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Disney Snags Global Rights to 2 New ‘Miraculous’ CG TV Movies

Disney Channel and Disney+ acquire rights to both upcoming ZAG and Mediawan Group films based on the animated comedy series, ‘Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.’

Independent animation studio ZAG and European animation leader ON kids & family (Mediawan Group) are bringing two new animated TV movies to Disney. Based on the superhero stars of their action-comedy series, ­­­Miraculous - Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, the two new films, Miraculous World - New York - United HeroeZ and Miraculous World - Shanghai - Lady Dragon, will be available on Disney Channel and Disney+, who have acquired global rights except for Brazil and China;  respective territory rights have been acquired by Brazil’s Gloob (Grupo Globo), Canada’s Family Channel & Télé-Québec; UK’s POP; and France’s TF1 for the second window. 

Created by ZAG and produced by ZAG and ON kids & family (Mediawan Group), the 3D/CG films are being directed by Thomas Astruc and are set for fall 2020 and spring 2021 releases. The two companies are also currently in production on a US$60M budget animated Miraculous feature, to be released globally, and scheduled to premiere in fall 2021 or early 2022.

“With our two new movies, we’re expanding the world of Miraculous like never before as Ladybug and Cat Noir explore New York and Shanghai, and meet new superheroes as they take on treacherous villains far away from their home city of Paris,” commented Jeremy Zag, founder and CEO of ZAG.  “We thank all of our fans for their continued love for Ladybug and Cat Noir, and our tremendous partners, and we can’t wait to share this whole world of new amazing hero characters with everyone.”

“We are fortunate to be the producers of an extraordinary franchise, that has grown forcefully over time, with phenomenal success and which crosses frontiers. It is now time to extend the Miraculous world and today we are taking our universe to a decisive stage in its evolution,” added Aton Soumache, President and co-founder of On kids & family. “The legend will now expand all over the world.”

Miraculous follows the adventures of two seemingly typical teens with secret identities, Marinette and Adrien, who magically transform into superheroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir. As secret superheroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir are partners in the action. But in the daytime, Marinette is just a normal girl, living a normal life. Cat Noir will do anything to support and impress Ladybug but does not know she is Marinette from his class. Marinette, the regular girl, in turn, dreams of Adrien, and simply gets little response. When evil threatens, can they beat the unexpected villains? 

The series, currently in production on Seasons 4 and 5, has generated over 16 billion views on YouTube (authorized and of user-generated content); more than 150M products have been sold during the past three years. Miraculous is the winner of thirteen awards, including the 2018 Teen Choice Award for Choice Animated Series, and airs in over 120 countries across the globe.  Co-production partners on the two new seasons include France’s Method Animation (part of ON Kids & Family), Brazil’s Globosat and Italy’s DeAgostini Editore S.P.A., in collaboration with Disney Channel EMEA, French broadcaster TF1, South Korea’s SamG Animation and Japan’s Toei Animation.  

Source: On kids & family (Mediawan Group)

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Dan Sarto(link sends e-mail) is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.