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Articles by Joseph Learoyd
The Great Mouse Detective turns 40 | HeadStuff’s Top 5 Animated Sherlock Holmes Adaptations
The Great Mouse Detective turns 40 in 2026 and in honour of it, and the many animated takes on Sherlock Holmes that have long played with homage and reinvention, this article will list the top 5 (of which there are many to choose from) animated adaptations of Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock is no stranger to adaptation in live action and animation. From references in Animaniacs to concepts in Scooby-Doo, the great detective’s silhouette, deerstalker and all, has become culturally embedded.
Unconventional Animation with a Lot of Heart | The Hunchback of Notre Dame at 30
Thirty years after its release, Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame remains one of the most unusual and emotionally complex films ever produced during the studio’s animation renaissance of the 90s. Released in 1996, the film arrived in the middle of a remarkable run that included Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King and Pocahontas, a run that put Disney back on the map in terms of storytelling, animation techniques and everything in between.
Paranoia and Fractured Identity | A Scanner Darkly feels more real than ever at 20
Twenty years after its release, Richard Linklater’s A Scanner Darkly remains one of the strangest and most visually distinctive animated science-fiction films of the 21st century. Released in 2006 and adapted from Philip K. Dick’s 1977 novel, the film arrived at a moment when anxieties about surveillance and state power were already intensifying and built on that fear. As this film celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, let’s take a look at back.
Road to Meitheal: Becky Friedman and Dustin Ferrer
We caught up with Becky Friedman and Dustin Ferrer, children’s television writers and producers as well as Showrunners on a number of animated properties. Animation Ireland’s Meitheal 2026 takes place on the 22nd of May and is a festival of animation talks taking place in Galway where Becky and Dustin will be guest speakers. Q: Both of you have worked on iconic preschool shows. What first drew you both to writing for young audiences specifically?
Road to Meitheal: Tamsin Lyons
We caught up with Tamsin Lyons, Co-founder of Ink and Light, a production company specialising in creating original animated series and films for family audiences. Animation Ireland’s Meitheal 2026 takes place on the 22nd of May and is a festival of animation talks taking place in Galway where Tamsin will be a guest speaker. Q: What motivated you to establish Ink and Light, and what creative gap were you hoping to fill within the animation landscape?
Road to Meitheal: Sherry Gunther Shugarman
As part of our countdown to Animation Ireland’s Meitheal 2026, we caught up with Sherry Gunther Shugarman, Co-CEO of Heeboo and Claynosaurz and producer of some of television’s top hits for the past 3 decades including: The Simpsons, Family Guy, Rugrats, PowerPuff Girls & more. Animation Ireland’s Meitheal 2026 takes place on the 22nd of May and is a festival of animation talks taking place in Galway where Sherry will be a guest speaker. Q.
Animation Ireland’s Meitheal 2026 | A Key Date for The Irish Animation Industry Calendar
Animation Ireland’s Meitheal 2026 will continue to position itself as one of the most important events in the Irish animation industry calendar, bringing together professionals, students, and creatives from across animation, games, VFX, and film production.
“Comedy is Universal.” | Co-Director & Editor Vanessa Esteves on animated short Christopher & The Bug
We spoke with Vanessa Esteves, co-director and writer of animated short Christopher & The Bug which has been selected for the Cleveland International Film Festival. The film follows a reclusive owl whose solitary world is changed by an unexpected visitor, evolving into a touching story about loneliness and empathy. Q: Christopher in the book has a very simple but emotionally rich premise. Where did the initial idea and concept for this short come from? A: Well, it started a very long time ago.
James and the Giant Peach at 30 | Patience and Precision at the Pinnacle of Stop-Motion
Released in 1996, James and the Giant Peach turns 30 this year. A fascinating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book of the same name, it’s an animation that blends live action with stop-motion, Directed by Henry Selick, best known for The Nightmare Before Christmas, he turned James and the Giant Peach into a dark stylised journey about grief and friendship. At its core the narrative is simple enough. The story follows James, a young orphan forced to live with his cruel aunts, Spiker and Sponge.
Voices from the Screen: Sydney Mikaela
Welcome to ‘Voices from the Screen’. In this section of HeadStuff’s animation coverage, our writer Joseph Learoyd will celebrate the careers of famous voice actors. In this entry we interview Sydney Mikaela, who is producer and star of thriller Crybaby Bridge Slayer as well as providing her voice to many animated roles. Q: You’re producing and starring in the upcoming thriller Crybaby Bridge.
Animation Dingle 2026 | HeadStuff’s Report on one of Europe’s most distinctive animation events
Animation Dingle 2026 once again transformed the west coast of Ireland into a vibrant hub of creativity and inspiration. Taking place from March 19–21, 2026, in the picturesque town of Dingle, the festival has grown into one of Europe’s most distinctive animation events, bringing together students, professionals, and studios from around the world.
Voices from the Screen: Zach Aguilar
Welcome to ‘Voices from the Screen’. In this section of HeadStuff’s animation coverage, our writer Joseph Learoyd will celebrate the careers of famous voice actors. In this entry we interview Zach Aguilar, the English voice of Tanjiro in Demon Slayer and Genos in One Punch Man amongst many other impressive roles. Q: You’re best known as Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, a character driven by grief and empathy.
Voices from the Screen: Zeno Robinson
Welcome to ‘Voices from the Screen’. In this section of HeadStuff’s animation coverage, our writer Joseph Learoyd will celebrate the careers of famous voice actors. In this entry we interview Zeno Robinson, the English voice of Hawks in My Hero Academia, Harry Osborn in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and Genya in Demon Slayer amongst many other impressive roles.
Voices from the Screen: Jonah Scott
Welcome to ‘Voices from the Screen’. In this section of HeadStuff’s animation coverage, our writer Joseph Learoyd will celebrate the careers of famous voice actors. In this entry we interview Jonah Scott, the English voice of Legoshi in Beastars and Katakuri in One Piece amongst many other impressive roles. Q: Firstly, your role as Legoshi in Beastars has introduced you to a global audience. He’s such a layered character with so much depth. How do you approach portraying that kind of emotion?
Sausage Party at 10 | Seth Rogen’s R-Rated Supermarket Comedy Stands as a Fascinating Experiment in Adult Animation
This year, Sausage Party turns ten years old. It’s interesting to see the mark this adult animated comedy has left. Few animated films have aged in quite the same way. It almost feels like a nostalgic snapshot of the adult animation comedy outings that dotted the mide-2010s. Sausage Party is not too different to those. It’s a rude, crude adventure that feels like a standard outing from a creative team including Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and Conrad Vernon.
Scarlet movie review | Hamlet gets a dazzling anime makeover in Mamoru Hosoda’s clunky retelling
The 2025 anime film Scarlet, directed by Japanese filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda, is coming to Irish screens this week. An ambitious reimagining of Hamlet, Scarlet is the latest in a line of Hosoda’s animated works that are known for their attempts at deep, emotionally resonant theatrics. Following on from the likes of Belle (2021) and Mirai (2018), Hosoda attempts something a bit darker and more philosophical here with Scarlet.
GOAT movie review | kinetic spectacle feels part Spider-Verse and part Space Jam
Goat delivers one of 2026’s most engaging animated features, blending an underdog story about triumph with strong character work and a visual style that pops from the screen. Directed with fast-paced action and heart, Will Harris (Stranger Things‘ Caleb McLaughlin), a small, anthropomorphic goat with big dreams of playing roarball (basketball), sets the film as an empathetic tale of being the unlikely hero, following their chosen path.
Voices from the Screen: Adam McArthur - HeadStuff
Welcome to ‘Voices from the Screen’. In this section of HeadStuff’s animation coverage, our writer Joseph Learoyd will celebrate the careers of famous voice actors. Returning to HeadStuff’s voices from the screen series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Adam McArthur, known for voicing a whole range of characters across animation and video games. From Marco Diaz in Star vs.
The Emperor’s New Groove at 25
This year marks the 25th anniversary of The Emperor’s New Groove, Disney’s 40th animated feature film, a movie that stands out not for its musical numbers or narrative but for its comedic energy. Released in 2000 and distributed by Buena Vista Pictures, it remains one of the strangest films in the Disney canon. Let’s take a look at it 25 years on.
Toy Story at 30 | Growing Up with the First CGI Feature
Like Toy Story, I also turned thirty this year. It’s a strange and sentimental milestone, an age that invites reflection on growth, purpose, and the passage of time as well as feeling of being old, even when it isn’t. Revisiting Pixar’s Toy Story (1995) today, three decades after its release, feels like opening a childhood toy box, opening the familiar, comforting, but also astonishing story and realising how much depth was packed into something that years ago felt so simple.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution movie review | big screen anime will leave newcomers confused and fans bored
Having just finished a viewing of Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution, I came away feeling more disappointed than I expected. As a fan of the series, I went in with excitement, hoping for a film that would meaningfully extend the story or offer something new in terms of tone or perspective. Instead, what I got felt more like a stopgap, a rushed, uneven and confusing experience that struggles to justify its place as a standalone film.
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc review | reliably gory yet surprisingly tender anime adventure - HeadStuff
The Reze Arc of Chainsaw Man continues to showcase the series’ signature blend of violence, tragedy and dark weirdness, but this time with a much more emotionally resonant core than its predecessor arcs. While it remains unmistakably violent, this chapter of the story stands out for its surprising tenderness, offering a rare glimpse into the fragile humanity buried beneath the show’s more gory moments.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle | Big 3 Anime Entry Will Please Fans, If Not Others - HeadStuff
I recently attended a screening of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns, to give the film its official lengthy title, and it was an experience in many ways. Here, we’ll jump into the good and bad of Infinity Castle and see whether it’s worth your time to go see it. The first thing that needs to be noted, is the sheer scale of popularity that Demon Slayer has in the global anime fandom.
Chicken Run remains a triumph of creativity | 25th Film Anniversary
25 years after its release, the Aardman features stop motion classic, paying homage to The Great Escape, is still considered one of the best animated films in terms of its sheer depth of detail and technical ability. With a sequel, Dawn of the Nugget, released in 2023, this claymation, directed by Nick Park and Peter Lord, tells the tale of a group of chickens as they plan their valiant escape from a farm in the Yorkshire countryside.
Lady and the Tramp is a spicy meatball 70 years on
This month, we look at a Disney classic, from 1955 that turns 70 years old this year. Lady and the Tramp, a tale of two dogs from completely different backgrounds and lifestyles, meeting and falling in love in a small town in the early 20th century. Recently spawning a CGI/live action adaptation in 2019, the original tale is one of beauty, not just in its animation, but in how it captures an atmosphere of romance throughout.
Admiring Inside Out's attention to detail at 10
Pixar’s Inside Out, directed by Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen, is a visually beautiful and emotionally charged film that explores the complexities of human emotions through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl named Riley. Inside Out can be set apart from other animated features by its ability to make these concepts, both physical and psychological, accessible to a wider audience, both in children and adults.
Madagascar retrospective at 20 | A weird and wonderful romp
Madagascar was released in 2005 by DreamWorks Animation and this year turns twenty years old. It is a fun filled, vibrant, animated comedy that tells the story of four pampered zoo animals who find themselves unexpectedly thrust into the wilds of Madagascar. Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath, the film combines the usual comedy that DreamWorks is known for, alongside some beautiful animation, and a heartfelt narrative that looks at some important themes.
Dinosaur is Surviving and Thriving 25 Years on | Film Anniversary
Walt Disney’s 2000 animated movie about dinosaurs turns 25 this month and, here at Headstuff, we want to take a look at whether Dinosaur still holds up after all this time. A groundbreaking computer-animated film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, Dinosaur was something special at the time, combining CGI characters with live-action backgrounds and telling a story of survival and belonging, in a harsh prehistoric world.
A Goofy Movie Remains an Inspiring Coming-Of-Age Story | 30 Years On
Released during the great Disney Renaissance, A Goofy Movie had a very different vibe from other films of the time, such as The Lion King and Pocahontas, both in tone and ambition. It felt more grounded and personal in order to allow audiences to resonate with it. Initially considered a minor release in 1995, it slowly built a passionate fanbase over the years as many viewers found themselves resonating with Max’s coming-of-age journey.
Robots Is The Little Movie Going Up Against the Big Guys | 20th Anniversary
Robots turns 20 this year, having been released in 2005. While some fondly remember this classic story about mechanical characters in a world entirely populated by robots, unfortunately it’s often overlooked on lists relating to good animation. A product of its time in terms of animation quality, there is a fitting charm to its rustic look and style. Let’s dive into why this animated film is worth seeing twenty years later.
Flow and Our Top 5 Cartoon Cats
Due to the recent success of Flow, Gints Zilbalodis’ oscar-winning eco-fable about a lone feline trying to survive in a flooded world, I have been tasked with writing a piece on famous fictional cats. Given my background, this can only extend to famous animated cats. I was requested to look at a top five, but first, honourable mentions and criteria must be set in place. Firstly, these characters must hold a place of significance in their respective franchises. Background characters will not do.
Ne Zha 2 Is Deservedly Putting Chinese animation on the global map | Film Review
This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a screening for Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animated movie that has taken the box office by storm. Finally arriving at our shores, I went into this film with dubious expectations.
Steve Woods: "Irish animators have been at the heart of some of the world’s most influential animation movements." - HeadStuff
Steve Woods is an Irish animator who has worked in the industry since 1988. His work encompasses animations, documentaries, dance films and experimental films. In 1989 he co-founded the Galway Film Fleadh, and he has programmed Irish animated short films for numerous festivals at home and abroad. He also lectures at the National Film School at Dun Laoghaire, where he teaches experimental animation. Steve recently published Drawing the Line: A personal look at the story of Irish Animation.
30 Years On The Lion King Is Still King of the Animated Jungle | Film Anniversaries
There aren’t many animated films that could go on the Mount Rushmore of animation, but I honestly feel that The Lion King from 1994 is one of them, standing proudly above most. It is a breath-taking story of change, growth, grief and stepping out of the shadow of one’s family to forge one’s own path. It is a tale of family, of friendship, a coming-of-age adventure full of heart. Many animated films manage to hit some strong thematic elements, but few do it as seamlessly as this film.
Fluid Movement, Powerful Visuals and A Gorgeous Soundtrack | 25 Years On Tarzan Is as Fresh As Ever
I have fond memories of the Tarzan books from childhood. They were dusty things, that my father kept in a small cupboard and even though the stories were old and dated in such a way that young me had zero interest in reading them, the illustrations on the cover intrigued me, and the concept of a man raised by gorillas in the African Jungle, conjured up images of adventure for me.
Higher and Higher | How to Train Your Dragon 2 10 years On
When the first How to Train your Dragon film was released, audiences didn’t really have high hopes or expectations for it. DreamWorks weren’t as mighty in the animation game as they once were and, despite a strong voice cast, the trailers and title were enough to make people question whether animated flying dragons could breathe life, not just fire, on our screens. After the shock that proved us all wrong, we are now here, looking at the first sequel, in the year of its 10-year anniversary.
Grief, Loss And Healing In All Its Animated Joy | Up at 15
Disney Pixar’s Up turns fifteen years old this year, and, in those fifteen years, it’s been an animated joy. It highlights not only the visual beauty of the animated medium, but the powerful storytelling techniques that allow us to feel the important themes that also run through our own lives. Grief and loss as well as healing are all aspects of Up‘s story that are developed through our protagonist, Carl Fredricksen. Let’s look back at what made Up take flight.
We Have A Hero | Shrek 2 Retrospective 20 Years On
Shrek 2 turns twenty years old this year, and what’s interesting is that it doesn’t feel like it. On re-watching clips and elements from this beloved animated film, I found that it still held up surprisingly well. There’s a charm that continues to captivate audiences with its witty dialogue and lovable characters. As we look back at this piece of animation history, it’s clear that its impact, or at least that of its protagonist namesake, transcends mere entertainment, into a piece of pop culture.
The Boy and the Heron
Hayao Miyazaki is back with what is reportedly his final film in the recently released, The Boy and the Heron. I had the privilege of checking out this film for myself, so let’s dive into the beauty of Studio Ghibli’s latest addition and see what makes this a worthwhile venture. The story follows our protagonist Mahito Maki as he journeys into a magical world, guided by a talking heron, and learning about himself along the way.
Voices from the Screen: Tara Strong
Welcome to ‘Voices from the Screen’. In this section of HeadStuff’s animation coverage, our writer Joseph Learoyd will celebrate the careers of famous voice actors. Tara Strong has provided a voice to a whole plethora of our childhood characters and in our latest entry into Voices from the Screen, where we take a look at these voice actors, we’ll be taking a dive into her life and explore the notable roles that she has under her voice acting belt.
Animation Globe Presents Titina - Norway
Welcome to Animation Globe where HeadStuff’s animation expert Joseph Learoyd analyses films of the form from around the world. This entry is on 2022 Norwegian animation Titina. Titina is a 2022 animated film set at the North Pole, and is a tale of rivalry and friendship from Norwegian director Kajsa Naess. It tells the true story of Umberto Nobile, Roald Amudsen and Umberto’s dog, Titina, who set out on an expedition to discover the North Pole, until then, a vastly unexplored area.
Movie Review | Blue Beetle Restores Heart and Humour to the DCEU
Jaime Reyes is a character that is often overlooked by casual superhero fans — a young man that is somewhere between Venom, Iron Man and Spider-man, and with a coming-of-age story that is both beautiful and universally understood. In Blue Beetle, we get to see Jaime’s big screen debut, as he finds his world turned upside down when a piece of alien tech attaches itself to him and begins to form symbiosis.
Not Despicable, But Not Exactly Note-Worthy | Despicable Me 2 10th Anniversary
Despicable Me 2 turns ten years old this year, and in the tradition of animated anniversaries, we’ll be taking a look at it here. The thing with this movie is that I had never seen it before, and having only seen the original once, I had to take a look at this as a sequel but also as its own thing. So, watching the original and then Despicable Me 2 was the course of action, to get the full experience. Was that the best idea? I’m afraid not.
Wall-E and Its Environmentalist message | Even More Important at 15
Wall-E has always been considered a Pixar masterpiece. It is a tale of fun and discovery, one of entertainment and exploration. Yet similarly to many other Pixar films, it has a deeper message, in this case a study into the problems of wastefulness and the rapid degradation of the world we live in. It is a look at the environment and the haunting image of Earth’s potential future. Wall-E takes place in a desolate wasteland, featuring our small robot protagonist as he goes about his work.
Monsters University Still Has That School Spirit | 10 Year Anniversary
Released in 2013, Monsters University has managed to capture the hearts of many through its strong thematic storytelling and ability to adapt and tell a fresh take on a beloved animated world. As it reaches its tenth anniversary, we take a look back at the themes that make this animated prequel such a gem to watch. When I first heard the announcement of this film, I was skeptical that it would be anything more than a cash grab, riding on the coattails of Monster’s Inc.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Retrospective | Still A Masterpiece at 35
What makes Who Framed Roger Rabbit? so good? Is it the acting? Is it the animation? Is it the cameos of our favourite cartoon characters? Is it all of this and more? Let’s take a look at why this film, 35 years on, is so fondly remembered. Combining live action and animation, and released in 1988, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? feels as fresh when I first saw it on TV as a child.
Exploring The Historical (In)accuracy of Mulan on its 25th Anniversary
Part of the Disney Renaissance saw the release of Mulan in 1998: a gorgeous animated film that told the tale of a woman heading into battle against the Huns in a time of war in China. Featuring the voice talents of Ming-Na Wen and Eddie Murphy, this adventure takes the viewer on a wondrous journey through the culture and feelings of the time. It depicts elements of drama, comedy, action and suspense, in a way that Disney animation is well known for.
Kung Fu Panda at 15 | A Tale Of Self-Discovery
Kung Fu Panda tells the tale of Po (Jack Black), the dragon warrior, an overweight panda from China who wants nothing more than to study kung fu. It is a comedic ride full of gorgeous animation, comedy and drama, allowing all ages to gain something of value from it. It is entertaining and thoughtful, and features some of the most recognisable anthropomorphic characters that DreamWorks Animation has to offer.
Flying High at 45 - HeadStuff
Let’s take a look at Pete’s Dragon, a classic blend of live action and animation that turns 45 years old this year. I’m happy to be looking at it, rather than having to review its remake. Why is that? Well, even though there’s nothing wrong with the remake – it has strong visuals and character development – it just doesn’t have that same burning flame as the 2D original.
Medical Animation | Checking for signs of life
When asked what one’s favourite animation is, the answer you’ll get from most people usually falls into the realm of Disney, Pixar or some form of anime, Studio Ghibli usually coming to the forefront. Rarely does one hear the answer “Medical animation”: the use of 3D and 2D animation software to create realistic dioramas of the inner workings of the human body. The reasons for this is because medical animation just don’t get the limelight that they deserve.
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