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Secret Magic Control Agency
Russian theatrical release poster
Directed byAleksey Tsitsilin
Written by
  • Analisa LaBianco
  • Vladimir Nikolaev
  • Jeffery Spencer
  • Aleksey Tsitsilin
  • Aleksey Zamyslov
Based onHansel and Gretel by Brothers Grimm
Produced by
  • Sergey Selyanov (ru)
  • Vladimir Nikolaev (ru)
  • Sasha Shapiro
Starring
  • Nicholas Corda
  • Sylvana Joyce
  • Alyson Rosenfeld
  • Courtney Shaw
  • Erica Schroeder
  • Marc Thompson
Edited byAleksey Tsitsilin
Music byGabriel Hays
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release dates
  • March 18, 2021 (2021-03-18) (Russia)
  • March 25, 2021 (2021-03-25) (United States)
Running time
104 minutes[1]
CountryRussia
LanguageEnglish
Budget$7 million[2]
Box office
  • $1.2 million[3]
  • 80.8 million RUB

Secret Magic Control Agency (also known as Hansel & Gretel) is a 2021 English-language Russian animated spy comedy film directed by Aleksey Tsitsilin and written by Analisa LaBianco, Vladimir Nikolaev, Jeffery Spencer, Tsitsilin, and Aleksey Zamyslov. Produced by Wizart Animation, CTB Film Company, and QED International, the film is a loose adaptation of the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm.

Secret Magic Control Agency was released on 18 March 2021 in Russia by Sony Pictures Productions and Releasing. Netflix acquired global rights to the film and released it on 25 March 2021. The film performed well at the streaming rankings for Netflix reaching the top ten global viewership charts in the first week of its release. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, noting the animation in particular.

Plot

[edit]

In a fantasy kingdom, all magic is regulated by the Secret Magic Control Agency (S.M.C.A.). One day, the king is abducted by sentient food enchanted with black magic. To keep the rest of the kingdom calm, the prime minister agrees to keep the abduction confidential and have the S.M.C.A. investigate. The S.M.C.A. appoints agent Gretel with her disowned brother and con artist Hansel, who the agency believes could contribute with his knowledge and abilities to track down the king.

The siblings identify a local pastry shop with a pantry that has sentient baked goods. Gretel discovers a potion room in the pantry, which includes a beaker of enchanted vanilla extract. Hansel and Gretel are turned into children after a chase with a dog-shaped cookie destroys the building. Unable to get help from the S.M.C.A. as no one believes that the children are Hansel and Gretel, they seek the assistance of Baba Yaga, a witch rumored to eat children. They learn that the enchanted vanilla extract came from the swamplands.

After escaping from Baba Yaga's, the siblings make their way to the swamplands, where mermaids live. However, the Lake Witch mistakes them for spies for Ilvira, the witch of the gingerbread house and former chef of the king. They are spared from being turned into fish when her daughter recognizes Gretel as the one who saved her from a previous incident. Hansel and Gretel discover that the mermaids have imprisoned some of Ilvira's goons. Gretel frees the goons who lead them to Ilvira's lair and the king's whereabouts. The spies learn Ilvira's intent was to make the sovereign and the whole kingdom fall in love with magic to become queen and gain the magical power imbued in the noble title itself. She captures the siblings and imprisons them in an oven.

Hansel and Gretel argue with each other: Gretel is disappointed in her brother's occupation as a con artist while Hansel is saddened that Gretel prioritized her career as an agent over her own family. Hansel reveals to Gretel that while their parents did advocate for their children to be honest, their jobs as agents for the S.M.C.A. were not enough to fund Gretel's education and that Hansel had given up his chance at an honest life to pay for Gretel's tuition, which he told Gretel was a scholarship from the king. They both reconcile and escape the oven.

The siblings prepare an antidote and go to the wedding. Gretel gives the antidote to the king, but the marriage is sealed before they can stop Ilvira. Before Gretel can pour the antidote into Ilvira's cookie-making machine, Ilvira takes the antidote back and shoves the children into the batter to be baked into cookies. Using an S.M.C.A. gadget Hansel stole from the agency earlier, Hansel and Gretel escape, get the antidote back, and drop Ilvira into the cookie batter.

Having saved the king and the kingdom from Ilvira, Gretel is awarded the title of "Best Agent" by the S.M.C.A. and Hansel is given an official license to perform magic, which he declines since he is incapable of using real magic. Gretel decides to work with her brother on all her future assignments.

Voice cast

[edit]
  • Sylvana Joyce as Gretel, Hansel's sister and a Secret Magic Control Agency agent[4]
    • Courtney Shaw as child Gretel
  • Nicholas Corda as Hansel, Gretel's brother and a famous fraudster who pretends to be a wizard
  • Erica Schroeder as Ilvira, the witch of the Gingerbread House and former cook of the King
  • Marc Thompson as the King
  • Thompson also voices a circus worker
  • Georgette Reilly as Agent Stepmother, the head of the Secret Magic Control Agency
  • Johanna Elmina Moise as Agent Stepdaughter, an inventor at the Secret Magic Control Agency
  • Mike Pollock as the Prime Minister
  • Mary O'Brady as Baba Yaga

Concept

[edit]

Animated film

[edit]

The film's Hansel and Gretel are more active participants than the original material.[5] The creators of the film stated the production had three components: an entertaining story for all audiences, high-quality animation and well-produced visual effects and background. They noted the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale has parental qualities associated with the story that revolves around the siblings Hansel and Gretel. The film's main audience will be the family.[6]

The creators of the film acknowledged the original story has elements of horror. They retold the archetypal horror tale in a way that it can be appealing to all the audience by adding elements of comedy.[7] Director Aleksey Tsitsilin remarked the film was not a remake: "We wanted not to remake, but to rethink. Leave the logic of the narrative and string some additional details. The story begins to play with new colors, it becomes different, but at the same time you realize that it is all the same Hansel and Gretel."[8]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

In 2018, Wizart Animation revealed plans for a Hansel and Gretel film.[9] Compared to their previous films, Wizart Animation focused on story integrity and humor.[6] On 6 November 2019 at the American Film Market, the studio revealed the exclusive poster and preliminary collection of artwork for Secret Magic Control Agency. Wizart Animation has experience in adapting 19th-century fairy tales for the film industry that was featured in their The Snow Queen films.[10]

At the 2019 MIPCOM in Cannes, Wizart Animation showcased a preview of Secret Magic Control Agency.[11][12] On 13 October 2019, a presentation of domestic animation projects was held at MIPJunior. New material for the film was presented by Evgenia Markova, an official representative of the international markets MIPCOM, MIPJunior, and MIPTV.[13]

Wizart Animation founded a production pact with QED International,[14][15] and both companies agreed to creatively bolster the prospects for an international distribution collaboration.[10][16] Yuri Moskvin, producer for Wizart, was in attendance as the managers from both sides signed a production contract. Sasha Shapiro of QED stated: “We have been looking into both investment possibilities and creative expansion within the family/kids’ genre, and I believe that Wizart has all necessary potentials we have been looking for.”[14] The collaboration is one of the first times Wizart Animation entered the American film market.[5]

Netflix acquired global rights to the film in 2019, when the film was presented for the first time to the professional community at the Marché du Film in Cannes. Together with Expocontent, a presentation of the project was organized under the Made in Russia brand.[17] The presentation featured a catalog of the film's international voice acting produced in part through subsidies provided by the Ministry of Economic Development and the REC.[18] Netflix buyers liked the film, and negotiations with the platform continued at subsequent film markets organized by Roskino and culminated in a global deal and agreement on a one-time release of the film in March 2021.[17]

The film was presented at the September 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, the 2020 EFM film market in Berlin,[19][20] and the 2020 Miami Kidscreen Summit.[21]

Writing

[edit]

While the original fairy tale is historically known for different horror film adaptations, the film's writers made the adaptation family-friendly and comedic. The adaptation was created in a way to be in the template used by Brothers Grimm from their fairy tales that had both horror and comedy.[6]

The script had been in development for years. The screenwriters said adapting the classic European fairy tale was complicated, since it had only two settings: a gingerbread house and a dense forest.[8] More than 57 script variants were written; one scenario involved a father and his children living in a forest. The writers explored the concept of the super-agent school where the troublemakers Hansel and Gretel enroll in. By the final script, the idea of a spy film with super-agents was finalized.[22] One of the ways the writers formulated ideas was to go on real missions so they could be "in the shoes" of the characters.[23]

The screenwriters focused on character development.[6] In the final version of the script, the main characters turn into children, which allowed the writers to transform some of the darker undertones in the fairy tale into a suitable scenario. The film emphasized the detective component, revolving the story around the story's main setting, the Secret Magic Control Agency. The scriptwriters reviewed films from the James Bond series, Kingsman, as well as The Diamond Arm.[22]

The writers intended to keep Hansel, Gretel, and the gingerbread house witch intact while expanding the settings. They noted the scale at which they developed the fairy tale universe is intended to keep the knowledgeable viewers of the fairy tale engaged.[10] The idea of creating a magical security agency opened up new directions for film production. The script turned into a global story with references to elements from other cultures including Baba Yaga, the Frog Princess, mermaids on branches, seven-league boots, mermaids, and magical artifacts taken from different stories. The gingerbread mythological character Kolobok became a major character in the film. The interior design of Secret Magic Control Agency was inspired by the architecture of Hogwarts.[24][25]

Animation

[edit]

More than 60,000 frames were drawn in sync with the music, and the episodes were changed more than thirty times. About fifteen departments worked on the film and each frame moved according to the principle of a conveyor belt system.[26] Animation for the film was considerably influenced by works from leading artists. The gingerbread house was based on the works of Antoni Gaudí. The animators were influenced by Tim Burton's ability to transform horror elements to charming characters featured in films like Corpse Bride.[6] The studio's computer farm specification for the film is said to be 3,000 processor cores. The film is said to be Russia's first three-dimensional animated film made with the studio's own 3D lighting editor. The studio increased the character density during the climax at the royal square to about 1,200 characters.[23]

Compared to previous Wizart Animation films, Secret Magic Control Agency used new animation methodologies and prototypes.[5] The film is based on a new animation special effects system, the animation studio itself engineered. The system is based on the studio's own pipeline.[10][5]

Themes

[edit]

Fantasy elements became cosmopolitan as Alexander Pushkin's fairy tales combined with western European fantasy.[25] The writers explored Ilvira's cooking concept of love and sweets with cookies, cupcakes and candy. The concept of a megalomaniac whose cooking of cookies and cupcakes poses a threat to the government was once explained in Vladimir Lenin's thesis in 1917; during the Soviet Union, political scientists hypothesized what would happen in a scenario where the chef takes control of the government, "Every cook must learn to manage the state." Through comedy and drama, the authors explained the archaic thesis in a script of bureaucracy and its associated culinary politics. Ilvira became the cook of the thesis who was developed and refined to become a caricature of Marilyn Monroe.[25]

Themes addressed in the film include family relationships and sibling bonds.[22] The siblings' side story reveals that they are torn apart when Gretel becomes a respected student at the Secret Magic Control Agency studying on a government scholarship, while Hansel makes ends meet with deception. The film is framed as a mission, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of both Hansel and Gretel.[27]

One of the main themes in the original fairy tale is sibling loyalty. The Brothers Grimm described how the siblings affected by poverty and parental loss grew up to trust and be loyal with each other.[28][29][30] The film explores the concept of kinship. The concept is described when Hansel and Gretel must find common ground to rescue the king by affirming their sibling loyalty.[22][31]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The score for Secret Magic Control Agency is composed by Gabriel Hays. He said that writing music for the genres of spy and fantasy required more reflection because the music would contrast with each other. Additionally this area of music is generally unexplored. Using the "fun, whimsy, and heart" classical characters Hansel and Gretel as a template, the music melded fantasy with the spy genre.[32] Hays noted the creative component of the score started with initial excerpts from piano recordings.[33] Thereafter three main songs for the film were created, such as the "Secret Magic Control Agency" that became the ideal representation of the concept of the fusion of spy and fantasy elements; the other main cues are "Back at the SMCA" and "Here's Looking at You Not Kid".[34] Hays remarked that the art of composition involves musical vocabulary benchmarks and mindfully orchestrating tunes using acquired muscle memory of playing instruments.[34]

Release

[edit]

Secret Magic Control Agency was released in Russia through Sony Pictures Productions and Releasing on 18 March 2021.[35] The Netflix team promoted and localized the film for international distribution. On 25 March 2021, the film released under the Netflix Original brand.[36][37][38]

Reception

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Streaming viewership

[edit]

According to streaming aggregator FlixPatrol, the film topped the global viewership charts on Netflix in its first week. On 27 March 2021, a few days after the film began streaming on Netflix, the film became the second most popular film on the platform as it overcame and bypassed the ratings of Hollywood and worldwide blockbusters that included Fast and Furious.[39] In the United States, it became the third most popular film seen in the movies section and top sixth overall.[40] In the United Kingdom, the film reached the sixth position in rankings.[41] In Germany, the film reached third position and tenth overall.[42] Overall on that day it was the top film in Greece, Denmark, Finland, Cyprus, Sweden, Norway, Luxembourg and Jamaica.[43]

On 28 March 2021, Secret Magic Control Agency was second in rankings worldwide.[44] In the US where it was released it moved up to second most popular film in the movies section and top fourth overall.[45] The film maintained its previous lead in the Scandinavian nations and Greece while the film moved up to the top position in France. In Germany, the film continued to be at the second position,[46] and it attained top position in Poland and Brazil.[47][48]

According to an IndieWire report, by 29 March 2021 the film ranked second on Netflix.[49][50] In the US the streaming rankings were the same as the previous day.[51]

Secret Magic Control Agency broke its own record from March in Netflix during April.[52] Secret Magic Control Agency managed to become the top rated film in the Netflix platform for two days subsequently after which it went to second in rankings after Sky High was released.[53][54][55][56]

The film has received significant coverage in Mexico and France.[57] In its first week of release,it was one of the top-watched films in Mexico.[58] The film was part of the top ten listings in the Netflix Spanish catalogue.[59][60] According to FlixPatrol, the film was the most watched on Netflix for five days in a row in France in its first week.[61] EcranLarge report from France noted "Hansel and Gretel, Secret Agents is shaping up to be another successful cartoon on Netflix, available since March 25."[62] In Philippines and Greece, the film was part of the compilation of recommended shows to watch in Netflix.[63][64] In the second week of April, the film continued to be in the top ten rankings in Netflix in certain countries.[65] According to Nielsen ratings, Secret Magic Control Agency is the sixth highest video on demand program watched in United States.[66][67] For the week of March 29–April 4, Nielsen calculated the film to rise to the second highest most watched film in the country.[68] It became the tenth most popular film in April on Netflix.[69][70]

Box office

[edit]

The budget for the film is approximately $5–7 million.[2] Secret Magic Control Agency opened in the Russian box office in fifth place in its debut on Thursday 18 March 2021.[71] It earned about two million rubles in the opening and had a predicted earning of 30 million rubles in its first weekend.[72] The highest ranking the film held was at fifth place on 18 March 2021.[73] After the weekend, Secret Magic Control Agency was behind Warner -' Tom & Jerry ($8 million) while leading its parallel release animated feature Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon.[74][71] Due to the high box office revenue of Raya and the Last Dragon ($15 million) that released in early March, Secret Magic Control Agency was sixth in rankings,[75][76][77] and the film descended to seventh place by April.[78] The film's final collection was 80.8 million ₽ (~$1 million). According to analysts, the high competition such as those from Disney was one reason for the low start.[79][80] However the film managed to become the fifth highest grossing Russian release in March 2021.[81] In Kazakhstan, the film became the second highest rated film after Raya and the Last Dragon in March 2021.[82]

Critical response

[edit]

Russian-speaking critics note the film is aimed at children, but also entertained adults. Boris Grishin stated for a review in Kino Mail, the film is also suitable for adults: "A fascinating, dynamic, witty cartoon, a real adventure detective, whose intrigue will be interesting even for adults to follow. So for family viewing - a really good option."[83] Ksenia Reutova for Kinoafisha wrote notes in terms of the pace and action of the script: “From all these scraps, the authors of the animated film manage to weave a canvas that looks quite soundly. The threads do not stick out, the action does not sag.”[84]

Common Sense Media said the film is ideal for siblings who may want to "learn about each other and themselves in the process of working together to save the kingdom". The film also focuses on character development when "the siblings argue then come to some realizations and a new understanding of each other and their shared history, offers a bit of depth and a nice contrast to the nonstop action."[85] Lights! Camera! Mom! states: "A royal kidnapping is nothing new, but taking familiar characters like Hansel and Gretel and writing a completely new background story creates a great family film."[86]

Critics affirmed the score for the film is a spectacle. ABC Entertainment noted the music has "grandiose symphonic sweeps that we’ve come to expect from other feel-good family films." UnificationFrance said, "The music of Brad Joseph Breeck and Gabriel Hays is fun to listen to."[87][88] Common Sense Media stated "the action is often set to inspirational music."[85]

For animation, Cam's Eye View stated: "Animation-wise, it looks solid! It's still not up to par with most animated features from this or the previous decade, but you can tell from their first film to their most recent that Wizart is getting better at their craft."[89] The Upcoming noted that the animation quality peaked in the final sets: "the art and animation is beautiful and is Pixar-like in its finish."[90] A Netflix review at Blockbuster01.com by Shimato stated the Japanese dub for Gretel by Rie Kugimiya is commendable: "This work is worth seeing by itself," and that "two people who have been estranged for a long time" who must "cooperate [and] inevitably, the lost bond between the brothers and sisters returns" was exemplary character development.[91]

Robledo Milani for Papo de Cinema wrote that the Secret Magic Control Agency is "more like a police force whose aim is not to regulate, but to curb magical practices." The reviewer's impression from the film is that in context to the other Hansel and Gretel adaptations such as "João and Maria: Witch Hunters (2013) or Maria and João: The Tale Of Witches (2020), which invested in adrenaline or terror", Secret Magic Control Agency "starts from a more original principle, although less ambitious."[92] Corriere della Sera newspaper review observes the heroes Hansel and Gretel begins the story in precarious situations, "they have lost their roots as vanished prisoners of the dark forces of the forest." However, as the film progresses the film resonates with the audience: "Theirs is a digital journey, full of quotes ranging from classic cartoon to the most recent post-modern reinterpretations. The heart of the film however only beats when it accelerates to the spy story plane: that's where in the end the virtues and vices of lively, simpleton pop cinema come to light."[93]

Isabelle Arnaud from Unification said "Aleksey Tsitsilin's direction is superb" through which the film's staging "does not give the impression that 1h45 has passed." With a four and a half stars out of five stars Arnaud noted the screenplay "present[ed] in an original way the characters from the books of the brothers Grimm."[88] Toon Canoe stated the film is a "rollicking spy adventure that gives enough winks and nods to the original to keep the inspiration from feeling like an afterthought." The review particularly like the "fun denouement with the Brothers Grimm themselves" that was intended to remind the audience the original creators of the fairy tale but also was framed to "hang on a small lampshade on the overall secrecy of the [Secret Magic Control Agency]."[94]

Sequel

[edit]

A sequel, titled Secret Magic Control Agency II: Mission Sleeping Beauty, was announced to be in production on May 12, 2023. The film will be produced by Magic Frame Animation and Creation Entertainment Media; with Tsitsilin returning as director, and Joyce and Corda reprising their roles.[95]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Secret Magic Control Agency

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The Secret Magic Control Agency is a 2021 English-language computer-animated fantasy adventure directed by Aleksey Tsitsilin and produced by Wizart Animation, CTB Film Company, and . It presents a modern reimagining of the fairy tale , in which the titular siblings, now trained secret agents for a magical organization, employ spells, gadgets, and teamwork to locate a kidnapped and thwart the schemes of the formidable Witch of the Gingerbread House. The screenplay was written by Analisa LaBianco, Vladimir Nikolaev, Jeffery Spencer, Aleksey Tsitsilin, and Aleksey Zamyslov, drawing on elements of alongside classic spy thriller tropes in a format. The voice cast includes Sylvana Joyce as Gretel, Nicholas Corda as Hansel, and as the Candy Witch, with additional performances by , Courtney Shaw, and others. Running 103 minutes, the film blends humor, action sequences, and moral lessons on bravery and collaboration, targeted primarily at children aged 7 and older. Originally released in Russia on March 18, 2021, under the title Hansel, Gretel i Agentstvo Magii, it premiered worldwide on Netflix on March 25, 2021, where it quickly rose to prominence in family viewing charts during its debut week. Produced as a collaboration between Russian studios Wizart Animation—known for prior hits like The Snow Queen series—and CTB Film Company, the project involved international co-production elements, including dubbing and distribution support from QED International. Critically, the film garnered mixed reception, praised for its vibrant and inventive twists but critiqued for uneven pacing and formulaic storytelling. On , it holds an audience score of 52% (as of November 2025) based on over 50 ratings, while IMDb users rate it 6.2 out of 10 from more than 5,000 reviews, highlighting its appeal as lighthearted entertainment for young viewers despite some cartoonish violence and scary imagery.

Story and characters

Plot

In a fantastical kingdom where magic is strictly regulated by the Secret Magic Control Agency (SMCA), the story reimagines the classic siblings as adult secret agents tasked with a critical mission. Gretel, an elite operative eager to prove herself as the agency's top agent, is reluctantly paired with her estranged brother Hansel, a charismatic but fraudulent street magician who lacks an official magic license. Under the direction of Agent Stepmother, the SMCA's stern leader, the duo must locate and rescue the kidnapped before his birthday celebrations, navigating a world filled with enchanted creatures and forbidden spells. The siblings' journey leads them to the infamous , stronghold of the cunning witch Ilvira, a former royal chef who has bewitched the King using sentient sweets infused with dark to seize control of the realm. Along the way, enlist the aid of other agents and allies drawn from fairy tale lore, employing a mix of gadgetry, illusions, and sibling synergy to evade traps, decode riddles, and counter Ilvira's confectionery-based sorcery. Their adventure underscores the interplay of and , as the pair grapples with personal tensions while piecing together clues to thwart the witch's plot. The narrative escalates to a climactic confrontation at the royal square, a massive battle sequence featuring over 1,200 animated characters in a chaotic clash of spells and strategies. In the resolution, the emphasis falls on the enduring sibling bond between Hansel and Gretel, who triumph through ingenuity and collaboration rather than sheer power, restoring order to the kingdom and earning mutual respect.

Voice cast

The Secret Magic Control Agency features distinct voice casts for its original Russian production and the English-language dub released internationally on . The English dub was directed by and utilizes a ensemble of American voice actors to bring the fairy tale-inspired characters to life, emphasizing the siblings' reimagined roles as secret agents combating magical threats. Key roles are voiced as follows in the English dub:
ActorCharacterRole Description
Nicholas CordaHansel (Adult)Gretel's brother, a con artist and self-proclaimed wizard who uses illusions to scam others but joins the agency as a resourceful ally on missions, drawing from the clever but mischievous sibling in the Brothers Grimm fairy tale.
Sylvana JoyceGretel (Adult)Hansel's sister and a top agent at the Secret Magic Control Agency, serving as the strategic leader who relies on intellect and teamwork to navigate enchanted worlds, reinterpreting the resourceful girl from the classic Grimm story.
Alyson Leigh RosenfeldHansel (Child) / Mermaid QueenProvides the youthful voice for Hansel in flashback sequences and voices the Mermaid Queen, a supporting ruler in the underwater realm encountered during the agents' quest.
Courtney ShawGretel (Child)Voices the young Gretel in early scenes, highlighting the siblings' origins before their agency recruitment.
Erica SchroederIlvira, the witchPortrays the antagonist witch of the Gingerbread House, a former royal cook scheming against the kingdom, echoing dark enchantress figures from folklore.
Marc ThompsonThe KingVoices the missing monarch whom the agents must rescue, central to the story's high-stakes mission.
Mike PollockThe Prime MinisterDepicts the kingdom's advisor, aiding the protagonists in their covert operations.
The casting draws from an international talent pool to enhance global appeal, with the English dub featuring experienced voice performers while the original Russian version employs local actors such as Valery Smekalov as Hansel and Irina Obrezkova as Gretel, preserving the film's cultural roots in Slavic fairy tale traditions.

Production

Concept

Secret Magic Control Agency reimagines the classic fairy tale "" by transforming the child protagonists into adult secret agents operating in a hidden magical realm populated by iconic figures. In this world, the siblings serve as elite operatives for the Secret Magic Control Agency (SMCA), an organization tasked with maintaining order among mythical beings and preventing magical disruptions. The core premise follows Hansel and Gretel as they embark on a high-stakes mission to rescue a kidnapped king, employing tactics, enchanted gadgets, and teamwork to thwart a villainous witch from the . This adaptation shifts the original tale's focus from to adventurous intrigue, emphasizing the duo's contrasting personalities—Gretel's disciplined professionalism and Hansel's roguish charm—within a broader universe of enforcers. The film's concept draws inspiration from the spy thriller genre, particularly evoking the suave action of James Bond films, blended with family-oriented fantasy animation to create a whimsical yet thrilling narrative suitable for global streaming audiences. Elements like covert operations, high-tech magical devices, and international intrigue mirror classic espionage tropes, while the fairy tale setting infuses Slavic folklore motifs and enchanted whimsy to ensure broad appeal across age groups. Composer Gabriel Hays highlighted this fusion by crafting a score that merges spy-movie tension with fairy tale enchantment, using motifs like mysterious bells to underscore the genre mash-up. Aimed at Netflix's diverse viewership, the story promotes themes of sibling reconciliation and clever problem-solving in a visually vibrant, magical context. Announced in May 2019 at the by Russian studio Wizart Animation in partnership with U.S.-based , the project sought international co-financing to elevate its production scope as a 3D computer-animated feature. This format was chosen to deliver immersive visuals that attract both children and adults, featuring detailed environments from enchanted forests to agency headquarters. With a runtime of 104 minutes, the film balances action sequences and character-driven humor, later expanding into full development through Netflix's acquisition of global rights for worldwide distribution.

Development

The development of Secret Magic Control Agency was spearheaded by Wizart Animation, a Voronezh-based studio specializing in animated adaptations, in collaboration with co-producers CTB Film Company and . Key producers included Sergey Selyanov from CTB Film Company, Vladimir Nikolaev, and Sasha Shapiro from , who oversaw the logistical and financial aspects of bringing the project to fruition. A pivotal milestone occurred in when acquired the international distribution rights, enabling the production to expand its scope for a global audience and marking the first such deal for a Russian animated feature. This partnership facilitated financing and provided resources for localization efforts, with the film's budget estimated at approximately $5–7 million USD. Director Aleksey Tsitsilin, who had previously helmed Wizart's successful series including the 2012 original and its 2015 sequel, returned to guide the project, leveraging his experience in blending elements with modern storytelling. The core concept of reimagining characters as secret agents, inspired by tales, was refined during this phase to align with international appeal post the agreement.

Writing

The screenplay for Secret Magic Control Agency was penned by Aleksey Tsitsilin, who also directed the film, alongside contributions from Aleksey Zamyslov and international writers including Analisa LaBianco, Nikolaev, and Jeffery Spencer, blending Russian storytelling traditions with global appeal to emphasize action, humor, and moral lessons about and . The narrative follows a classic : the first act establishes the protagonists as agents within the Secret Magic Control Agency, introducing the spy organization and the inciting incident of a magical disturbance; the second act sends them on a mission through interconnected realms, building tension with chases and puzzles; and the third act culminates in a high-stakes magical confrontation against the witch, resolving the threat to the kingdom. This framework allows for a paced escalation from bureaucratic setup to fantastical adventure. To adapt the original Brothers Grimm tale of Hansel and Gretel, which features horror elements like and , the writers shifted the tone to a adventure comedy, transforming the siblings into empowered secret agents who use wit and gadgets to outsmart villains rather than fall victim to them, while incorporating crossovers with diverse characters like and for expansive world-building. Multiple drafts were revised during production to balance modern spy gadgets—such as enchanted briefcases and truth serums—with traditional , ensuring the content aligned with a PG rating suitable for 's global family audience by toning down darker themes and amplifying humorous, positive resolutions.

Wizart Animation, now known as , handled the 3D CGI animation for Secret Magic Control Agency, producing over 60,000 frames with advanced lighting techniques to render the film's magical effects. The studio employed its proprietary Wizart DCC platform, a standalone 3D editor, to streamline the workflow and support complex scene assembly across multiple shots. This internal tool, developed in-house, facilitated efficient handling of dynamics and environments inspired by fairy tales. The production's ambitious scale is highlighted in the climax scene at the royal square, where up to 1,200 characters populate the frame through powered by the studio's . This approach allowed for dense, immersive fairy tale environments without compromising rendering performance, marking an advancement over prior Wizart projects. Character designs adopted a stylized aesthetic, blending realistic proportions with cartoonish to emphasize expressive features and dynamic poses, such as those for agents . Color palettes drew from classic motifs, using vibrant, saturated tones to evoke wonder and enchantment in magical sequences. In , the team synchronized with voice recordings to ensure fluid lip-sync and emotional delivery, while integrating for spells, gadgets, and transformations. The film wrapped in late 2020 ahead of its March 2021 release.

Creative elements

Themes

The film Secret Magic Control Agency centers on themes of sibling loyalty and bonds as pivotal strengths against evil forces. , estranged adult siblings, must reconcile their differences to thwart the villainous witch Ilvira's plot, highlighting how familial trust enables them to overcome personal conflicts and external threats. This narrative arc underscores forgiveness and the enduring power of brother-sister relationships, portraying unity as a counter to isolation and deceit. Another key theme is through rather than . The protagonists rely on clever thinking, strategic , and resourcefulness—such as decoding magical sabotage and outwitting enchanted traps—rather than superior strength or magic alone, emphasizing wits as the ultimate tool for victory in a world of spells and deception. Gretel's role as a skilled agent and Hansel's fraudulent wizardry further illustrate this, showing how intellectual agility triumphs over brute magical force. Symbolically, the witch Ilvira represents unchecked ambition, as a former royal chef who uses deceptive confections to kidnap the king and seize the throne for herself. Her and sabotage-laden treats evoke the perils of greed-driven schemes that disrupt societal harmony. In contrast, the Secret Magic Control Agency symbolizes the imposition of order within the chaotic, folklore-inspired magical realms, functioning as a regulatory body that licenses magicians and monitors potions to prevent anarchy. The story offers a broader commentary through its modern reinterpretation of , promoting and diversity in roles within the agency's operations. By Gretel as the professional operative and Hansel as a street-smart impostor, the film subverts traditional expectations in dynamics, advocating collaborative efforts across varied skill sets. Compared to the Brothers Grimm's original , which blends horror with moral lessons through tragic elements like abandonment and , the film subverts these by infusing humor—via goofy sidekicks and absurd magical mishaps—and delivering a resolution centered on joyful without lasting . This approach transforms the dark tale into an uplifting , maintaining comedic undertones akin to the Grimms' template while ensuring a positive, family-oriented outcome.

Soundtrack

The score for Secret Magic Control Agency was composed by Gabriel Hays, a Los Angeles-based composer known for blending genres in animated projects such as Disney's Star Darlings and Cartoon Network's We Bare Bears. Hays crafted an orchestral score infused with electronic elements to capture the film's fusion of spy thriller tension and fairy tale whimsy, using live orchestra recordings to drive the energy of action sequences while incorporating synthetic sounds like magical bells for fantastical moments. Key motifs include the SMCA theme, which merges mysterious spy swagger with lighthearted fantasy flourishes to introduce the agency's secretive world, and Hansel's piano-based theme, a playful motif that evolves to reflect his emotional growth throughout the story. Another prominent cue, "Here's Looking at You Not Kid," underscores the siblings' reunion with a blend of nostalgia and adventure, heightening the film's emotional sibling dynamics. These elements enhance the animation by syncing orchestral swells with mission chases and whimsical flairs with magical reveals, creating a dynamic audio landscape that propels the narrative. The score's production involved Hays sketching initial themes on before collaborating with filmmakers, arrangers, and orchestrators; it was recorded live with an , then mixed in to integrate electronic textures seamlessly. videos of these orchestral sessions highlight the score's vibrant performance, emphasizing strings and brass for spy action intensity. The soundtrack album, featuring 14 tracks totaling 22 minutes, was released digitally on April 5, 2024, via platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, including the core score cues alongside an original song, "Get Down With It."

Release and commercial performance

Release

The film premiered theatrically in Russia on March 18, 2021, distributed by Sony Pictures Productions and Releasing. It received a limited theatrical release in select markets, including Ukraine, while international distribution was handled exclusively through streaming on Netflix, debuting globally on March 25, 2021, in multiple languages including English dubs. In , the theatrical versions were available in both 2D and 3D formats to cater to family audiences. On , the film streamed in for premium subscribers, enhancing its visual appeal with high-definition . Marketing efforts highlighted the film's unique twist on classic fairy tales, with official trailers released by emphasizing as modern secret agents using magic and gadgets. Promotional artwork featured reimagined versions of iconic characters in spy attire, such as and the , to attract viewers familiar with while promoting the comedic adventure elements. Following its launch, the film quickly topped global streaming charts, marking a strong initial performance.

Box office

The film earned a total of approximately 80.9 million RUB (about $1.07 million USD) at the Russian box office, representing the vast majority of its worldwide theatrical gross of around $1.25 million USD. Its performance was primarily domestic, with limited international theatrical releases, such as in where it grossed $164,936. During its opening weekend of March 18–21, , the film ranked fifth in , collecting about 29.1 million RUB ($404,067 USD) across 1,534 screens. This debut occurred amid ongoing restrictions, including cinema capacity limits of 50% in many regions, which constrained attendance and screen availability. The release also faced competition from strong local titles, such as the fantasy-comedy The Last Warrior: Root of Evil, which dominated the market with significantly higher earnings. The theatrical run adopted a hybrid model combining cinema distribution with a swift shift to streaming via a deal, which provided partial budget recovery given the film's estimated $5–7 million production costs and modest returns. Outside Russia, international theatrical earnings were negligible, as promotional efforts pivoted toward the global streaming platform shortly after the domestic launch.

Streaming viewership

Secret Magic Control Agency debuted on on March 25, 2021, and rapidly ascended the streaming charts, topping 's global viewership charts during its first week. , it secured the #2 position on 's top 10 list and in Nielsen's streaming ratings for the week of March 29 to April 4, 2021. The film also reached #1 in several international markets, contributing to its worldwide appeal as the first Russian animated feature to lead 's global viewership. In terms of viewership metrics, the film garnered 268 million minutes viewed in the U.S. during that Nielsen-tracked week, equivalent to over 4.4 million hours of streaming time, highlighting its strong initial engagement. It maintained a position in Netflix's global top 10 for two consecutive weeks, underscoring sustained popularity amid the holiday period when it became the most-streamed film worldwide. These figures positioned it among Netflix's top-performing animated originals of early , with representative data emphasizing its scale in family-oriented content. The film's audience skewed toward families, particularly children aged 6-12, drawn to its fairy tale-inspired and elements suitable for young viewers. Reviews noted its appeal for viewing sessions, with recommendations targeting school-age kids despite some cartoonish action sequences. Netflix's algorithmic promotions for enthusiasts further amplified its reach within this demographic. As of November 2025, Secret Magic Control Agency continues to be available on Netflix, following the May 22, 2025, release of its sequel, Secret Magic Control Agency II: Mission Sleeping Beauty. This ongoing accessibility has helped maintain its status as a staple in Netflix's animated catalog for global audiences.

Reception and legacy

Critical response

The critical reception to Secret Magic Control Agency has been generally positive among the limited number of professional reviews, with praise centered on its visual appeal and family-oriented adventure elements, though some noted narrative shortcomings. Critics frequently highlighted the film's vibrant animation and imaginative world-building as standout features, describing the animated environments as "sumptuous and complex" with energetic set pieces that blend motifs effectively for young audiences. The voice performances were also commended for adding charm and levity, contributing to a light-hearted tone suitable for family viewing. Additionally, the soundtrack's inspirational music was noted for enhancing the action sequences and overall whimsy. On the downside, reviewers pointed to a formulaic and predictable storyline, with one describing it as a "sweet" but conventional tale of that lacks deeper thematic cohesion. Pacing issues in the action-heavy scenes were another common critique, as the film juggles multiple ideas—such as nods to classic fantasy elements—without fully developing them, leading to occasional unevenness. Some observed minor inconsistencies in cultural adaptations, particularly the blend of figures like with Western witch archetypes, which could feel disjointed for international viewers. Notable reviews include Common Sense Media's 3-out-of-5 rating, which lauded the fairy tale mash-up for its engaging visuals while cautioning on cartoon violence. Ready Steady Cut awarded 3.5 out of 5, appreciating the clever Hansel and Gretel reimagining but critiquing its underdeveloped elements. The film's Netflix release helped amplify its visibility, contributing to broader exposure despite the modest critical coverage.

Sequel

The sequel to Secret Magic Control Agency, titled Secret Magic Control Agency II: Mission Sleeping Beauty, is intended for release on , with a Russian theatrical debut on May 22, 2025. Directed by Vladimir Nikolaev, the builds on the original's premise by sending agents on a high-stakes mission. In the plot, race against time to rescue a princess afflicted by a curse, drawing from the "Sleeping Beauty" while integrating additional classic story elements into the Secret Magic Control Agency's universe. The narrative emphasizes their collaboration as siblings, echoing the teamwork theme from . Production was announced on May 12, 2023, at the , and handled by Magic Frame Animation in collaboration with Creation Entertainment Media. The voice cast features returning Russian talent including Polina Avdeyenko as Gretel and Irina Chumantyeva, alongside new contributors like Olga Ivanova and Artem Krylov. Early reception includes a 6.5/10 average user rating on from over 1,000 reviews as of November 2025, reflecting a generally positive response for its adventurous expansion of the framework. As a original, it has contributed to the platform's family animation slate, leveraging the original film's global viewership success to attract audiences.

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