel Silvestre.
Connect With Ferdinand
Ferdinand debuts in theaters December 15, 2017. You can connect with Ferdinand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #Ferdinand. Purchase tickets here.
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My daughter and I saw the trailer for this while going to see My Little Pony. I was so excited! I loved this book as a child. I immediately put it on hold for her, and she fell in love, too. Thanks for these neat facts about the movie!