Disney TV Animation Producing Cookies & Milk Adaptation

An animated adaptation of Shawn Amos’s forthcoming semi-autobiographical novel Cookies & Milk is in development at Disney Television Animation.

Inspired by Blues musician Amos’s own childhood as the son of Wallace “Wally” Amos, Jr., founder of the Famous Amos chocolate chip cookie brand, the series will follow the summer adventures of a harmonica-playing middle schooler as he begrudgingly helps his father open the world’s first cookie shop in 1970s Hollywood.

Executive producers for the series are Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland of Cinema Gypsy Productions (black-ish, upcoming Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur); Jesse Murphy and James Sears Bryant of Jesse James Films; and Shawn Amos. Brian Egeston (The Game, upcoming On A Wing and A Prayer) is set as co-executive producer and story editor.

“It’s an absolute coup to bring Shawn Amos’s heartfelt, humorous book to Disney television screens, and with the guiding vision, credibility and track record of our Cinema Gypsy and Jesse James Films creative team, we’re looking forward to telling this authentic and relatable story about belonging, self-acceptance and forgiveness,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television.

“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Shawn Amos, Ayo Davis and the talented team at Disney Branded Television,” added Cinema Gypsy’s Fishburne and Sugland. “Shawn’s semi-autobiographical novel, Cookies & Milk, is partially based on his own experiences growing up as the son of Wally ‘Famous’ Amos. This humorous and heartwarming exploration of summer fun and friendship seen through the eyes of a young Black boy being raised by his divorced father is full of joy, self-discovery and a whole lot of unconditional love.”

“We are so excited to have found the right home for this show with Disney Television Animation, Laurence and Helen,” commented Jesse James Films’ Murphy and Sears Bryant. “Shawn has created such a beautiful reimagining of his childhood in a narrative that we hope will universally connect with audiences on and off the page.”

Shawn Amos said, “What a dream to see this Black kid from Hollywood become a Disney character. I wrote Cookies & Milk for my son to help him understand his family, his culture and himself. I hope kids of all colors will see something of their own selves in Ellis. I’m so grateful to Helen, Jesse and Laurence for championing my story. I know it’s in good hands with them and the deeply creative folks at Disney.”