It’s a big, impressive list of shows - Disney Television Animation, Disney Junior, and Disney Europe, Middle East & Africa's extensive lineup of new original programming will run across Disney+ and Disney-owned platforms; highlights include new series ‘Dragon Striker,' and 'The Doomies' as well as re-ups of fan-favorites such as 'Chip 'n' Dale: Park Life' and 'Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends.'
Today at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Disney Television Animation, Disney Junior, and Disney Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) revealed an expanded 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.
Disney Branded Television president Ayo Davis, executive VP of TV Animation Meredith Roberts, and Disney Junior vice president of Original Programming Alyssa Sapire joined in the presentation to share projects currently in production at Disney Branded Television.
The presentation, "Everyone Has a Story," revealed the Season 2 greenlight for the Disney+ series Monsters at Work. The new season, set to debut in 2023, will feature the return of the 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). The new season is executive produced by Emmy Award winner Kevin Deters (Prep & Landing, Olaf's Frozen Adventure).
Chip 'n' Dale: Park Life, has also been picked up for Season 2. The show features Chip and Dale and their adventures living in the big city. Other iconic Disney characters, including Donald and Pluto, will join the comic duo in the new season.
More reveals included the announcement of a new animated series inspired by Disney's popular music-driven movie franchise ZOMBIES, currently in production at Disney Television Animation. In addition, the EMEA Original Productions team announced the greenlight for the adventure series Dragon Striker and spooky comedy The Doomies.
Other announcements included Season 3 renewals for Disney Junior's Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends and Mickey Mouse Funhouse and additional episode orders for Disney Television Animation's upcoming series 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."
More announcements and first looks:
- Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire – The upcoming Disney+ African sci-fi anthology’s newly revealed cast includes Florence Kasumba (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Nigerian star Kehinde Bankole (Blood Sisters), and South African rapper Nasty C (Blood & Water). Presenters also revealed key art for the new series.
- Kiya and the Kimoja Heroes – Presenters shared a first look at the new preschool series about community heroes inspired by the traditions and cultures of southern Africa. Entertainment One, Frogbox, and Triggerfish Animation are producers.
- PJ Masks: Power Heroes – After five seasons, the show will feature preschool icons Catboy, Gekko, and Owlette joined by an expanded crime-fighting team to take on even bigger challenges in an all-new series.
New Series Greenlights:
Dragon Striker - 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. 12-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 while fighting to prevent an ancient evil from resurfacing.
- Produced by: Cybergroup Studios and La Chouette Compagnie for Disney EMEA
- Creator/Producer: Sylvain Dos Santos
- Director: Charles Lefebvre
- Head Writer: Paul McKeown
The Doomies - 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 spooky comedy 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
- Producer: Marc du Pontavice
- Director & Co-Creator: Andrès Fernandez
- Co-Creator: Pozla (aka Rémi Zaarour)
- Head Writer: Henry Gifford
"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+," commented Disney EMEA VP of Animation Orion Ross. "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 - Every day is a surprise at Seabrook High, whether you're a cheerleader, a zombie, a werewolf, or even a vampire! "The 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. So 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 must face is high school.
- Produced by: Disney Television Animation
- Executive Producers: Aliki Theofilopoulos, Jack Ferraiolo, Gary Marsh, David Light, Joseph Raso
Series Renewals:
Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life (Season 2) - Disney's much-loved chipmunk underdogs star in a non-verbal, classic-style comedy, following the ups and downs of two little creatures living life in the big city. Season 2 introduces new adventures for the two tiny troublemakers by combining the traditions of slapstick cartoons with contemporary, comedic character-driven narratives. 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.
- Produced by: Xilam Animation for Disney EMEA
- Producer: Marc du Pontavice
- Directors: Jean Cayrol, Frédéric Martin, Khalil Ben Namaane
- Head Writer: Nicole Paglia
Monsters At Work (Season 2) - Inspired by the world of Pixar's Academy Award-winning Monsters, Inc., the show introduces new monster characters alongside returning favorites. In the new season, 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.
- Produced by: Disney Television Animation
- Executive Producer: Kevin Deters
- Producer: Melissa Kurtz
- Supervising Director: Stevie Wermers
Marvel's Spidey and His Amazing Friends (Season 3) - Marvel’s first full-length series for preschoolers 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, learning that teamwork is the best way to save the day.
- 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
Season 2 of the popular 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 3) -The whimsical animated series introduces preschoolers' first pal, Mickey Mouse, and his friends, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto, to Funny, an enchanted talking playhouse that takes the Sensational Six on adventures of all types to unique worlds. The show inspires imagination, helps kids expand creative play, encourages wish fulfillment, and imparts lessons of friendship and ingenuity. Each episode features two 11-minute stories separated by a midway stretch break.
- Produced by: Disney Television Animation
- Executive Producer/Supervising Director: Phil Weinstein
- Co-Executive Producer/Supervising Story Editor: Thomas Hart
- Producer: Steve Walby
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 1 total to 30) – The show introduces Kevin and his younger sister Gretel, who are about to be bestowed with superpowers by space aliens. But something goes awry, and Gretel and her pet hamster (named Hamster) suddenly have new abilities. Now, protective older brother Kevin must figure out how to work with Gretel and her pet Hamster to protect their city from mysterious dangers.
- Produced by: Disney Television Animation
- Creator/Executive Producer: Dan Povenmire
- Producer: Brandi Young
Kiff (Additional 10 episodes ordered, bringing Season 1 total to 30) - Set in the center of bustling mountains where animals and magical creatures live happily together, 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.
- Produced by: Titmouse in association with Disney Channel
- Creators/Executive Producers: Lucy Heavens and Nic Smal
- Co-Producer/Story Editor: Kent Osborne
Hailey's On It (Additional 10 episodes ordered, bringing Season 1 total to 30) – The series follows Hailey Banks, a risk-averse but resourceful teenager on a mission to complete every item on her long list of challenging (sometimes impractical) tasks to save the world. However, when pushed outside her comfort zone, Hailey discovers her greatness within. She systematically conquers her fears, such as 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. Auli'i Cravalho (Moana) stars as the voice of Hailey, and Manny Jacinto (Hulu's Nine Perfect Strangers, The Good Place) as her best friend, Scott. T.
- Produced by: Disney Television Animation
- Creators/Executive Producers: Devin Bunje and Nick Stanton
- Producer: Wade Wisinski
Primos (Additional 10 episodes ordered, bringing Season 1 total to 30) – The show is inspired by creator/executive producer Natasha Kline's childhood experiences with her extended multicultural Mexican American family. In the series, Tater is an eccentric 10-year-old girl with big dreams. So when her 12 cousins ("primos" in Spanish) move in for the summer, they help her discover an "it factor" that makes her exceptional.
- Produced by: Disney Television Animation
- Creator/Executive Producer: Natasha Kline
- Producer: Philip Cohen
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. Davis 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. Meredith Roberts then spoke about 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-production 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.
Source: Disney Branded Television
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
