Bonnie and Braw Cartùns unveiled "The rejects" animation series

Bonnie and Braw Cartùns, the first Scottish animation company to receive Scottish EDGE funding, has unveiled its latest animated series: "The Rejects". This irreverent and heartfelt adult animation explores the forgotten sidekicks of history’s most iconic legends, marking a bold step toward positioning Scotland as a global hub for original intellectual property.

Now in paid development with Screen Scotland and international LGBTQ+ Canadian network OUTtv, "The Rejects" is set to be co-produced by Emmy award-winning producer Rick Mischel—whose credits include Rick and Morty, Solar Opposites, and the upcoming Sony Pictures Animation feature GOAT—and written by Julie Bower, the creator of the BAFTA-winning series So Awkward. This Canada-Scotland co-production will be realized in partnership with Artists Animation Studio, the Canadian studio founded by Mischel to push the boundaries of 2D animation by blending high-end visual storytelling with creative innovation.

Leading the voice cast is BAFTA winner Sophie Kennedy Clarke (Philomena, The Crucible), who voices the Lady of the Lake—a magical force of nature with anger issues after King Arthur made an unwanted advance and then absconded with her sword. Central to the narrative, however, is a reimagined Dr. John Watson: a brilliant yet insecure, openly gay ex-military doctor. After Sherlock Holmes breaks his heart, Watson assembles a new team of overlooked legends to confront a threat even Holmes couldn’t overcome.

Watson’s team is composed of forgotten figures such as Tantor the Elephant, Friar Tuck, the Lady of the Lake, and others. Together, they embark on a cross-time journey to unravel the one mystery Holmes never could. The story is ultimately about misfits taking center stage, challenging inherited myths, and asking a universal question: what if the ones we overlook are actually the true heroes?

Exclusive concept art from "The Rejects" will be showcased at this year’s Children’s Media Conference. The project will also be featured in the industry panel "Cracking the IP Code: How Small Studios Can Build Big Brands", produced and moderated by John McEwan-Whyte. Panelists include representatives from Sky Kids, BBC Studios, Lime Pictures, and Kedoo Entertainment.

The series is being developed by Bonnie and Braw Cartùns, the animation division of Bonnie and Braw Productions, a fast-rising Scottish creative powerhouse led by John McEwan-Whyte. The company is supported by a distinguished advisory board that includes Mark Raeburn (former Head of Content Finance at Channel 4 and consultant CFO for production companies like Minnow Films and Curious Films), Carmen Thomson (British Independent Film Awards board member and Screen International Future Leader), and Naysun Alae-Carew (producer and MD of the BAFTA-winning Blazing Griffin).

In addition to "The Rejects", the studio is also producing "Sgà and the Wulver", a magical Scottish holiday special selected for this year’s Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is pitch forum, which will also take place during CMC.

Commenting on the project, Philip Webb, COO of OUTtv, said:“‘The Rejects’ is everything we look for at OUTtv: sharp, funny, and unapologetically queer. It’s a subversive reimagining of misunderstood or overlooked characters through a queer lens that celebrates their individuality and outsider status. We aim to platform LGBTQ+ creators from all over the world so we’re incredibly proud for this to be our first Scottish project, and to be working alongside industry-renowned partners and talent to bring this brilliant project to our global audience," expressed.

Meanwhile, John McEwan-Whyte reflected on the project’s personal significance: "“I grew up obsessed with heroes—then realised most of them were rich snobs ignoring the far more interesting sidekicks. ‘The Rejects’ is my love letter to the overlooked. It’s also a bit of a manifesto: Scotland doesn’t just have to be the backdrop for other people’s stories—we can lead. My goal with Bonnie and Braw is simple: make Scotland the home of bold, original IP. We want to be Scotland’s Disney. And this is just the beginning;" noted.

Also, Producer Rick Mischel shared his excitement: “When John showed me this project, the originality and humor jumped off the page. It’s funny, heartfelt and something our animators will really love working on," stated.

Finally, Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE, also praised the initiative: “Scottish EDGE is pleased to have invested grant support into John McEwan-Whyte and Bonnie and Braw Cartùns—one of two Scottish film and television sector businesses supported in the latest funding round. This is the first time EDGE has supported businesses working in this sector as we look to expand our engagement with world-leading animation being developed in Scotland. The judges were hugely impressed by John’s achievements to date and his exciting and ambitious plans for the future!", added.