Crunchyroll and Zoe Saldana join for "Dark Star Squadron" animated space opera

Crunchyroll, the global anime brand that recently surpassed the five million subscriber mark, is announcing the development of “Dark Star Squadron,” an epic animated space opera, in partnership with Zoe Saldana’s Cinestar Pictures. Todd Ludy (“Voltron: Legendary Defender”) is onboard to write with Zoe Saldana, Cisely Saldana, and Mariel Saldana of Cinestar Pictures serving as Executive Producers. Sonia A. Gambaro and Maytal Gilboa from Pollinate Entertainment are also producing.

"The tremendous growth of our streaming service is indicative of the growing love for anime and its deserved spotlight in popular culture," said Joanne Waage, general manager, Crunchyroll. "Zoe and her team are bringing their own anime fandom to their storytelling and we’re excited to be a part of it."

“Dark Star Squadron” follows the journey of four failing cadets who return from a joyride with a stolen starship to find their academy in ruins and everyone vanished. Now on their own, the ill-equipped heroes embark for the far side of the galaxy to find the missing and prove their worth.

”As true animation and anime fans ourselves, we are so excited for the opportunity to partner with Crunchyroll to bring ‘Dark Star Squadron’ to a wide audience,” said Cinestar’s Zoe, Cisely and Mariel Saldana. “We can’t wait for everyone to meet the crew and follow the journey of our unlikely heroes.”

“We’re elated to be working with such a talented creative team on the development of ‘Dark Star Squadron,’ a new fantasy adventure series,” said Sarah Victor, Head of Development, Crunchyroll. “We love working with creators who are passionate about telling stories through anime and we can’t wait to bring this interstellar epic to fans across the galaxy.”