The Legend of Spyro 3D

The Legend of Spyro 3D
Production Company(s):	The Animation Picture Company Wonderworld Studios Universal Animation Studios
Writer(s):	Daniel Altiere Steve Altiere
Director(s):	Mark A.Z. Dippé
Producer(s):	John Davis Mark A.Z. Dippé Dan Chuba Brian Manis Ash Shah Youngki Lee
Distributor(s):	International sales: Velvet Octopus North America: Universal Pictures

The Legend of Spyro: 3D is a cancelled computer-animated 3D Spyro film based on The Legend of Spyro series.

Thirteen years later after its cancellation, the fourth and final draft of the movie script was leaked online; the closest to how the film was going to be portrayed.

Development

On October 25, 2007, it was announced that the Animation Picture Company acquired rights for the film with plans to produce it as a stereoscopic 3-D computer-animated feature. John Davis, who was previously the producer of the film adaption of Eragon and I, Robot, was assigned as producer for The Legend of Spyro 3D. Daniel and Steve Altiere, the Altiere Bros. who worked on Dr. Dolittle 4, were hired to write the screenplay and script. The film was set to be released in 2009.

Not much is known about the film's development, but it was stated to be under a $20,000,000 budget. On November 18, 2008, the fourth draft of the movie script was completed.

Synopsis

The feature film follows Spyro, a dragon of prophecy, and a rare purple type born once every ten generations. The forces of the Dark Master, intent on destroying all the dragon eggs, attack the temple housing the egg of the unborn Spyro. Ignitus, one of the eggs' guardians, escapes with the purple dragon's egg, leaving it to drift downriver into a swamp, hoping for the best. The egg is discovered by a family of dragonflies, and upon hatching, Spyro is adopted into the family and raised as one of their own, alongside Sparx, a young dragonfly born the same day. One day, after coming under attack by strange foes and discovering that he can breathe fire, Spyro is told that he is not actually a dragonfly himself but a stranger from a distant land, so he decides to leave the swamp in search of his true home. Sparx, though reluctant at first, decides to follow along.

Together, the dragon and dragonfly team journey through their threatened world and manage to rescue fellow dragons while battling Cynder, a pawn of the Dark Master, and her dark armies. First armed with Ignitus' training in the art of the fire element, Spyro one by one clashes with Cynder's armies, rescues more dragons, and acquires new skills and training along the way until finally learning the truth about Cynder's real identity. This tale of an unlikely battle hero and his brotherly sidekick illustrate the importance of both tenacity and truth, as we witness Spyro restore order in his world without sacrificing his spirit.

Second Synopsis

A very special dragon's egg is being guarded by Ignitus. However, it's being hunted and is no longer safe. Ignitus hands the precious egg over to a woodland full of Dragonflies to keep. Knowing these creatures are peaceful and more importantly hard to find, Ignitus calls on an allegiance from their distant ancestry. The Dragonflies will protect the egg and raise the dragon as their own. Brought up alongside Sparx, Spyro is led to believe that he himself is a dragonfly who just happens to be slightly bigger and purpler than the other dragonflies.

One day, when the village is attacked, Spyro is found. Instinctively using his unknown powers, Spyro realizes just how different he is. Confused and upset, he learns that he is not, in fact, a dragonfly, but a dragon who carries the role of being part of a great prophecy that will bring peace to all the land.

Spyro, along with his trusty sidekick Sparx, pursue this epic adventure and attempt the impossible: destroying the deadly Dark Master. However, between them stands Cynder, a very powerful black dragon powered by the red crystal around her neck, which enslaves her to the Dark Master. Eventually though, good prevails over evil and Spyro manages to overcome Cynders' powers and destroy the red crystal. The destruction of the crystal releases all the dead from the Dark Master’s enslavement and everyone rejoices.

All seems well, as Spyro becomes a hero for saving all of dragonkind. However, lurking in the far distance we spy a swirl of clouds... and inside of it, two pulsing red eyes. The story continues...

Characters

• Spyro - Adventurous, Curious, Eager, Proud, Cute.
• Sparx - Witty, Comical, Observant.
• Ignitus - Father figure, Mentor, Wise, Strong.
• Cynder - Stolen by the Dark Master's forces, has become his pawn.

Cancellation

When no official public update on the movie was made since 2008, fans began reaching out to the filmmakers. In November 2009, Youngki Lee of Wonderworld Studios stated they were no longer producing the film. Months later on April 10, 2010, Daniel Altiere, one of the movie writers, confirmed that The Legend of Spyro 3D had been cancelled due to decisions made by Activision to go in a different direction. He and his brother Steve Altiere were not informed of the film's cancellation until months later. The direction in which Activision decided to take Spyro was later revealed on February 2011, to be in the form of Skylanders, which is the second reboot of the Spyro franchise.

Apart from the teaser poster, no official trailers nor updated information on the movie were ever released. In addition, no stands or other posters were displayed in theaters, and commercials never aired.

Fourth Draft of the Movie Script

On June 2nd, 2022, over a decade after the film's termination, the Lost Media Wiki discovered the fourth draft of the movie script and uploaded the full document online. Daniel Altiere, one of the writers of the movie, confirmed that he doesn't remember any other drafts after the publicly released fourth one, as movie writers usually get contracted to do three or four drafts, or an additional one for free. This script contains the only known changes to the games' plot and characters before its cancellation. The tone of the film was aimed towards the younger demographic, adding more comedic moments and removing some of the darker themes of the original Legend of Spyro story.

Main article: The Legend of Spyro 3D/Fourth Script Draft

Trivia

• In 2008, Velvet Octopus used character concept art of Spyro, Sparx, Ignitus and Cynder from The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon as placeholders for their short character profiles for the movie.
• According to Elijah Wood in September 2009, he was aware of the movie but wasn't approached to take part in it.
• The film was cancelled in the same year it was originally set to be released in.