It seems that WBD loves the idea of animation. It sort of makes sense since WB Animation, Adult Swim & DC, which are noted for that kind of content, are WBD properties that are quite viable. That might just explain the press release that surfaced in regard to that sort of programming. It also makes sense to promote that animation programming at the San Diego Comic-Con and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. So just which titles are they touting?
TEN YEAR OLD TOM
We announced this show was debuting its sophomore season on July 29 but now is a good time to offer up the trailer about the series. It follows the misadventures of an average kid as he contends with questionable guidance from the well-meaning grownups around him. Being a kid is hard enough for Tom, but when bad influences seem to lurk around every corner – from litigious parents and drug-dealing bus drivers to school administrators who want to sleep with his mom – it’s downright impossible. While the adults in Tom’s life certainly mean well, they just can’t manage to lead by example. Voices include Steve Dildarian (THE LIFE AND TIMES OF TIM), Jennifer Coolidge (THE WHITE LOTUS), John Malkovich, Gillian Jacobs (GIRLS), Edi Patterson (THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES), Byron Bowers, and more, with David Duchovny returning as a guest star along with many others.
HARLEY QUINN
This continuing series for DC offers up a fourth season soon. This biting and uproarious adult animated comedy follows Harley Quinn (voiced by executive producer Kaley Cuoco of THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT) as she strikes out on her own following her breakup with The Joker (Alan Tudyk). With help from Poison Ivy (Lake Bell, HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA) and a ragtag crew of DC castoffs, Harley attempts to work her way into the Legion of Doom, before an identity crisis sends her on a larger quest to find her true place in Gotham City. With appearances by DC’s most notorious characters and featuring a notable voice cast – including Christopher Meloni (OZ), Ron Funches (ROOM 104), JB Smoove (CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM), Tony Hale (VEEP), and others – Harley Quinn showcases the titular antiheroine’s killer journey from girlfriend to leading lady.
TINY TOONS LOONIVERSITY
Rebooting the classic “Tiny Toon Adventures” show for a new generation, the series follows Babs, Buster, and their new friends Hamton, Plucky and Sweetie to Acme Looniversity, the premier institution of higher hijinks learning. While enrolled, they form long-lasting friendships and perfect their cartoony craft while studying under the greatest cartoon characters in history, the Looney Tunes.
The voice cast includes “Looney Tunes Cartoons” Emmy Award-winner Eric Bauza as Buster, Daffy, and Gossamer, Ashleigh Hairston as Babs, David Errigo Jr. as Hamton J. Pig and Plucky, and Tessa Netting as Sweety. The series also welcomes back “Tiny Toon Adventures” alumni Jeff Bergman, Bob Bergen, Candi Milo, and Cree Summer, who reprise their roles as Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Dean Granny, and Elmyra, respectively. Bergman also voices Sylvester and Foghorn Leghorn, and Milo also voices Witch Hazel. Looney Tunes veteran actor Fred Tatasciore voices Taz and Yosemite Sam.
YOUNG LOVE
It expands on the animated short “Hair Love,” which centered around the relationship between an African American father, his daughter Zuri, and the most daunting task a father could ever come across – doing his daughter’s hair for the first time. Filled with comedy and heart, the all-new Max Original animated series is an honest look into the world of the Young family – including millennial parents Stephen and Angela, their daughter Zuri and her pet cat Rocky – as they juggle their careers, marriage, parenthood, social issues and multi-generational dynamics, all while striving to make a better life for themselves. Voices include Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi, (WE ARE WHO WE ARE), Issa Rae, (INSECURE) Loretta Devine, Harry Lennix, Tamar Braxton and Brooke Monroe Conaway. Creator and Executive Producer: Matthew A. Cherry.
ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA AND CAKE
Based on characters from the beloved “Adventure Time” franchise, this brand-new 10-episode series set in the land of Ooo follows the alternate universe versions of Finn & Jake on a multiverse-hopping journey towards self-discovery. When Fionna and her sidekick Cake find themselves in the crosshairs of a powerful new foe, they have no choice but to seek the help of former Ice King Simon Petrikov. With appearances from Marshall Lee, Marceline the Vampire Queen, Princess Bubblegum, and Finn the Human, “Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake” transports fans of the classic series to worlds both familiar and alien. Voices include Madeleine Martin, Roz Ryan, Tom Kenny, Andrew Rannells, Donald Glover, Kayleigh Mckee, Sean Rohani, and others. Executive Producers: Adam Muto, Fred Seibert, Sam Register.
Other Max Originals in development include:
KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES
The Newberry’s struggle to hold onto their past glory while living in the shadow of Jerry Jones and their other rich neighbors in the wealthy Dallas suburb of Highland Park. Writers/Executive Producers: Hugh Davidson, Rachel Ramras, Larry Dorf Studio/Prod Co: Warner Bros. Animation.
ANYTHING FACTORY
From Tom Kauffman (Rick and Morty) this work follows Henry Zingo as he returns home to reconnect with his ailing father and help his sister manage the family business: A Wonka-esque factory riddled with ethics violations. Created by: Tom Kauffman and David Seger & Spencer Strauss Executive Producer: Tom Kauffman and Searchlight TV.
IYANU: CHILD OF WONDER
Max, Cartoon Network, and Lion Forge Animation announced today plans to adapt the popular Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios graphic novel series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, into a 2D children’s animated series. Created by Nigerian filmmaker Roye Okupe, this work is an epic superhero tale steeped in Nigeria’s rich culture, music, and mythology. The series follows a teenage heroine who must uncover the mystery behind her newfound powers to save her people from an ancient curse threatening to destroy humanity.
UPTOWN BODEGA
Tati Cruz has inherited her father’s old Bodega and vows to keep the business booming in a fast-changing Nueva York with the help of her husband, three kids, and Rocky the bodega cat. Writers/Executive Producers: Oz Rodriguez & Lemon Anderson Executive Producers: Peter Murrieta Greg Walter (3 Arts Entertainment) Studio: Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
HOP
Not announced at either event but still noteworthy is this upcoming series. Following last year’s momentous finale of the beloved Arthur series, creator Marc Brown is beginning his next chapter in the world of children’s television with HOP, a new preschool animated series greenlit by Max. follows an eclectic group of besties whose comedic adventures teach preschoolers about embracing their own uniqueness. Led by Hop, an enthusiastic, empathetic frog with one leg shorter than the other, he and his quirky friends address kid-relatable problems with a healthy dose of laughter, silliness, and adventure.
All this content combined with such works as MY ADVENTURES WITH SUPERMAN, FIRED ON MARS, CLONE HIGH, UNICORN WARRIORS ETERNAL, POOR DEVIL, ROYAL CRACKERS, GREMLINS: SECRETS OF THE MOGWAI and more makes Max an animation destination! If so inclined, check it out.
