GENIUS BRANDS PARTNERS WITH JOHN LANDIS FOR US CHILDREN’S SERIES

Genius Brands International announced that it will work closely with Director and Producer, John Landis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the production team behind Genius Brands’ new children’s animated series, “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten.” “We believe that this approach, in combination with our excellent distribution deals and licensing agreements, is a pathway for Genius Brands to drive strong revenue and create long-term shareholder value,” Genius Brands Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward said.

Landis, who has contributed to hits such as “Trading Places,” “Animal House,” “Blues Brothers,” and “Three Amigos,” among others, will direct Schwarzenegger, who lends his voice to the starring role of the show. Stan Lee co-created the action-adventure comedy series, making it one of his final projects. He also co-produced it, along with China’s Alibaba Group, Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment, and Schwarzenegger’s Oak Productions. Fabian Nicieza developed the series and Steven Banks executed the scripting. 

Landis has also joined Genius Brands’ development team to help create a live-action series and feature film spin-off of Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten. “I am honored to work with Andy and Arnold for the first time in bringing Stan’s vision to life with this action-packed series infused with comedy and heart,” Landis said.

"Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten" will debut on Genius Brands’ recently-launched Kartoon Channel! in Q1 2021. It will also be broadcast on Amazon Prime in the U.S., and Alibaba in China on its video streaming platform for kids, Youku. Concurrently, Genius Brands is actively marketing a full-scale global consumer products retail program anchored with toys, publishing, and apparel. “When one has a property of this magnitude, we will quickly pursue the development of a live-action feature spin-off as we work to maximize the value of the brand,” said Genius Brands Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward. “Today’s announcement reflects a core element of our strategy for Genius Brands and Kartoon Channel!."