This week, Disney Branded Television and Disney EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Original Productions revealed first looks and renewal announcements at Annecy International Animation Film Festival for upcoming children’s TV programming.
Titled “The Next 100,” the presentation centered on both Disney’s storied legacy in animation, as well as how the company plans to create the next generation of hits.
The presentation was hosted by Hélène Etzi, country manager and general manager of media for The Walt Disney Company France; Orion Ross, vice president of Animation for The Walt Disney Company EMEA; and Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television.
We already covered the announcement of “Disney Junior’s Ariel” coming to Disney in 2024, so here are the rest of the previews and announcements made.
New Series
“MAGICAMPERS” (Disney+)
Disney’s preschool original “Magicampers” follows the adventures of best friends Darly and Loomis at a day camp for magical creatures on a fantastical island.
Darly is half-pig and half-Pegasus, Loomis is half-donkey and half-unicorn, and their young friends are also mythical mashups of all stripes.
Every day they go on incredible journeys of discovery and dream of becoming legendary, having their stories told and retold for all time.
At the heart of the series, Darly and Loomis will learn that becoming a legend isn’t about mastering magic powers or winning the biggest prize — it’s about understanding and accepting yourself and others and working together with all kinds of friends.
The series stars a diverse young cast as the “Magicampers,” with Emmy® Award winner Uzo Aduba (“Mrs. America,” “Orange Is the New Black”) as nature spirit and camp leader Treena.
It is created by Obie Scott Wade, and directed by Daniel Dubuis from stories written by Ashley Mendoza, Simon Nicholson, and Elizabeth Kamir. It is produced by Mikros Animation for Disney EMEA.
“STUGO” (Disney Channel)
“StuGo” is an original animated series about six overambitious middle schoolers who are tricked into attending a fake academic summer camp by a mad scientist.
Now they’re stuck for three months on a wild tropical island with mind-reading manatees, giant fighting fungi and fashion-forward mutants ― less academia than they’d hoped for, but a lot more adventure.
The newly announced cast includes Tania Gunadi as Pliny, Zosia Mamet as Merian, Gabourey Sidibe as Francis, Charlyne Yi as Larry, Zach Reino as Chip, Deborah Baker Jr. as Sara, and Lorraine Toussaint as Dr. Lullah.
The series is created by executive producer Ryan Gillis, with story editor Craig Lewis. It is produced by Titmouse in association with Disney Channel
“THE SUNNYRIDGE 3” (Disney+)
In the original comedy-mystery series “The Sunnyridge 3,” a trio of lifelong best friends investigate strange goings-on in a uniquely bizarre shopping center on the fringes of suburban London.
Rose, Jeru and Wayne practically grew up at the Sunnyridge Mall, but this summer, the weirdness has gone to a whole new level. With their imaginations running wild, they will chase down any conspiracy theory no matter where it leads. Could it be werewolves, hauntings or an ancient curse? Robots, aliens or renegade AI?
The trio will discover that the truth is always stranger than fiction in this unpredictable genre-bending mashup created by British team Stevie Gee and Essy May. Multiple award-winning U.K. animation studio Blink Industries (“Dead End: Paranormal Park,” “Love, Death & Robots”) produces, in association with multiple award-winning global entertainment company Boat Rocker (“Dino Ranch,” “Love Monster”) for Disney EMEA.
Renewals
“CHIP ‘N’ DALE: PARK LIFE” (Disney+)
New Episodes Coming
“Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life” stars Disney’s much-loved chipmunk underdogs in a nonverbal, classic-style comedy, following the ups and downs of two little creatures living life in a big city park.
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.
It is produced by Xilam Animation for Disney EMEA.
“FIREBUDS” (Disney Junior)
Renewed for Season 3
From Emmy Award-winning creator and executive producer Craig Gerber (Disney’s “Elena of Avalor” and “Sofia the First”), “Firebuds” is a music-filled series following a team of young kids who are the children of first responders, and their talking vehicle sidekicks, as they embark on adventures together and learn what it truly means to be a hero.
Season three of the series will feature a water rescue theme.
Produced by Disney Television Animation
“KIFF” (Disney Channel)
Renewed for Season 2
From South African creators and executive producers Lucy Heavens and Nic Smal, “Kiff” follows an optimistic squirrel, Kiff, and her chill bunny bestie, Barry, as they navigate school, relationships and their often-eccentric community in Table Town, a world where animals and magical oddballs tackle day-to-day life together.
Inspired by the people and places Heavens and Smal experienced when they were growing up in Cape Town, each half-hour episode, comprised of two 11-minute stories, includes a new original song.
Produced by Titmouse in association with Disney Channel
“MARVEL’S SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS” (Disney Junior)
Renewed for Season 4
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 Iron Man, 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 four of the hit series will once again introduce even more new heroes and baddies for the Spidey team to interact with and be part of their adventures.
Produced by Disney Junior and Marvel Studios in association with Atomic Cartoons.
“THE PROUD FAMILY: LOUDER AND PROUDER” (Disney+)
Renewed for Season 3
The Emmy and NAACP Award-winning “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” revival follows the adventures and misadventures of 14-year-old Penny Proud and her Proud Family as they navigate modern life with hilarity and heart.
The 2020s bring new career highs for mom Trudy, wilder dreams for dad Oscar and new challenges for Penny. Penny’s friends return, including Dijonay, LaCienega, Zoey and Michael, along with a couple of new faces, Maya and KG. Penny’s Suga Mama also returns, ready as ever to dispense tough love or a gentle hand whenever Penny needs it.
Specials and Limited Series
“DISNEY JUNIOR WONDERFUL WORLD OF SONGS” (Disney Junior)
These musical shorts for preschoolers celebrate the heritage of Disney with classic characters and songs from beloved movies, series and attractions that highlight the wonder and magic of the iconic brand.
Performed by popular musical artists Rob Cantor and Genevieve Goings (“Disney Junior Nursery Rhymes”), the shorts feature reimagined versions of classic songs, including “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King,” “You Can Fly!” from “Peter Pan,” “How Far I’ll Go” from “Moana” and “It’s A Small World.”
The shorts will begin airing on Disney Junior and Disney+ in the U.S. this summer as part of Disney’s 100-year anniversary celebration.
Produced by OddBot Inc. in association with Disney Junior.
“THE DOOMIES” (Disney+)
When best friends Bobby and Romy mistakenly open 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.
Produced by Xilam Animation for Disney EMEA
“DRAGON STRIKER” (Disney+)
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 magical signature moves 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.
Produced by Cybergroup Studios and La Chouette Compagnie for Disney EMEA.
“PLAYDATE WITH WINNIE THE POOH” (Disney Junior)
“Playdate with Winnie the Pooh” follows a young Pooh Bear as he enjoys playdates with his friends. Set in the exciting outdoors of the Hundred Acre Wood, these musical shorts emphasize collaborative play and the joy of spending time with others.
“Playdate with Winnie the Pooh” is set to debut this summer in the U.S. and will then rollout globally.
Produced by OddBot Inc. in association with Disney Junior.
“PRIMOS” (Disney Channel)
From Emmy Award-nominated creator and executive producer Natasha Kline, “Primos” introduces Tater Ramirez Humphrey, an eccentric girl with big dreams, determined to find what makes her extraordinary. When her 12 chaotic cousins (“primos” in Spanish) move in for the summer, they help her discover her true self. The series is inspired by Kline’s childhood experiences with her extended multicultural Mexican American family.
The newly announced main cast includes Myrna Velasco as Tater Ramirez Humphrey; Melissa Villaseñor as Tater’s younger sister, Nellie Ramirez Humphrey; Michelle Ortiz as Tater’s mom, Bibi Ramirez Humphrey; Jim Conroy as Tater’s dad, Bud Humphrey.
The recurring cast includes Angélica María as Tater’s grandmother, Buela; Liza Koshy as Tater’s friend, Serena; and cousins Becca Q. Co (Lotlot), Cristina Valenzuela (Tere and Toñita), Elizabeth Grullón (Lita), Jonathan Melo (Scooter), Sarah Tubert (Cookita), Natasha Kline (Gordita and ChaCha), Nomi Ruiz (Tabi), Rick Simon (Big Nacho and Cousin Bud) and Ryan Anderson Lopez (Nachito).
Produced by Disney Television Animation
“THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MICKEY MOUSE: STEAMBOAT SILLY” (Disney+)
Premieres July 28, 2023
The beloved Emmy Award-winning “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” shorts culminate with a final episode titled “Steamboat Silly,” which follows Mickey Mouse and his friends as they must stop hundreds of old film reel versions of Mickey from wreaking havoc all over town. The short will debut on Disney+ as part of Disney’s 100-year anniversary celebration.
Produced by Disney Television Animation
“ZOMBIES: THE RE-ANIMATED SERIES” (Disney Channel)
Premieres July 21, 2023
Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim will reprise their roles as Seabrook’s star-crossed zombie/cheerleader couple, Zed and Addison, in Disney Branded Television’s next iteration of the hit “ZOMBIES” franchise.
The shorts, which keep the spirit and jam-packed music of the movies, find the friends encountering new monsters — a carnivorous plant monster, horrifying mega-cricket and even evil clones — while dealing with school and new experiences like a never-ending summer time loop.
Reprising their roles are Ariel Martin, Chandler Kinney and Pearce Joza as werewolves Wynter, Willa and Wyatt; Carla Jeffery and Trevor Tordjman as cheerleaders Bree and Bucky; Jonathan Langdon as Coach; James Godfrey and Kylee Russell as zombies Bonzo and Eliza; and Terry Hu as outer space alien A-Spen.
Produced by Disney Television Animation
Pingback: Everything Coming to Disney+ in July 2023 | The Disney Blog
Comments are closed.