Wanda Studios Takes Over The Octonauts Rights

Wanda Studios’ Vampire Squid Productions (VSP) will serve as the sole global rights holder of The Octonauts franchise across worldwide territories after acquiring the remaining 49 percent stake of the franchise.

Wanda Studios held a 51 percent stake in The Octonauts since 2017, with an option to buy out the remaining stake. The remaining 49 percent was held by Silvergate Media, a Sony Pictures Television company. After a legal battle on the valuation of the brand, Wanda Studios was told last year to pay $49 million to Sony Pictures Television’s Columbia Pictures for its share.

VSP has now launched 52 brand-new completed episodes comprising seasons seven and eight globally. It is also set to activate a global in-person fan meet-and-greet tour celebrating the brand’s 20th anniversary, covering core markets across Asia-Pacific and North America.

“The Octonauts is a franchise with both heart and scale,” said Simon Swart, managing partner and CEO of HomeWorld Entertainment. “Its unique blend of science, storytelling, and adventure has earned the trust of parents and the love of children worldwide. With global rights now consolidated under Wanda Studios and Vampire Squid Productions, The Octonauts is positioned for a new era of platform partnerships and franchise consolidation and expansion. With Wanda Studios and VSP, we will bring this iconic brand to even greater heights across every platform and market.”

“The Octonauts is the flagship brand for Wanda Kids, and we know that children and families around the world will be thrilled by where we are taking this beloved franchise,” said Terry Chow, VP of Wanda Studios. “Together, we’re charting a bold new course—expanding and consolidating The Octonauts into new territories, new stories and new experiences that will inspire the next generation of young explorers. We are delighted to team up with Simon and Tai and the incredible team at HomeWorld.”

“I’ve been following The Octonauts journey across the globe for years,” said Tai Truesdell, head of distribution at HomeWorld Entertainment. “It’s rare to find a franchise that parents trust and kids absolutely adore—but The Octonauts achieves both. The appetite for high-quality, values-driven family content is enormous in every international market we touch. We’re excited to build on that trust and bring fresh adventures that speak to kids’ curiosity and parents’ confidence.”