LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Disney Television Animation, Disney Junior and Disney Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) took to the stage at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival to announce new productions and show exciting sneak peeks at the upcoming slate of new original animated series to air on Disney+ and other Disney-owned platforms in 2023 and beyond.
The presentation was led by Hélène Etzi, The Walt Disney Company France and managing director of Disney Channels France, along with Orion Ross, vice president of Original Programming – Animation for The Walt Disney Company EMEA. They welcomed Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, Meredith Roberts, executive vice president of TV Animation, Disney Branded Television, and Alyssa Sapire, senior vice president of Original Programming, Disney Junior, to present on some of the Disney Branded Television projects that are currently in production.
Titled "Everyone Has a Story," the presentation included the announcement of a season two greenlight for the hit Disney+ series "Monsters at Work." The new season is set to debut in 2023 and will feature the return of the series' star-studded voice cast, including Billy Crystal (Mike Wazowski), John Goodman (James P. "Sulley" Sullivan), Ben Feldman (Tylor Tuskmon), Mindy Kaling (Val Little), Henry Winkler (Fritz), Lucas Neff (Duncan) and Alanna Ubach (Cutter). Season two is executive produced by Emmy® Award winner Kevin Deters ("Prep & Landing," "Olaf's Frozen Adventure").
"Chip 'n' Dale: Park Life," which features Chip and Dale and their adventures living in the big city, has also been renewed for a second season, which will find the much-loved duo joined by other iconic Disney characters, including Donald and Pluto, in bigger and bolder stories.
Additionally, it was revealed that a new animated series inspired by Disney's popular music-driven movie franchise "ZOMBIES" is in production at Disney Television Animation and the EMEA Original Productions team announced the greenlight for the epic adventure series "Dragon Striker"and spooky comedy "The Doomies."
The presentation also included the announcement of season three renewals for Disney Junior megahits "Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends" and "Mickey Mouse Funhouse" and additional episode orders for some of Disney Television Animation's upcoming series, including "Hamster & Gretel," "Kiff," "Hailey's On It" and "Primos."
"The announcements out of Annecy today further cement Disney as THE leader in animation," said Davis. "These new series represent the very best from our teams at Disney Television Animation and Disney Junior. They build upon Disney Branded Television's commitment to work with incredible storytellers, whose diverse voices not only allow our young audiences to see themselves reflected on screen but help them better navigate their world."
Additional announcements and first looks included the upcoming Disney+ African sci-fi anthology "Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire"'s exclusive new artwork reveal and casting, including Florence Kasumba ("Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"), Nigerian star Kehinde Bankole ("Blood Sisters") and South African rapper Nasty C ("Blood & Water"); an exclusive first look at the new preschool series "Kiya and the Kimoja Heroes," about community heroes inspired by the traditions and cultures of southern Africa and produced by Entertainment One, Frogbox and Triggerfish Animation; and the announcement that after five hit seasons, "PJ Masks: Power Heroes" will feature preschool icons Catboy, Gekko and Owlette as they are joined by an expanded crime-fighting team to take on even bigger challenges in an all-new series.
Link to series logos and image assets can be found here: https://bit.ly/3xhS7eT
SERIES GREENLIGHTS:
"DRAGON STRIKER"
Produced by: Cybergroup Studios and La Chouette Compagnie for Disney EMEA
Creator/Producer: Sylvain Dos Santos
Director: Charles Lefebvre
Head Writer: Paul McKeown
When the world's most popular sport combines with magic, awesomeness escalates quicker than a dragon-powered strike! In this action-packed adventure full of comedy and high-stakes sports drama, elite players have a magical signature move they can use on the pitch. Twelve-year-old Key is a farm boy fanboy who can only dream of entering the famous school where the greatest players train before joining the big leagues—until he discovers he has his own ultra-powerful spell and may even be the legendary "Dragon Striker." Key joins a team of hapless underdogs who band together to take on the school champions, all the while fighting to prevent an ancient evil from resurfacing.
"THE DOOMIES"
Produced by: Xilam Animation for Disney EMEA
Producer: Marc du Pontavice
Director & Co-Creator: Andrès Fernandez
Co-Creator: Pozla (aka Rémi Zaarour)
Head Writer: Henry Gifford
When best friends Bobby and Romy mistakenly open up a gateway to another world, they turn their sleepy coastal town into a hotspot for terrifying creatures of doom. Roped into an epic supernatural mystery, they will cross paths with the so-called "Chosen One" and do battle with both literal and inner monsters. "The Doomies" is a spooky comedy that combines thrills, chills and surprises with character-driven comedy from an odd couple of ordinary teens engulfed by extraordinary circumstances. Its fast-paced humor and high-stakes action take place in a quirky French town in the heart of Brittany, imagined with moody flair and graphic style.
Orion Ross, vice president of Animation, Disney EMEA, commented: "'The Doomies' and 'Dragon Striker' are the first part of a new slate of animated originals we're developing in EMEA for global family audiences on Disney Channel and Disney+. These ambitious, premium series will introduce the work of leading creators from our region to the world, and we are both honored and inspired to be working with this new generation of storytellers."
"ZOMBIES: THE RE-ANIMATED SERIES"
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
Executive Producers: Aliki Theofilopoulos, Jack Ferraiolo, Gary Marsh, David Light, Joseph Raso
Every day is a surprise at Seabrook High—whether you're a cheerleader, a zombie, a werewolf or even a vampire! "ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series" invites us into the daily lives of Zed, Addison, Eliza, Willa and the entire Seabrook crew. This gang may have figured out each other, but they haven't quite figured out how to survive high school. Get ready for more musical fun and new friends as Seabrook becomes the #1 destination for all kinds of mythical monsters looking for a fresh start. And this means some pretty wild adventures—from the cafeteria to the football field—because sometimes the scariest thing you have to face is high school.
SERIES RENEWALS:
"CHIP 'N' DALE: PARK LIFE" (Season Two)
Produced by: Xilam Animation for Disney EMEA
Producer: Marc du Pontavice
Directors: Jean Cayrol, Frédéric Martin, Khalil Ben Namaane
Head Writer: Nicole Paglia
"Chip 'n' Dale: Park Life" stars Disney's much-loved chipmunk underdogs in a non-verbal, classic-style comedy, following the ups and downs of two little creatures living life in the big city. Combining the traditions of slapstick cartoons with contemporary, comedic character-driven narratives, season two introduces huge new adventures for the two tiny troublemakers. Nervous worrier Chip and laid-back dreamer Dale are joined in their perpetual pursuit of acorns by Donald, Pluto, Butch and other iconic Disney characters as they face down bullies, great and small.
"MONSTERS AT WORK" (Season Two)
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
Executive Producer: Kevin Deters
Producer: Melissa Kurtz
Supervising Director: Stevie Wermers
Produced by Disney Television Animation, "Monsters at Work" is inspired by the world of Pixar's Academy Award®-winning "Monsters, Inc." and introduces new monster characters alongside returning favorites. In season two, Tylor's journey as a Jokester and his friendship with Val face the ultimate test. When new doors of opportunity unexpectedly open at rival energy company FearCo, Tylor's co-workers at Monsters Inc. begin to question where his loyalties truly lie. As his Laugh Floor partnership with Val is pushed to the brink, Tylor must discover where he really belongs. The series' star-studded cast—including Billy Crystal (Mike Wazowski), John Goodman (James P. "Sulley" Sullivan), Ben Feldman (Tylor Tuskmon), Mindy Kaling (Val Little), Henry Winkler (Fritz), Lucas Neff (Duncan) and Alanna Ubach (Cutter)—will all be returning for the second season.
"MARVEL'S SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS" (Season Three)
Produced by: Disney Junior and Marvel Studios in association with Atomic Cartoons
Executive Producer: Harrison Wilcox
Supervising Producer: Steve Grover
Co-Executive Producer: Bart Jennett
Co-Producer/Story Editor: Becca Topol
The first full-length Marvel series for preschoolers, "Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends" follows the adventures of Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy and Miles Morales as they team up with Hulk, Ms. Marvel and Black Panther to defeat foes like Rhino, Doc Ock and Green Goblin and learn that teamwork is the best way to save the day.
Season two of the hit series premieres this August and will include the addition of Iron Man/Tony Stark (voiced by John Stamos), Ant-Man (voiced by Sean Giambrone), Wasp (voiced by Maya Tuttle), Reptil (voiced by Hoku Ramirez), Black Cat (voiced by Jaiden Klein), Sandman (voiced by Tom Wilson) and Electro (voiced by Stephanie Lemelin).
"MICKEY MOUSE FUNHOUSE" (Season Three)
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
Executive Producer/Supervising Director: Phil Weinstein
Co-Executive Producer/Supervising Story Editor: Thomas Hart
Producer: Steve Walby
The whimsical animated series "Mickey Mouse Funhouse" introduces preschoolers' first pal, Mickey Mouse, and his friends—Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy and Pluto—to Funny, an enchanted talking playhouse who takes the Sensational Six on adventures of all types to unique worlds that inspire the imagination. Designed to inspire kids to expand their creative play, encourage wish fulfillment and impart lessons of friendship and ingenuity, each episode features two 11-minute stories separated by a midway stretch break.
A 22-minute special, "Mickey Mouse Funhouse: Pirate Adventure," is set to premiere this August and features legendary pirate Captain Salty Bones (voiced by John Stamos) as he invites Mickey, Minnie and friends to join the biggest treasure hunt ever and see if they can become true pirates.
ADDITIONAL EPISODE ORDERS (PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED TITLES):
"HAMSTER & GRETEL" (Additional 10 Episodes Ordered, Bringing the Season One Total to 30)
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
Creator/Executive Producer: Dan Povenmire
Producer: Brandi Young
From Emmy Award-winning Dan Povenmire (of the beloved global hit series "Phineas and Ferb"), "Hamster & Gretel" introduces Kevin and younger sister Gretel, who are about to be bestowed superpowers by space aliens. But something goes awry, and it's Gretel and her pet hamster (named Hamster) who suddenly have new abilities. Now, protective older brother Kevin must figure out how to work with both Gretel and her pet Hamster to protect their city from mysterious dangers.
"KIFF" (Additional 10 Episodes Ordered, Bringing Season One Total to 30)
Produced by: Titmouse in association with Disney Channel
Creators/Executive Producers: Lucy Heavens and Nic Smal
Co-Producer/Story Editor: Kent Osborne
From South African creators Lucy Heavens and Nic Smal, "Kiff" is set in the bustling mountains where you'll find animals and magical creatures living happily together, and at the center of it all is Kiff, an optimistic squirrel whose best intentions often lead to complete chaos. Along with her best friend, Barry, a sweet and mellow bunny, this duo takes their town by storm with their endless adventures and zest for life.
"HAILEY'S ON IT" (Additional 10 Episodes Ordered, Bringing Season One Total to 30)
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
Creators/Executive Producers: Devin Bunje and Nick Stanton
Producer: Wade Wisinski
Starring Auli'i Cravalho (Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Moana") as the voice of title character Hailey and Manny Jacinto (Hulu's "Nine Perfect Strangers," "The Good Place") as her best friend, Scott, "Hailey's On It," follows Hailey Banks, a risk-averse but resourceful teenager on a mission to complete every item on her long list of challenging (and sometimes impractical) tasks in order to save the world. Hailey will be pushed outside her comfort zone to discover the greatness within as she systematically conquers her fears, whether she is winning a sand-building competition, wrestling a honey badger, eating a raw onion, or facing her ever-growing and complicated feelings toward her best friend, Scott.
"PRIMOS" (Additional 10 Episodes Ordered, Bringing Season One Total to 30)
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
Creator/Executive Producer: Natasha Kline
Producer: Philip Cohen
Inspired by creator/executive producer Natasha Kline's childhood experiences with her extended multicultural Mexican American family, the series introduces Tater, an eccentric 10-year-old girl with big dreams and, unbeknownst to her, a certain "it factor" that makes her exceptional. When her 12 cousins ("primos" in Spanish) move in for the summer, they help her discover just what it is.
ADDITIONAL NEWS:
During the presentation, Ayo Davis gave Annecy attendees sneak peeks at the recently announced "Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures," the first full-length Star Wars series for preschoolers premiering on Disney Junior and Disney+ in spring 2023, as well as "Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur," which follows the adventures of 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur. She also showed a clip from the upcoming Disney Original Documentary "Mickey: The Story of a Mouse."
Alyssa Sapire gave an update on the upcoming Disney Junior slate, which includes "Eureka!," "Firebuds," "SuperKitties," "Kindergarten: The Musical," "Hey A.J." and "RoboGobo"; and Meredith Roberts spoke about some of the current hits for Disney Television Animation including "Big City Greens," "The Owl House," "The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse" and "The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder."
Orion Ross spoke about the ongoing importance of co-productions and creative partnerships with leading independent studios across the EMEA region on current and upcoming series, including "Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir," "Ghost Force," "The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti" and "Viking Skool."
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Disney+:
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the new general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ is part of the Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution segment. The service offers commercial-free streaming alongside an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney's long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as a standalone streaming service or as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.
About Disney Branded Television
Disney Branded Television encompasses the creative storytellers, and production and marketing teams responsible for Disney-branded television series, movies and other programming spanning live-action, animated and unscripted formats. The group helps fuel the Disney+ streaming platform and Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior linear networks with content geared toward kids, tweens, teens and families, with stories that are imaginative, aspirational and reflective of their world and experiences. Recent projects include "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series," "Monsters at Work," "The Mysterious Benedict Society" and "Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends." Disney Branded Television has created some of the most iconic and award-winning properties and franchises, including Peabody Award winners "Doc McStuffins" and "The Owl House"; Emmy® Award winners "Big City Greens" and "Elena of Avalor"; the beloved "Mickey Mouse" cartoon shorts plus the Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) franchise, comprised of more than 100 titles.
