Disney Celebrates Its Past and Future with A Bevy of Epic Announcements

Written by John Edward Betancourt

When it comes to animation, there is no company that remotely rivals what Disney has accomplished with the medium. For Disney’s work with animation, has inspired countless generations throughout the years and has become generational in nature, since it is now handed down from parents to children, so a next generation can enjoy the wonder of what Disney has to offer. Not to mention, their work has also given rise to countless iconic characters that have withstood the test of time and while we often celebrate the majesty of what Disney has offered over the past century of filmmaking, the studio is already looking ahead to the next one hundred years… as evidenced by yesterday’s announcements.
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For Disney took to the stage to celebrate its past and look toward its future at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Courtesy of a bevy of announcements regarding stories to come, alongside renewal announcements and sneak peeks of other upcoming projects. A move that helped to remind us of Disney’s sheer prowess when it comes to animation and how much it means to them to lead the way in the 21st Century in such a format, as they did in the 20th Century, and since you’re a fan of Disney, and eager to know what they have planned… here is everything announced at the Festival, courtesy of Disney.

‘Today, Disney Branded Television and Disney Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) took to the stage at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival to announce new projects, debut sneak-peeks, and highlight the expansion of current hit series that are poised to usher in the next century of Disney storytelling.
 
Titled “The Next 100,” the presentation centered on both Disney’s storied legacy in animation, as well as how the company is creating the next generation of hits. Hélène Etzi, country manager and general manager of media for The Walt Disney Company France, opened the presentation with Orion Ross, vice president of Animation for The Walt Disney Company EMEA, and Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, making several announcements.
 
Ross announced greenlights for the all-new preschool adventure series “Magicampers,” set to premiere globally on Disney+ and Disney Junior next year, and the original comedy series “The Sunnyridge 3.” He also gave attendees a first look at the official trailer for the sci-fi anthology “Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire,” premiering July 5 on Disney+. New episodes of fan-favorite “Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life,” coming later this year, were revealed, and the latest artwork for the upcoming EMEA originals “The Doomies” and “Dragon Striker” was unveiled.
 
Davis gave attendees a sneak peek of upcoming series and made several announcements, including the greenlight of “Disney Junior’s Ariel,” a new series inspired by “The Little Mermaid.” Executive producer Lynne Southerland answered questions onstage and previewed an early animation test featuring Ariel and fan-favorite character Flounder.
 
Davis also announced the new Disney Channel series “StuGo,” as well as renewals for four popular series: season four of “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends,” season three of “Firebuds,” season three of “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” and season two of “Kiff.” She also shared sneak peeks of several animated shorts, along with other announcements (see below).
 
Ross and Davis commented: “We’re delighted to be in Annecy announcing our continued commitment to working with leading studios and creators here in France and across the globe, to bring new voices, universal stories and brilliant animation to kids and family audiences around the world.”’

SERIES GREENLIGHTS

Disney Branded Television

“DISNEY JUNIOR’S ARIEL” (Disney Junior)

All Photos & Artwork Courtesy of Disney.

Executive Producer: Lynne Southerland
Producer: Ezra Edmond
Supervising Director: Kuni Tomita Bowen
Art Director: Chrystin Garland
Story Editors: Norma P. Sepulveda and Keith Wagner
Produced by: Wild Canary in association with Disney Junior
 
“Disney Junior’s Ariel” is an animated musical series for preschoolers inspired by the beloved story of “The Little Mermaid.” It follows 8-year-old mermaid princess Ariel as she and her friends embark on fun-filled, action-packed underwater adventures throughout their Caribbean-inspired fairytale kingdom of Atlantica and beyond. The series features fan-favorite characters, including King Triton, Ursula, Sebastian and Flounder, as well as exciting new additions like Ariel’s two best friends, mer-children Lucia and Fernie, and lots of other adorable sea creatures. The series is currently in production for a 2024 release across Disney platforms worldwide.

“STUGO” (Disney Channel)

Creator/Executive Producer: Ryan Gillis
Co-Executive Producer: Sunil Hall
Story Editor: Craig Lewis
Produced by: Titmouse in association with 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.

Disney EMEA

“MAGICAMPERS” (Disney+)

​Creator: Obie Scott Wade
Executive Producer: Sandrine Nguyen Tiet
Director: Daniel Dubuis
Writers: Ashley Mendoza, Simon Nicholson, Elizabeth Kamir
Produced by: Mikros Animation for Disney EMEA
 
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.

“THE SUNNYRIDGE 3” (Disney+)

Creators: Stevie Gee and Essy May
Executive Producers: Chapman Maddox, Jen Coatsworth, James Stevenson Bretton, Jon Rutherford, Benjamin Lole
Director: Liz Whittaker
Head Writer: Jack Bernhardt
Produced by: Blink Industries and Boat Rocker for Disney EMEA
 
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 upat 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”).

SERIES RENEWALS

Disney EMEA

“CHIP ‘N’ DALE: PARK LIFE” New Episodes (Disney+)​

​Producer: Marc du Pontavice
Directors: Jean Cayrol, Frédéric Martin, Khalil Ben Namaane
Head Writer: Nicole Paglia
Produced by: Xilam Animation for Disney EMEA
 
“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.

Disney Branded Television

“MARVEL’S SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS”
​Season 4 (Disney Junior)

​Executive Producer: Harrison Wilcox
Co-Executive Producers: Bart Jennett and Chris Moreno
Co-Producer/Story Editor: Becca Topol
Supervising Producer: Steve Grover
Produced by: Disney Junior and Marvel Studios in association with Atomic Cartoons
 
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.

“FIREBUDS” Season 3 (Disney Junior)

​Creator/Executive Producer: Craig Gerber
Producer: Craig Simpson
Supervising Director: Robb Pratt
Co-Story Editors: Krystal Banzon and Jeremy Shipp
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
 
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.

“THE PROUD FAMILY: LOUDER AND PROUDER”
​Season 3 (Disney+)

​Creator/Executive Producer: Bruce W. Smith
Executive Producer: Ralph Farquhar
Co-Executive Producer/Story Editor: Calvin Brown, Jr.
Co-Executive Producer: Latoya Raveneau
Producer: Jan Hirota
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
 
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.

“KIFF” Season 2 (Disney Channel)

​Creators/Executive Producers: Lucy Heavens and Nic Smal
Co-Producer/Story Editor: Kent Osborne
Producer: Winnie Chaffee
Produced by: Titmouse in association with Disney Channel
 
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.

SNEAK-PEEKS

Disney EMEA

“KIZAZI MOTO: GENERATION FIRE” (July 5 on Disney+)

​Executive Producers: Peter Ramsey, Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston
Produced by: Triggerfish for Disney EMEA
 
This action-packed animated sci-fi anthology presents 10 futuristic visions from Africa inspired by the continent’s diverse histories and cultures. Executive produced by Oscar®-winning director Peter Ramsey, these 10 short films made by a new generation of directors draw on uniquely African perspectives to imagine brave new worlds of advanced technology, aliens, spirits and monsters.
 
Featuring stories from creators hailing from Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe, “Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire” promises to take viewers on an unforgettable ride into Africa’s future, presenting visions of the continent as never before seen. TRAILER BELOW.

“THE DOOMIES” (Disney+)

​Creators: Andrès Fernandez & Pozla (aka Rémi Zaarour)
Producer: Marc du Pontavice
Director: Andrès Fernandez
Head Writer: Henry Gifford
Produced by: Xilam Animation for Disney EMEA
 
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.

“DRAGON STRIKER” (Disney+)

Creator/Producer: Sylvain Dos Santos
Director: Charles Lefebvre
Head Writer: Paul McKeown
Produced by: Cybergroup Studios and La Chouette Compagnie for Disney EMEA
 
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.

Disney Branded Television

“THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MICKEY MOUSE: STEAMBOAT SILLY”
​(July 28 on Disney+)

Executive Producer: Paul Rudish
Producer: Philip M. Cohen
Director: Eddie Trigueros
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
 
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 July 28 on Disney+ as part of Disney’s 100-year anniversary celebration. TRAILER BELOW.

“PRIMOS” (Disney Channel)

Creator/Executive Producer: Natasha Kline
Producer: Philip Cohen
Supervising Director: Shaun Cashman
Story Editor: Karla Sakas Shropshire
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
 
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). THEME SONG BELOW.

“ZOMBIES: THE RE-ANIMATED SERIES” (Disney Channel)

Executive Producers: Aliki Theofilopoulos, Jack Ferraiolo, Gary Marsh, David Light, and Joseph Raso
Producer: Melanie Pal
Supervising Director: Leah Artwick
Story Editor: Rachel McNevin
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
 
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. Fans can first catch the Seabrook crew in animated form in “ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series Shorts,” premiering Friday, July 21, on Disney Channel, Disney Channel YouTube and DisneyNOW, and thereafter on Disney+. Next, “ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series,” a new comedy-musical animated series, will premiere on Disney Channel.
 
“ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series Shorts” is an animated short-form series that continues the adventures of fan favorites Zed, Addison and the Seabrook crew from 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. CAST VIDEO BELOW.

“PLAYDATE WITH WINNIE THE POOH” (Disney Junior)

Executive Producer: Chris Hamilton
Co-Executive Producer: Elise Fachon
Producer: Greg Chalekian
Director: Jojo Ramos Patrick
Produced by: OddBot Inc. in association with 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.

“DISNEY JUNIOR WONDERFUL WORLD OF SONGS”
​(Disney Junior)

Executive Producer: Chris Hamilton
Co-Executive Producer: Elise Fachon
Producer: Greg Chalekian
Director: Henry Dalton
Produced by: OddBot Inc. in association with 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. CLIP BELOW.

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.
 
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 general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ offers 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, as part of the Disney Bundle in the U.S. that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, or as part of Combo+ in Latin America with Star+, the standalone general entertainment and sports streaming service in the region. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.