Come on, vamonos, everybody, let’s go to Paramount+ for Dora the Explorer‘s return to live-action! The streaming service teamed up with Nickelodeon to release the first images from Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado, a new feature-length adventure that will take the young Latina heroine to the Amazonian Rainforest to uncover the titular treasure of Sol Dorado. Samantha Lorraine of You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah fame will take over as Dora for the occasion, which marks the beginning of a new 25th anniversary celebration for the family entertainment icon called “The Great Dora Fiesta,” filled with surprises for fans. With the images also came the reveal that the film will be launching on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon on July 2.
Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado follows the now-16-year-old Dora as she races to retrieve the treasure of Sol Dorado before it falls into the wrong hands. The images show a perilous journey ahead of her that will pit her against the unforgiving environment in the rainforest. She’ll plunge into deep, dark caves, explore ancient ruins, confront unexpected dangers, and turn to her trusty map for her latest treasure hunt. Fortunately, her friends will be there to help her out, including her cousin and ever-loyal partner in exploration, Diego (Jacob Rodriguez), who can be seen helping her decipher the map and helping her scale down the rocks.
Dora’s last live-action feature, 2019’s Dora and the Lost CIty of Gold, was a hit with critics and audiences complete with a talented cast including The Last of Us Season 2 star Isabela Merced as Dora alongside Jeff Wahlberg as Diego, Benicio del Toro as Swiper, and Danny Trejo as Dora’s monkey sidekick Boots. Lorraine also has some solid star power on her side, including Mariana Garzón Toro as Diego’s no-nonsense co-worker Naiya, Acston Luca Porto as Naiya’s energetic and deeply curious little brother Sonny, and Daniella Pineda as archeology legend Camila the Crusader, whom Dora sees as an idol. It’s currently unknown if the dastardly fox Swiper will return in the film, but Boots will have a presence, now being played by comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. Directorial duties went to Alberto Belli while JT Billings penned the screenplay.
How Else Is ‘Dora the Explorer’ Celebrating Her 25th Birthday?
First launching in 2000, the original Dora the Explorer quickly became a global sensation and one of the most recognizable children’s television characters ever. Its eight-season run crossed cultural and language boundaries, spawning a larger franchise with spin-offs, continuations, and the aforementioned live-action movie, receiving translations in 32 languages, and earning an eye-watering list of accolades, including Emmy, Peabody, and NAACP awards. The Great Dora Fiesta is billed as a chance to recognize and celebrate the ongoing impact of Dora on the lives of millions of young children.
Aside from the new movie, a third season and a one-hour special of the CG animated series Dora are both making their debut on July 2 as well, with the latter exploring how Diego met his best friend, Baby Jaguar. There’s also a collection of four never-before-seen episodes titled Magic Mermaid Adventures coming to select theaters this fall, complete with the all-new Dora’s Mermaid Adventures podcast and YouTube series. New merchandise, physical releases, soundtrack, and song compilations will be released throughout the year as well. The franchise is also redoubling its philanthropic efforts, making Dora the ambassador of the kindergarten readiness program, Beyond the Backpack, powered by Nickelodeon Our World, and partnering with Plan International, which champions girls’ education and provides families with supplies and grants needed to thrive.
Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado premieres on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon on July 2 in the U.S. before arriving elsewhere around the world shortly after. Check out the first images in the gallery above.
via Collider