Disney EMEA Reveals Production & Development Slate

Disney EMEA has unveiled a number of new series in production and development, including Vikingskool, which provides a fresh take on Viking lore and Norse mythology.

The 26×30-minute series follows the adventures of best friends and wannabe warriors Erik, Ylva and Arni as they become the newest students in an elite and eccentric academy for Vikings. The series will be a co-production from Ireland’s Cartoon Saloon, France’s Samka Productions and Norway’s Storm Films. Vikingskool, created by Norwegians Frederick P. N. Howard and Gisle Normann Melhus, will debut on Disney Channel in late 2019.

Orion Ross, VP of content, animation, digital and acquisitions for Disney Channels EMEA, said: “We love this show because it combines great characters and familiar situations in school with a really fresh and funny take on Viking lore and Norse mythology. It’s the only Viking show made by actual Vikings!”

Ross also revealed details about 101 Dalmatian Street, an original animated series inspired by Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel and Walt Disney’s 1961 film 101 Dalmatians. The new series takes place in 21st century London and follows the adventures of eldest siblings Dylan and Dolly, their parents Doug and Delilah, and 97 younger puppies whose names also all begin with “D.” The series will premiere on Disney Channel across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in late 2018 and roll out around the world in 2019.

“This is a busy and exciting year for us,” said Ross. “We have a broad and diverse animation slate that embraces a huge variety of characters, styles and stories. 101 Dalmatian Street is just one series but is delivering a whole world of urban fun with its setting in modern London and its epically amplified take on the chaotic warmth of family life. We are thrilled to have this chance to riff on a much-loved Disney classic and we have assembled a great team of storytellers to do it.”

He added: “In addition to 101 Dalmatian Street and Vikingskool, we have ten other animated shows in production, which together represent more than 300 half-hours of original programming.”

Also presented were the upcoming Disney Junior series Gigantosaurus from Cyber Group Studios, Paprika from Xilam Animation and Claude from Sixteen South, as well as footage from the latest season of eOne and Frog Box’s hit series PJ Masks. For Disney Channel and Disney XD, audiences got a first look at Furiki Wheels from Gaumont; Space Chickens in Space from CAKE Entertainment, Studio Moshi and Anima Estudios; Best Bugs Forever from Je Suis Bien Content and Watch Next Media; Miraculous—Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir from Zagtoon and Method Animation; and Sadie Sparks from Brown Bag Films and Cyber Group Studios. Both PJ Masks and Miraculous have been greenlit for third seasons, with fourth seasons of each in development.

Nancy Kanter, executive VP of content and creative strategy at Disney Channels Worldwide and general manager for Disney Junior Worldwide, gave an exclusive look at four productions in various stages of development. This includes The Rocketeer, inspired by Dave Stevens’ popular comic book series. The show follows Kit, a young girl who receives a surprise package on her birthday revealing she’s next in line to become the Rocketeer, a legendary superhero who has the ability to fly with the help of a rocket-powered jetpack. It will land on Disney Junior next year. The Owl House will also debut later in 2019 on Disney Channel. Additionally, Kanter gave a look at Big City Greens and Fancy Nancy, new shows coming this year to Disney Channel and Disney Junior, respectively.

“The collective spirit of Disney Channels Worldwide and EMEA was on show today here at Annecy,” said Kanter. “The work shown represents our passion for great storytelling and a deep collaboration with partners and storytellers from around the world in order to tell the best stories for our global audience of kids and their families. This is an ethos that has allowed us to be creative and deliver such a wide variety of content, something we are committed to pursuing for many years to come.”