Superprod Animation and Red Monk Studio announced the start of production on their animated series "Underdog". The commissioning broadcasters are M6 and Gulli in France, and RAI in Italy. Superights will handle international distribution.
Based on the U.S. property "Underdog"", first created in 1959, the series has retained its popularity through decades of TV shows (on NBC, CBS, and Nickelodeon), comics, and films. Today, this iconic character is being reimagined in 3D by the Superprod Animation team to capture the hearts of a new generation of children and families. The series will be produced in Superprod Group's animation studios in France and Italy.
The series is set to air in France on M6 and Gulli, with whom the series was developed, and on RAI in Italy, with delivery scheduled for 2025. Superights, Superprod Group’s international sales arm, will manage international distribution.
This new animated series, co-produced by Superprod Animation and Red Monk Studio, will consist of 52 episodes, each 11 minutes long. It follows the crime-busting adventures of a uniquely canine superhero. Clumsy yet lovable, Underdog is a superpowered dog who fights villains with the help of his fellow superhero team. Despite his tendency to bumble, his heart and determination make him a charming and endearing hero. Created for a broad audience, the series blends action and humor while promoting positive values like friendship, courage, and perseverance.
Underdog was developed for television with Matt Smith ("The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants", "The Croods", "The Peabody" and "Sherman Show") and Shane Morris ("Frozen", "Wreck-It Ralph", "Tangled", "Paw Patrol: The Movie", "Rainbow Rangers"), who are also story-editing the show. The series is directed by Charles Vaucelle, a seasoned director known for his work on hit shows like Pat the Dog, Oggy and the Cockroaches, The Daltons, Lucky Luke, and Dogmatix and the Indomitables.
Jérémie Fajner and Clément Calvet, co-founders of the SUPERPROD Group. praised the original character: “Reviving Underdog for a new generation is such a wonderful opportunity. With our incredible team of marquee talent, we are thrilled to say, ‘There’s no need to fear: Underdog is here!’ We are eager to bring this project to audiences and are proud of this partnership with M6 Group and RAI,” stated
Philippe Bony, President of Gulli expressed his satisfaction with this collaboration: “We are delighted with this new collaboration with Superprod and Charles Vaucelle, with whom we already worked on Dogmatix and the Indomitables (dogs again!). Tender, awkward, but brave, Underdog is the kind of hero we love!", he added.
Finally Pedro Citaristi from Red Monk Studio thanked their partners: “We and our talents are very happy to have the opportunity to work on this amazing series and are very proud to bring it to Italy. I would like to thank RAI and M6 Group for trusting and partnering with us," noted.