Tag Archives: netflix

Hasbro, Netflix and Rooster Teeth drop first trailer for Transformers: War of Cybertron Trilogy

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Netflix, Hasbro, and Rooster Tooth have formed a tri-force of entertainment powerhouses for the release of Chapter One of the hotly anticipated Transformers: War of Cybertron Trilogy.

The new series will premiere on Netflix later this year as it raises the stakes in the Autobot and Decepticon war. Chapter One will launch with six new 22-minute episodes, complete with a new animation look and style.

Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy: Siege begins in the final hours of the civil war between the Autobots and the Decepticons that has torn apart their home planet of Cybertron. Optimus Prime and Megatron both want to save their world and unify their people, but on their own terms.

Rooster Teeth is producing the original series for Netflix, and Polygon Pictures is serving as the animation studio. Transformers veteran F.J. DeSanto is serving as show runner on the series with several contributing writers, including George Krstic, Gavin Hignight, and Brandon Easton.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Rooster Teeth, Netflix and Hasbro to bring this fan-oriented more than meets the eye story to life,” said Shuzo John Shiota, Polygon Pictures Inc. president and CEO.

“The Transformers universe has so many rich characters and engaging stories. Getting the opportunity to be part of the team bringing the robots in disguise to life in this new trilogy is unbelievable.”

Netflix, Hasbro, and Rooster Teeth, have today released the first teaser trailer for Chapter One.

“The Transformers brand is a global phenomenon with toys, consumer products, films, television shows, and literature, resonating with millions of passionate fans around the world,” said Tom Warner, senior vice president for the Transformers franchise for Hasbro.

“This brand new Netflix series will add to the incredible slate of Transformers offerings with a truly unique story that will delight both existing fans and those being introduced to the wonder of robots in disguise.”

The series voice talent cast includes Jake Foushee as Optimus Prime, Jason Marnocha as Megatron, and Joe Zieja as Bumblebee, alongside an extensive cast of further characters, deepening the Transformers lore.

“Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy marks the inaugural production for our Rooster Teeth Studios division and we’re proud to be partnering with and entrusted by Hasbro and Netflix,” said Matt Hullum, Rooster Teeth co-founder and chief content officer.

“As fans of these characters, it’s been a joy bringing our storytelling and animation expertise to this project. This teaser trailer is just a taste of what’s to come in this series, and we can’t wait to see what the fans think, especially our Rooster Teeth community.”

More details regarding Chapter Two, Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy” Earthrise and Chapter Three will drop in the coming months.

Second season of Rainbow’s 44 Cats debut in Italy this week, with global roll out to follow

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44 Cats, the popular children’s series from the European animation powerhouse, Rainbow, is ready to launch its second season to the global stage, making its debut on Italy’s Rai Yoyo channel this week.

Pay TV partners Discovery Kids and Nickelodeon will begin broadcast of the second season to audiences across Latin America and the rest of the world, respectively, from Q2 and Q3 this year. The show will later land on free to air broadcasters from autumn this year.

The first season of 44 Cats established record ratings since its very first launch in November 2018, and it’s proving a sensational success: 44 Cats is on air in over 100 countries and in more than 20 languages. According to Rainbow, the series is ‘conquering major kids networks,’ such as Carousel Russia where it is currently the number one show in the country for ratings and share.

Meanwhile, CCTV 14, China’s major kids’ content channel, the show launched early in February with ratings that confirm 44 Cats a leading show on the channel.

Produced by Rainbow in collaboration with Antoniano and Rai Ragazzi, the series is billed as a growing hit for ratings and web interactions, while making a significant impact on the licensing sector. Currently, more than 100 partners from across the world and a number of product categories have signed with 44 Cats, across both national and multi-territorial deals.

“Already on air on the major pay and free to air TV networks in the world and on leading digital platforms such as Netflix, Tencent and YOUKU in China, Start.ru and Yandex in Russia, 44 Cats is performing incredibly and turning into a true web phenomenon and a widespread success on YouTube, where the official channels have surpassed 320 million views in just 14 months,” said Rainbow in a press release.

The newest season comprises 52 episodes that follow the adventures of the Buffycats and Granny Pina as they are joined by new animal and human friends.

Rainbow added: “The explosive mix of action, comedy, friendship and great music makes 44 Cats a series that stands out worldwide, with a magnificent soundtrack of original songs by Antoniano.

After captivating TV, social media and the web around the world, the new chapter of the Made in Italy preschool classic by Rainbow is set to amaze again thanks to the great attention to product quality, universal values and educational content offer.”

Mark Hamill, Lena Headey lead voice cast for Mattel’s Masters of the Universe: Revelation

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Mattel Television and Netflix have revealed the cast of the upcoming Netflix anime series, Masters of the Universe: Revelation, a new series based in the iconic He-Man, Skeletor, Teela, and cast of classic characters.

The series is being produced by Mattel Television with Adam Bonnett (Descendants), Christopher Keenan (Justice League, Batman Beyond) and Rob David (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe) as executive producers.

Kevin Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy) will serve as show-runner and executive producer. In addition, Susan Corbin (Voltron) will produce the series.

But it’s the all-star acting cast that is sure to fire up much of the interest, with a line up that includes Mark Hamill as Skeletor, Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey as Evil-Lyn, Supergirl’s Chris Wood as Prince Adam/He-Man, and Sarah Michelle Gellar as Teela.

These will be joined by another Game of Thrones alumni as Liam Cunningham takes on the role of Man-At-Arms, Henry Rollins as Tri-Klops, Alicia Silverstone as Queen Marlena, Justin Long as Roboto, Jason Mewes as Stinkor, and Harley Quinn-Smith as Ileena among others.

Masters of the Universe: Revelation – animated by Powerhouse Animation, the team behind Castlevania – will focus on the unresolved storylines of the iconic characters, picking up where they left off decades ago.

“Masters of the Universe: Revelation is for the fans. Kevin Smith, as well as the rest of the all-star cast, share our love and passion for the iconic franchise and the deeper meaning of the property,” said Rob David, executive producer on the show.

“At its core, Masters of the Universe is all about wanting the power to be the best version of yourself, and the series will bring this message to life in an entirely new way.”

Kevin Smith added: “I cannot believe the lineup of talent I get to play with. The incredible, star-studded cast that Mattel’s Rob David and Netflix’s Ted Biaselli assembled for our Masters of the Universe series will let any lifelong He-Man fan know we’re treating this cartoon seriously and honouring the legendary world of Eternia with A-list talent.

“Chris, Sarah, Mark, Lena and the other amazing actors and actresses have given performances so powerful and real in a show that features a talking giant green tiger. With these fantastic performers behind our characters, it’ll be crazy easy to immerse yourself in the swords and sorcery of our epic sci-fi soap opera.”

Mattel’s reboot of the classic Masters of the Universe franchise also includes a comic book series by DC Comics (available now), reimagined versions of the ’80s toys (hitting retail shelves this autumn), a CG-animated series with Netflix (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe)and a feature film.

Spin Master Entertainment’s new animated series Mighty Express lands Netflix deal

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Spin Master Entertainment’s new CG-animated series Mighty Express has been picked up by Netflix to debut globally (excluding Canada) in September this year.

The 52 x 11-minute series is executive produced by Spin Master Entertainment’s EVP Jennifer Dodge and co-CEO Ronnen Harary, alongside the Canadian outfit, Atomic Cartoons, providing animation services.

Owned by Spin Master, Mighty Express is a series that follows the adventures of a group of kids who run a train station and work together with the Mighty Express train. The Netflix deal marks the first time Spin Master has launched a series straight to a streaming platform.

Spin Master will also launch a toy line and a consumer products licensing programme in 2021.

The new series joins Spin Master’s existing line-up of pre-school animated shows, which includes the hit Nick Jr series, PAW Patrol.

“Spin Master Entertainment has deep experience developing compelling stories and endearing characters for preschool audiences worldwide,” Dodge said. “We have the unique ability to take classic, beloved themes for kids, add innovation, combined with amazing storytelling and high-end animation to deliver fresh, new content.”

Netflix acquires streaming rights for Studio Ghibli catalogue in landmark deal for the Japanese animation studio

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Netflix has picked up the exclusive streaming rights to the full film library from the popular Japanese animation house, Studio Ghibli for everywhere in the world outside of the US and Japan.

The deal is a landmark partnership for the distribution of Japanese animation and animé to the world’s audiences, marking the first time that all 21 Ghibli films will be made available via streaming on a global scale.

The deal was detailed by the French distribution partner Wild Bunch International this week. 

Netflix will now roll out the Ghibli catalogue across its service in monthly segments, beginning with an initial launch on February 1st. The catalogue includes modern classics such as Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.

“This is a dream come true for Netflix and millions of our members,” said Aram Yacoubian, Netflix’s director of original animation. “Studio Ghibli’s animated films are legendary and have enthralled fans around the world for over 35 years.

“We’re excited to make them available in more languages across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia – so that more people can enjoy this whimsical and wonderful world of animation.”

Launched in 1985 by animation directors Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli’s films have received six Oscar nominations in the animated feature category, winning one in 2003 for Spirited Away.

Until now, Ghibli has guarded its tiles from digital platforms.

“In this day and age, there are various great ways a film can reach audiences,” said Studio Ghibli producer, Toshio Suzuki. “We have listened to our fans and have made the definitive decision to stream our film catalogue. 

“We hope people around the world will discover the world of Studio Ghibli through this experience.”