Apple TV+ Brings "Lulu Is a Rhinoceros" to Life: A Thoughtful Celebration of Identity
There's something particularly moving about stories that challenge our perceptions of identity. The upcoming Apple TV+ animated special "Lulu Is a Rhinoceros" seems poised to do exactly that when it premieres on May 30th.
I've been thinking a lot about the power of children's media lately. How the stories we consume at a young age shape our understanding of ourselves and others. This adaptation of the beloved children's book by Jason and Allison Flom feels especially significant in that context.
The premise is deceptively simple yet profound: Lulu sees herself as a rhinoceros, regardless of how others perceive her. It's a narrative that resonates far beyond its apparent simplicity – a meditation on self-knowledge and the courage required to live authentically.
The cast assembled for this special is genuinely impressive. Auli'i Cravalho, whose voice brought such depth to "Moana," takes on the role of Lulu. She's joined by the immensely talented Alex Newell as Cory, Dulé Hill as Flom Flom, Paul Rust as Finn, and Utkarsh Ambudkar as Hip-Hop. The musical elements, with original songs composed by Golden Globe nominee Leland and lyrics by Allison Flom, suggest this will be as sonically engaging as it is visually.
What strikes me about this project is how it approaches complex themes through the accessible medium of animation. The story follows Lulu on what's described as "the adventure of a lifetime" to spread kindness – a journey that inherently asks questions about connection, understanding, and acceptance.
Under the direction of Angela Stempel and with animation by Bento Box (the studio behind "Bob's Burgers"), the special seems to maintain a vibrant visual style that complements its emotional core. It's interesting how animation can sometimes express emotional truths more directly than live action – there's a purity to the medium that strips away pretense.
In a cultural moment where discussions about identity have become increasingly complex and often divisive, there's something refreshing about approaching these themes through a character like Lulu. The special introduces young viewers to concepts of self-knowledge and authenticity without being didactic, while still offering enough depth to engage adults.
If the early materials are any indication, this 30-minute special might provide that rare viewing experience that entertains while gently expanding our capacity for empathy. In today's fractured media landscape, that's something worth celebrating – and watching – when it premieres globally on Apple TV+ on May 30th.
-Deck