EXCLUSIVE: Disney will launch CGI-animated series Morphle and the Magic Pets on March 20.
The Moonbug Entertainment and Disney Branded Television-created show will first debut in the U.S. on Disney Junior and Disney+ and then begin rolling out globally (excluding China) on the same platforms at a later date.
Morphle and the Magic Pets follows Mila and her stepbrother, Jordie, as they leap into a world of adventure with the help of Morphle, Mila’s magical and loyal pet who has the power to morph into whatever she imagines. The trio use their skills and smarts to keep magic pets out of mischief, solve problems and find ‘magic matches’ for each newcomer.
The series will comprise 52 seven-minute episodes and 50 three-minute shorts, and is being billed as an “evolution” from the original Morphle YouTube series with a new look and more in-depth storytelling.
Candle Media-owned Moonbug is known for creating and managing YouTube hits such as CoComelon and Blippi.
Alyssa Sapire, Senior Vice President, Development, Series & Strategy, Disney Junior said: “At Disney Junior, we are always looking for new ways to connect with our young audience of preschoolers and their families. We knew Morphle was already a big hit on YouTube with our core audience of kids 3-5 and were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Moonbug team to build out the world and characters.”
Olivia Chausson, General Manager of Morphle at Moonbug Entertainment, added: “We have big aspirations for the franchise, fueled by Morphle’s transformational powers and the richness of the magic pet universe. This year we are supercharging growth across new audience touchpoints, and are delighted to share Morphle and the Magic Pets with families across the globe.”
Morphle and the Magic Pets originated as a short-form three-minute YouTube series, Morphle. The new expanded series for Disney allows the pets to have bigger personalities so kids can build a relationship and embark on more in-depth creative adventures.
Arthur van Merwijk is the creator of My Magic Pet Morphle, on which Morphle and the Magic Pets is based. The new series was co-developed by Mark Palmer (Hello Ninja) and Consulting Producer Jill Sanford (Go! Go! Cory Carson). Nick Confalone (Helpsters) serves as Story Editor.