Cartoon Network has bought exclusive U.S. television rights to Marvel Est.s all-new animated series based on the ever-popular Fantastic Four Super Hero franchise. Cartoon Network will debut 26 half hours of the FANTASTIC FOUR series in fall 2006.
Co-produced by Marvel Studios and Moonscoop the award-winning, cutting-edge animation company behind such series as the Cartoon Network hit CODE LYOKO the FANTASTIC FOUR series combines a dynamic mix of 2D and 3D animation. The new series follows the high-energy adventures of one of the comicbook worlds most prominent crime-fighting teams Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Human Torch and The Thing as they battle villains and their ultimate rival, Dr. Doom.
Avi Arad is exec producer of the series for Marvel, along with Christophe Di Sabatino, president, and Nicolas Atlan, svp, who are exec producers for Moonscoop. Eric Rollman, evp, home ent. & TV production; and Craig Kyle, vp, creative development, animation, are the production execs for Marvel.
The live-action FANTASTIC FOUR feature film scorched the summer box office last year and became a blockbuster movie event, grossing more than $330 million worldwide and sparked the development of a sequel planned for summer 2007.
The U.S. deal now makes Cartoon Network the global home for the FANTASTIC FOUR animated series. Late last year, the broadcaster struck a deal with Moonscoop to carry the series in all territories outside the U.S.
Cartoon Network is the home for superheroes and will be a great home for the FANTASTIC FOUR," said Terry Kalagian, vp of acquisitions and co-productions for Cartoon Network. "Were sure itll be a fantastic addition to our programming lineup."
Cartoon Network is the perfect home for the FANTASTIC FOUR, said Michael Helfant, president/coo of Marvel Studios. The network has established itself as one of the top providers of high-quality animation entertainment. Their commitment to this series will further Marvels mission to drive consistent, high-profile exposure and excitement for the Fantastic Four franchise worldwide. The television series furthers our aggressive strategy to fully support our characters through feature films, DVDs, videogames, merchandising and television animation.
Marvel will further support the series with a targeted licensing program. Merchandise is expected to include toys, interactive entertainment and apparel.
With a library of more than 5,000 proprietary characters, Marvel Ent. (www.marvel.com) is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, videogames, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of more than 60 years of comicbook publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world.
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in 88 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System Inc.s ad-supported cable service offering original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
