25/08/2026 - The character created by Enrique Gato retains his vitality and good cheer, along with a pronounced flair for spectacle and a trove of cinephile-friendly humorous nods

Few Spanish film franchises have enjoyed as much international success as that of Tad Stones (rebaptised from the original Tadeo Jones in non-Spanish-speaking territories), a sort of animated Iberian explorer, modelled on the character played by Harrison Ford in Steven Spielberg’s films beginning with Raiders of the Lost Ark. After almost a quarter of a century, and seven titles in all (four shorts and three features, all directed by Enrique Gato, who boasts no fewer than six Goyas), a new instalment hits the country’s air-conditioned cinemas on 26 August: Tad and the Magic Lamp, released by Paramount Pictures Spain.

And what will the faithful audience find in this new animated adventure? Our hero has become a loving, protective dad: he and the energetic archaeologist Sara have had a little girl, named Oli (short for Olimpia). But this development has sparked jealousy in Momia, something the couple will have to contend with as they give chase to that magic lamp, famous from the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, which will whisk them not only halfway around the globe (from London to Egypt, Peru and Greece, for instance), but also through time.

But let’s not spoil any more surprises from this unpretentious romp, which strings together gags, legends and action scenes while offering colourful distractions for the youngest viewers and tossing in nods for the adults accompanying them to savour this animated outing. Along the way, thanks to the prowess of screenwriters Josep Gatell and Manuel Burque (the scribes behind the storylines for the features Tad the Lost Explorer and the Emerald Tablet, It's for Your Own Good, Operación Camarón and ¡Vaya vacaciones!), cinephiles will be able to spot some deft references to titles such as (what else?) Back to the Future, Titanic and Some Like It Hot, among other perennial classics.

What’s more, topics such as parenthood (perhaps some of its earliest fans are parents by now…), the inescapable subject of artificial intelligence, and sexual and affective diversity season this family flick that scarcely ever sags in its epic narrative, fuelled by chases, traps, fantasy, legendary artefacts, visits to humankind’s iconic landmarks and recognisable historical figures. On top of all that, add joy, mystery and an indefatigable sense of humour, bolstered by the voice work of Spanish actors Carlos Latre, Michelle Jenner and an ever-game Petra Martínez, among others.

Tad and the Magic Lamp was produced by Telecinco Cinema, Lightbox Animation Studios, Ikiru Films, Anangu Grup and Tadeo Films AIE, with the participation of Mediaset España, Movistar Plus and Mediterráneo Mediaset España Group. Paramount Pictures International is handling its international distribution (it is due to be released in 44 countries over the next two months).

(Translated from Spanish)