Magic Light Pictures, BBC Unveil Zog Series Cast

Samson Kayo (Bloods, Famalam, Voltron), Patsy Ferran (Miss Austen, Mickey 17, Later the War) and Will Merrick (Skins, F1) have joined the voice cast of the new series Zog, produced by Magic Light Pictures for BBC Children’s and Education.

“Taking Julia and Axel’s extraordinary characters on these new adventures is a great privilege, and we hope they will delight children and families all over the world,” said Martin Pope and Michael Rose, co-founders of Magic Light Pictures. “We’re thrilled to be working with such an amazing voice cast whose talents bring Zog, Pearl and Gadabout to life on screen and make us all just want to ‘be more Zog.’”

“Zog has already captured the hearts of millions through the books and animated films,” commented Kate Morton, senior head of children’s commissioning for ages 0 to 6 at BBC Children’s and Education. “This delightful new adventure marks the first full series on the BBC from the outstanding minds of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, building on the amazing specials that air each year and are so loved by children and families. By expanding Zog’s universe with fresh characters, new locations and original storylines, Magic Light has created a warm, funny and adventurous series that feels both familiar and completely new.”

“We’re so pleased to bring this next chapter of Zog to life for CBeebies and iPlayer audiences,” she added.

The preschool series, based on the films Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors and the books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, is directed by Sarah Scrimgeour (Tabby McTat, Superworm), produced by Vici King (Pip and Posy) and executive produced by Pope and Rose. The head writer is Matt Baker (Pip and Posy, The Rubbish World of Dave Spud).

“I’m very excited to be voicing Zog and working on a project created by the great Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler,” commented Kayo. “With my first-aid training and my role as a paramedic on Bloods, I feel uniquely qualified to become part of the flying doctor’s team—although I’ve never been asked to treat a unicorn with anxiety or an acute attack of the giggles before! Exciting times ahead. Let’s go Zog!”

Ferran said, “To be a part of the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler universe is a great honor, and I feel privileged to get to voice the delightful Doctor Princess Pearl. I recently overheard a young girl telling her mother she wanted to dress as Pearl for World Book Day, and I was so delighted that the specials and books of Zog are already working their charm on our audience. It has been an utter joy to work with the wonderful team at Magic Light Pictures, and I cannot wait for people to experience the magic that they have created.”

Merrick added, “Voicing Sir Gadabout the Great is a total pleasure. He’s taught me a lot about bravery and the importance of listening. It’s a beautiful expression of kindness and friendship, and now being a proud godfather, it’s so rewarding to be able to make work that my godkids can enjoy, although I think they’re expecting to see me on TV dressed up as Gadabout. Which is also fun!”