Disney branded television Disney Junior maintains its strong presence at the Annecy Animation Festival, continuing its tradition of unveiling new projects and renewing popular series. This year’s presentation highlighted a diverse lineup for preschoolers and children, including both greenlit shows and previews of upcoming series and special events.
In major announcements, Disney revealed new series and specials such as Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Moon Girls Lab, a series of short films focusing on Moon Girl’s adventures in science and villainy, featuring original songs from Grammy winner Raphael Saadiq. These short films are set to premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Channel YouTube, as well as be available on Disney+.
Superkitties: Su-purr Adventures
Another highlight was Superkitties: Su-purr Adventures, a series of animated shorts produced by Sony Pictures Television – Kids that focus on the superhero adventures of the feline characters in Kittydale. These shorts will premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel, followed by Disney+ and Disney Junior YouTube.
Superkitties: Su-purr Adventures premieres on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
Big City Greens
Renewals were also celebrated, including confirmation of a fifth season of Chris and Shane Houghton’s popular animated series Big City Greens. The announcement coincided with the premiere of Big City Greens The Movie: Spacestation, which highlights the series’ continued success and expansion.
Big City Greens The Movie: Spacestation will be released this month on June 6, 2024.
Preparing and Landing: Snowball Protocol
In addition, Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol, a new 22-minute holiday-themed special, is introduced. Produced by Disney Television Animation, the special features elf Wayne as he navigates unexpected challenges during a North Pole mission. Set to be released next year, it will continue the legacy of the beloved franchise.
Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol is scheduled to be released in 2025.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, produced by Lucasfilm in collaboration with Wild Canary, gained attention with the announcement of its second season. This animated series continues to explore new adventures for the young Jedi, which will premiere on Disney+ and Disney Junior on August 14.
Disney Junior’s Ariel
Premiere announcements included Disney Junior’s Ariel, a highly anticipated animated series produced in collaboration with Wild Canary. Set to debut on Disney Junior in the US on June 27, followed by episodes on Disney+, the series promises to enchant audiences with its imaginative storytelling.
Kindergarten: Musical
Also highlighted was Kindergarten: The Musical, which features a new main title theme song sung by Grammy and Tony-winning actress and singer Eva Noblezada. The series, which follows the adventures of 5-year-old Bertie and his classmates, is set to premiere on Disney Junior and Disney+ on September 3 this year.
The Stooge
Titmouse unveiled the animated series Stugo, which follows the misadventures of six overly ambitious middle school students who are tricked into attending a summer camp run by a mad scientist. The series is set to premiere on Disney Channel and Disney+ on October 17, 2024.
The Dummies
Announced at Annecy in 2022, The Doomies offers the festival’s first look ahead of its Work in Progress session. Co-created by director Andres Fernandez, head writer Henry Gifford and art director Remi Zaarour, the series follows Bobby and Romy as they inadvertently release monsters into their coastal town. Produced by leading French indie outfit Xilam in collaboration with Disney+, The Doomies promises to be a thrilling mix of adventure and comedy.
The event celebrated the 40th anniversary of Disney Television Animation, with a special panel recognizing its contributions to animation over the decades. According to Variety, Disney Branded Television president Ayo Davis emphasized the studio’s commitment to creating immersive and impactful content loved by young audiences around the world.
