Latest news with #CartoonNetworkStudios
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars' Unveiled in Annecy: Studios Sneak Peek New ‘Regular Show,' ‘Foster's,' ‘Adventure Time,' ‘Gumball' Series
Cartoon Network Studios is expanding the beloved 'Steven Universe' franchise with a brand-new series, 'Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars,' now in development for Prime Video. The announcement was made Wednesday during the Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe showcase at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival by 'Steven Universe' creator Rebecca Sugar. After a very brief introduction from studio president Sam Register, the great and powerful – which featured a clip of him appearing as an Oz-like floating head surrounded by jets of flames – it was revealed 'Teen Titans Go!', the longest running animated series in DC history, has been renewed for a tenth season on Cartoon Network. The irreverent comedy, based on DC's teen superhero team, continues to follow Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy and Raven as they juggle crimefighting with the absurdities of teenage life. Executive producers Luke Cormican, Peggy Regan and Sam Register return for the milestone season. More from Variety 'Cat in the Hat' Teases Not One, but Three Different Worlds - and a Pig in a Wig Passion Paris, Amplitude Studios Partner on Animated Series Set in the Endless Universe (EXCLUSIVE) 'We Did Not Make 'Animal Farm' for Any Algorithm': Director Andy Serkis on Animating Orwell This year's Cartoon Network Studios, Warner Bros. Animation, Hanna Barbera studio focus presentation was a bit different than what annual attendees have come to expect from the outfit. Traditionally, the company's executives offered up a rapid-fire look at large parts of its pipeline, but this year, with many of the company's most legendary creators in town to celebrate 25 years of CNS, the talent took over. Executive produced by Sugar alongside her partner and 'OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes' creator Ian Jones-Quartey, 'Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars' will follow up on the original show, tracking fan-favorite character Lars Barriga, described as an 'eternal teenager and space outlaw.' According to the official description, the sequel series will chart Lars and his pirate crew as they 'smuggle contraband, evade the authorities, and uncover the darkest secrets of the fallen Gem Empire.' The original 'Steven Universe' became a cultural phenomenon during its 2013–2020 run, earning a Peabody Award for its storytelling, diversity and emotional depth. This new chapter promises to explore the 'past, present and future of the Steven Universe universe,' deepening the lore of the series that redefined modern animation. Before sharing her exciting news, Sugar, unannounced, emerged from the assembled audience to perform a new original song that she wrote for the upcoming second season of CNS's popular 'Adventure Time' spinoff, 'Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake.' Several clips and images were shared from the show's second season, which made it clear that the Huntress character will play a much larger role this time around. Leading the 'Adventure Time'-related section of the day's presentation was showrunner Adam Muto, who also offered up a very early look at 'Adventure Time: Side Quests.' The show's opening sequence, still a work in progress, was shared, and will feel extremely familiar to fans of the original series. 'Regular Show' creator J.G. Quintel teased his new 'Regular Show' series, but coyly kept most details, including the show's title, a closely hidden secret. He did say he would share some artwork of new characters from the show, but instead just flipped through a tasty looking slideshow of cartoon food products. Quintel was less withholding when it came to another of his projects, the upcoming YA animated series 'Super Mutant Magic Academy,' based on the comic of the same name by Jillian Tamaki. Artwork and an animatic were shown, giving the impression that the show will land somewhere between 'X-Men' and 'Harry Potter,' as its title plainly suggests. The Studio Focus also included an appearance from cartoon legend Craig McCracken, who shared an early look at his upcoming preschool adaptation of 'Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends.' And while the show will be aimed at a younger audience, McCracken insisted it would not necessarily be educational or aspirational, prioritizing humor above all else. In a brief animatic clip, it was made clear when Bloo taught the invisible friends around him that the day's lesson was to never ever ever ever ever trust adults, because they will make you do things like eat broccoli. Best of Variety 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prime Video Developing STEVEN UNIVERSE Spinoff LARS OF THE STARS
Steven Universe, one of the most beloved, highest rated animated series of all-time, said goodbye in early 2019. Later that year Steven Universe: The Movie arrived. But after the limited-run Steven Universe Future ended in 2020, it seemed like that might truly be the franchise's onscreen end. Turns out, thankfully for fans, it wasn't. It's officially getting ready to return to airwaves once again. Cartoon Network Studios has announced its developing a spinoff series, Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars, for Prime Video. Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe made a huge announcement during its Studio Showcase presentation at this year's Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Cartoon Network Studios revealed it is currently developing what it calls a 'follow-up' to the beloved series. Only, this new show will instead follow a different character from the original show, Lars Barriga. A different main character isn't the only major change. Unlike the original series, which aired on Cartoon Network for five seasons and 160 episodes, Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars is heading to Prime Video. It will also give viewers a chance to go both backwards and forwards through its own universe. Here's the show's official synopsis: From executive producers Rebecca Sugar and Ian Jones-Quartey, Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars explores the past, present and future of the Steven Universe universe. The sequel series follows Lars Barriga, eternal teenager and space outlaw, as he and his pirate crew smuggle contraband, evade the authorities, and uncover the darkest secrets of the fallen Gem Empire. This sequel/spinoff wasn't the only big news announced during the presentation. Cartoon Network also revealed Teen Titans Go! is a go for season 10. That's a really good day for animation fans for very different reasons. One of those show's we expected to return. The other we weren't sure we'd ever see again. But it's just hard to keep a good (Steven) universe down.
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Steven Universe sequel Lars of the Stars in development with Prime Video
It's been five long years since fans said goodbye to Steven Universe, but the magic clearly isn't over yet. The animated universe that gave us gems, fusion and unforgettable soundtracks is set to expand this time, with a twist no one saw coming. Enter Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars, a spin-off show that takes the spotlight away from Steven and hands it over to Lars Barriga. The pink-haired space pirate (and former donut boy) is now front and centre of his very own adventure. The new series is reportedly being developed at Prime Video, making it the first Steven Universe project not to premiere on Cartoon Network. The announcement was made at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where creator Rebecca Sugar shared the news in her signature style-right after a live performance of an original song she wrote for Adventure Time, reported The Hollywood Reporter (THR). According to the official logline, the upcoming series will follow Lars as an 'eternal teenager and space outlaw' leading a ragtag pirate crew. Their adventures involve smuggling contraband, dodging galactic law and uncovering 'the darkest secrets of the fallen Gem Empire.' It sounds like a far cry from Beach City's slice-of-life episodes, but if the original show taught us anything, it's that Rebecca Sugar doesn't do boring. Ian Jones-Quartey, supervising director of the original, joins Sugar as an executive producer, with Cartoon Network Studios backing the project. Although it hasn't officially gone to series yet, the buzz at Annecy and the platform shift to Prime Video indicate that Lars' journey through the stars is very much in motion. It wasn't just Steven Universe making headlines. Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe brought the goods. Among the biggest reveals? Adventure Time: Side Quests, a new spin-off diving into more of Finn's earlier solo adventures. Meanwhile, Teen Titans Go! received a Season 10 renewal, continuing its reign as the longest-running DC animated show. Also spotted: new visuals for Foster's Funtime for Imaginary Friends, the preschool reboot of Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends; The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball, a Hulu revival of The Amazing World of Gumball; and SuperMutant Magical Academy, the Adult Swim adaptation of Jillian Tamaki's cult webcomic. Yes, Steven Universe was widely praised for its LGBTQ+ representation, including characters like Garnet (a fusion of two female-presenting gems in a romantic relationship), and for addressing gender identity and non-traditional family dynamics. The story reached its intended conclusion with Steven Universe Future, which served as an epilogue to the original series. Creator Rebecca Sugar said it was the right time to let the characters rest and give the story closure. Yes, though Steven Universe explores complex emotional and social themes, it remains kid-friendly. While Steven was never given a specific medical diagnosis in Steven Universe Future, the show strongly suggests that he is dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Dexter's Laboratory' & ‘The Powerpuff Girls' Creators On How They Broke The System At Cartoon Network
If he was starting out today, Dexter's Laboratory creator Genndy Tartakovsky would 'make cartoon after cartoon until something hits.' That was Tartakovsky's pearl of wisdom delivered to a packed Annecy audience as he celebrated 25 years of Cartoon Network Studios with a sextet of creators of some of the biggest American cartoons of all time, including The Powerpuff Girls, Adventure Time and Steven Universe. More from Deadline From Brink Of Bankruptcy, TeamTO Unveils Six New Shows & Adult Animation Push At Annecy Neil Court Joins Coolabi As Chairman Amid 'Warrior Cats' Growth Push And M&A Opportunities "Je Suis Milhouse": Matt Groening Gets Emotional At Annecy As He Reveals The Motivation Behind The 800-Episode Longevity Of 'The Simpsons' Tartakovsky, who is also in Annecy promoting Netflix's Fixed, figures it's easier than ever to get your big break because young cartoonists can flood YouTube with ideas. 'It's partly independent now because you can make it and put it on your own kind of cable channel,' he added. 'That's what I'd do [if I were starting now]. I'd work a day job and then at night I'd make cartoon after cartoon until something hits. It was more difficult when we were coming up.' Tartakovsky is enthused by the new landscape and said he 'feels like when I was younger, I feel like that energy makes me still want to do new things.' He sat next to his old friend and The Powerpuff Girls creator Craig McCracken, who concurred, saying that for his spin-off of Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, which he is making with Warner-owned Hanna Barbera Studios Europe, 'the energy is so Cartoon Network' on set. Adam Muto, showrunner of Adventure Time, was slightly more muted on the current state of things. 'We need to make sure people with idiosyncrasies get to have their own voices,' he said. 'But [commissioners] have to greenlight stuff. They have gotta greenlight.' 'We were breaking the system' Tartakovsky and McCracken walked the Annecy audience through how they broke the system at Cartoon Network Studios a quarter century ago when they were first starting out, with Tartakovsky describing the older generation of cartoonists back then as being 'beaten down' when he landed his Dexter's Laboratory greenlight as a young man. McCracken, who worked with Tartakosvky on Dexter's Laboratory, added: 'We were breaking the system and they didn't like that. They were survivalists and we had been given an opportunity they had been working their whole lives for. I felt a bit bad for them but we were given this golden opportunity, this one seven-minute show. And to be fair some of the old guard loved what we were doing.' Tartakosvky set the scene for the early days of Dexter's Lab, which went on to achieve the rare feat of being a primetime Emmy-nominated cartoon. 'Half the crew were high,' he joked. 'I felt like I was saying, 'Guys come on this is our one shot,' and then they wouldn't start working till 2 p.m.' He said he was 'so worried about getting fired' that he 'didn't have a minute to focus on anything apart from what I was doing.' Soon after, McCracken's Powerpuff Girls landed a greenlight, making him into a star of the animation world, but this wasn't plain sailing either. McCracken spoke of experiencing the worst focus group of his life with a group of 11-year-old boys, one of whom even called for the 'creator to be fired.' At the time, Cartoon Network executive Mike Lazzo convinced McCracken that it was better to have people hate the show than be indifferent, and he was told to push ahead. 'I had to get out of my own head and tell myself to stop being so arty,' said McCracken. 'We felt we could make cartoons at the time so we said let's make this the best thing it can be.' The pair were joined on stage by four younger cartoon creators including Muto, Regular Show's JG Quintel, Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar and Adventure Time's Pendleton Ward. This quartet, who were termed the 'second generation' of Cartoon Network voices, had an intriguing discussion around fear of failure. 'The first season we thought we'd get canned every moment,' said Muto. 'It was during a transitional moment [for Cartoon Network] and our shows had to be hits.' Quintel said creatives live in fear at the start of their journeys that 'if these are bad, then we're getting in trouble.' For Sugar, who is the first non-binary person to independently create a series for the network, it was 'less about competition and more about protection' at the start of her journey. 'I learned when showrunning that when there is something specific on a board, you have to think how to protect it,' she explained. Sugar was delighted to sit on the same stage as Tartakovsky. She recalled pitching him an early version of Steven Universe. When Tartakosvky said he'd direct an ep, 'I crashed my car into a pole on the way home,' Sugar added. The group were speaking at Annecy on the same day as Matt Groening. Best of Deadline Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sex-Trafficking Trial Updates: Cassie Ventura's Testimony, $10M Hotel Settlement, Drugs, Violence, & The Feds A Full Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's 'It Ends With Us' Feud In Court, Online & In The Media Where To Watch All The 'John Wick' Movies: Streamers That Have All Four Films
Time Business News
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Over the Garden Wall: A Timeless Tale of Mystery, Melancholy, and Magic
In the world of animation, few series manage to blend whimsical charm, eerie folklore, and heartfelt storytelling quite like Over the Garden Wall . Created by Patrick McHale and originally aired on Cartoon Network in 2014, this 10-episode animated miniseries quickly became a cult classic. With its autumnal aesthetic, rich narrative layers, and emotional depth, Over the Garden Wall continues to captivate viewers of all ages. This article explores the origins, symbolism, characters, themes, and legacy of Over the Garden Wall , revealing why it stands as one of the most unique and enduring pieces of animated storytelling in recent history. Patrick McHale, known for his work on Adventure Time , drew from an eclectic range of inspirations when crafting Over the Garden Wall . The series began as a short film titled Tome of the Unknown in 2013, which showcased the core elements later developed into the full miniseries. McHale's vision for the show combined 19th-century Americana, early 20th-century illustration styles, classical music, and European folktales. The result was a beautifully dark and whimsical tale that felt both old-fashioned and timeless. The animation style, handled by Cartoon Network Studios, paid homage to vintage cartoons and storybook illustrations. This nostalgic visual approach reinforced the show's atmosphere of stepping into a forgotten world. The story of Over the Garden Wall follows two half-brothers, Wirt and Greg, who find themselves lost in a mysterious, dreamlike forest called 'The Unknown.' The forest is filled with strange characters, surreal settings, and ominous undertones. As the boys attempt to find their way home, they encounter talking animals, enchanted villages, and a shadowy figure known as The Beast. Each episode serves as a self-contained vignette while contributing to the overarching narrative. This episodic format echoes classic fairy tales and folktales, allowing viewers to experience a variety of moods and themes. Wirt, the older brother, is cautious and poetic, often burdened by self-doubt. Greg, his younger sibling, is carefree, imaginative, and endlessly optimistic. Their dynamic provides both comedic relief and emotional tension throughout their journey. Voiced by Elijah Wood, Wirt is the reluctant hero of the story. As a high school student struggling with identity, creativity, and fear of rejection, Wirt represents the coming-of-age anxiety that many viewers can relate to. His arc is one of growth and bravery—learning to accept uncertainty and take responsibility. Greg, voiced by Collin Dean, is Wirt's younger half-brother and the heart of the show. Innocent, curious, and full of nonsensical charm, Greg embodies childlike wonder. His spontaneous songs, silly observations, and fearless attitude balance Wirt's overthinking nature. Greg's character arc showcases how innocence and love can be powerful forces of good. A talking bluebird with a secret past, Beatrice (voiced by Melanie Lynskey) acts as both guide and wildcard. Initially sarcastic and mysterious, she hides a personal curse that unfolds as the story progresses. Her complex motivations and eventual redemption highlight themes of guilt, forgiveness, and choice. Voiced by Christopher Lloyd, The Woodsman is a somber and mysterious figure who warns the brothers about The Beast. His haunting role, centered on an eternal struggle to keep a lantern lit, adds a tragic depth to the story's mythos. As the primary antagonist, The Beast represents despair and hopelessness. Cloaked in shadow and darkness, he lures lost souls into servitude. His symbolic presence evokes themes of death, depression, and manipulation. At its core, Over the Garden Wall is a coming-of-age story. Wirt and Greg's journey symbolizes the transition from childhood to adulthood, where innocence gives way to self-awareness and maturity. The Unknown functions as a liminal space—part dreamscape, part purgatory—where lessons must be learned before moving forward. Many fans interpret Over the Garden Wall as an allegory for death or near-death experience. The Unknown could be seen as a form of limbo or the space between life and death. The show's finale and several clues throughout hint at this reading, although the creators leave much up to interpretation. Fear paralyzes Wirt, while Greg's fearlessness sometimes leads to recklessness. Through their contrasting reactions, the series explores how confronting fear and accepting personal responsibility are crucial steps toward growth. Characters like Beatrice and The Woodsman carry heavy emotional burdens. Their paths to redemption are central to the narrative, suggesting that everyone—no matter how lost—has the potential for forgiveness and change. One of the standout features of Over the Garden Wall is its music. Composed by The Blasting Company, the score includes original songs and instrumentals that span genres from early jazz and folk to Tin Pan Alley and classical. Songs like 'Into the Unknown,' 'Potatoes & Molasses,' and 'Come Wayward Souls' deepen the show's emotional resonance and contribute to its timeless feel. The music is not just background; it's an integral part of the storytelling, reinforcing mood and meaning in each scene. Visually, Over the Garden Wall draws from sources like 19th-century storybooks, vintage Halloween postcards, American Gothic art, and early animation like Betty Boop and Steamboat Willie . The muted autumnal color palette evokes a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. Each episode contains distinct and lovingly crafted settings—from a pumpkin-filled village called Pottsfield to a haunted schoolhouse run by animals. These environments contribute to the feeling of drifting through a surreal dream. McHale infused the series with references to classic literature and Americana. Inspirations include: Dante's Inferno – The brothers' descent into the Unknown mirrors a spiritual journey through darkness. – The brothers' descent into the Unknown mirrors a spiritual journey through darkness. L. Frank Baum's Oz series – Fantastical settings and whimsical characters abound. – Fantastical settings and whimsical characters abound. Washington Irving and Nathaniel Hawthorne – The show's eerie, colonial atmosphere pays tribute to these American Gothic writers. – The show's eerie, colonial atmosphere pays tribute to these American Gothic writers. Folklore and fairy tales – Each episode reflects traditional story structures, morals, and magical realism. One of the reasons Over the Garden Wall remains so popular is its openness to interpretation. Fans have developed countless theories about the true nature of the Unknown, the symbolism behind each character, and what happens after the series ends. Some popular interpretations include: The Unknown as a metaphor for grief. Wirt's journey as an internal battle with depression or anxiety. Greg's sacrifice as a symbol of pure love and selflessness. The Beast representing nihilism and hopelessness. This ambiguity has fueled an active online fandom, with fan art, essays, and discussions flourishing on platforms like Reddit and Tumblr. Despite being just 10 episodes long, Over the Garden Wall has left a lasting mark on animation. Its influence can be seen in newer shows that embrace darker themes and poetic storytelling, such as Infinity Train and The Owl House . The show has also led to: A graphic novel series expanding the lore. Merchandise, including vinyl soundtracks, apparel, and collectibles. Annual Halloween and autumnal rewatch traditions. College courses and academic papers analyzing its themes and artistry. There's something universally appealing about Over the Garden Wall . It taps into childhood nostalgia while addressing profound emotional experiences. Its mixture of light and dark mirrors the complexity of growing up, facing fears, and learning to let go. Whether you're watching it for the first time or revisiting it for the tenth, Over the Garden Wall offers something new with each viewing. It's the rare kind of art that stays with you, whispering quiet truths long after the credits roll. Over the Garden Wall is more than just an animated miniseries—it's a poetic journey through the woods of memory, loss, and transformation. With its unforgettable characters, haunting music, and beautiful animation, it invites viewers to explore the Unknown, both within the story and within themselves. As autumn leaves fall and the world shifts from light to shadow, there's no better time to step back into the strange and wonderful forest of Over the Garden Wall . Just remember: the way out is through. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
