‘The Lord of the Rings’ Billy Boyd, ‘Wolfwalker’s’ Eva Whittaker and ‘Downton Abbey’s Lesley Nicol join the returning cast for the new season of the top crowdfunded animated family series based on the ‘The Wingfeather Saga’ fantasy-adventure books by Andrew Peterson.
Nashville-based Shining Isle Productions has kicked off production on Season 2 of The Wingfeather Saga, coming on the heels of the original 3DCG animated series’ Season 1 finale this past March and recent release of the first season’s soundtrack, available here.
The studio has also shared an exclusive cast announcement with AWN: The Lord of the Rings’ Billy Boyd, Annie Award-winner Eva Whittaker (Wolfwalkers), and Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey) join the returning cast, which include Jodi Benson (The Little Mermaid, Toy Story), Kevin McNally (Pirates of the Caribbean), and Henry Ian Cusick (Lost).
Based on “The Wingfeather Saga” fantasy-adventure books by Andrew Peterson, Season 2 picks up with inspiration from the second novel of the series: “North! Or Be Eaten.” The story follows three Igiby children, Janner, Kalmar, and Leeli, who live in a world called Aerwiar (which is exactly like our world, except they don’t have electricity or gunpowder). There are also all sorts of creepy animals (like sea dragons and toothy cows).
“The first season set the foundation for the epic adventure that we are now launching into with Season 2,” explained Wingfeather Saga Showrunner J. Chris Wall. “The family discovered long-kept secrets about their identity and is now on the run toward dramatic events that will change their lives forever. The adventure and peril are ratcheted up immediately in the first episode. We’ve got some amazing characters and enemies to introduce that we know will have families on the edge of their seats!”
Funding for the production comes from more than 10,000 crowd-investors, and according to Shining Isle Productions, has made The Wingfeather Saga the #1 crowdfunded animated family series in history. Angel Studios venture arm, Angel Acceleration Fund, has committed to additional Season 2 production funding.
“Angel is thrilled at the success of Season 1 of The Wingfeather Saga,” said Angel Studios’ President Jordan Harmon. “With the support of many crowdfunding investors, the Angel Acceleration Fund, and others, the magical Wingfeather world will continue to grow and be experienced by millions of families.”
The Angel Studios Original animated fantasy series wrapped Season 1 with a March 10 finale – the series all told will span seven seasons. The Wingfeather Saga is now streaming on various platforms, including mobile, TV, web, and the Angel Studios website here.
Watch the Season 1 Official Trailer – catch up on the series and get ready for an all-new season (coming early 2024).
Source: Shining Isle Productions
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
