VIKINGSKOOL
>Targeting 6-11 year-olds, “Vikingskool” had been on Disney’s radar for some time. Originally pitched towards more mature audiences, [VP of Content for Animation, Digital and Acquisitions EMEA Orion] Ross was impressed and kept the proposed series in mind on the chance it could be adapted to Disney’s demographic.
>The series is being produced by Ireland’s Cartoon Saloon (“The Secret of Kells,” “The Breadwinner”) and France’s Samka Productions (“Jamie’s Got Tentacles”) with post-production from Norwegian VFX company Storm Films. It’s this pedigree that prompted Ross to explain to Variety: “There is a substantial Viking history in Ireland and Northern France. As a co-production we can say it’s the only Viking show made by actual Vikings.”
>The series will follow a group of young would-be Viking warriors in an elite Vikingskool. Ross described the alumni as being “Like freshmen in ‘Top Gun,’ but for Vikings.”
>The group will embark on a series of humorous and exciting adventures in a mystical world. At the heart of the tale are three best friends: Erik, Arnie and Ilba, each with their own unique Viking strengths and weaknesses.
>The series’ 26 half-hours are scheduled for broadcast at the end of 2019.
THE OWL HOUSE
>From “Gravity Falls” and “Duck Tales” veteran Dana Terrace, “The Owl House” is a 2D animated, horror-comedy following a teenage girl who discovers a portal to another realm where humans are not well-liked, and she must disguise herself in order to fit in at witch school.
>We loved the combination of magic and mystery in this other world,” [Disney Junior Worldwide General Manager and Disney Channels Worldwide EVP for Content and Creative Strategy Nancy] Kanter told Variety, “But it also had a heart to it that can sometimes be missing in shows that go to other worlds of monsters and goblins. We really fell in love with the main character Luz.”
>Luz partners with a witch named Eda and her diminutive side-kick, King, who was indeed once a king, and is searching for a way to restore his titles and glory. A “Next time on…” clip was screened which showed Luz and her magical friends struggling to help the novice witch learn the ways of magic. Some friends are more helpful than others. The series is in pre-production, looking to launch in 2020.
THE ROCKETEER
>A new “Rocketeer” project had been rumored for the past two years, but confirmed in February when Disney announced that the 1930s comics are being reimagined for the 2-5 year-old audience for Disney Jr.
>The 3D, CGI series will be set in the contemporary world and, according to Kanter, depart substantially from the original comics “But it’s a piece of IP that is very alive at Disney,” she explained, “and we imagined who could be the Rocketeer for this generation of kids.”
>An early animation test was screened for the audience who got to see the series lead, six-year-old Kit Seacourt, trying out her new gear, which ended with a line that seems likely to be repeated, “Never fear, I’m the Rocketeer!”