These days, whether a company is selling coffee, cars or animated TV shows, it’s all about doing what must be done to keep the brand in front of consumers. Even with its legacy of almost iconic characters, Marvel Entertainment is no exception. To that end, the venerable Marvel has entered into an agreement with Cartoon Network, in which the broadcaster gets exclusive domestic television rights to Marvel’s new animated series based on the ever-popular Fantastic Four Super Hero franchise. Cartoon Network will debut the series in Fall 2006.
‘Cartoon Network is the perfect home for the Fantastic Four,’ says Michael Helfant, President/COO of Marvel Studios. ‘Their commitment to this series will further Marvel’s mission to drive consistent, high-profile exposure and excitement for the Fantastic Four franchise worldwide,’
Co-produced by Marvel Studios and Moonscoop–the award-winning French animation company behind such series as the CN hit Code Lyoko’the Fantastic Four series promises a mix of 2D and 3D animation. Based on the original Marvel characters and storylines, the series will follow the adventures of one of the comic book world’s most prominent crime-fighting teams: Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Human Torch and The Thing, as they battle villains and their ultimate rival, Dr. Doom. Avi Arad is executive producer of the series for Marvel, along with Christophe Di Sabatino, president, and Nicolas Atlan, senior VP, who are executive producers for Moonscoop. Eric Rollman, exec VP, home entertainment and TV production, and Craig Kyle, VP creative development, animation, are the production executives for Marvel.
Last summer, the live action Fantastic Four feature film grossed more than $330 million worldwide sparking the development of a sequel planned for summer 2007.
The initial season broadcast commitment for the animated series on Cartoon Network is 26 half-hour episodes. The domestic deal now makes Cartoon Network the global home for the Fantastic Four animated series. Late last year, the broadcaster struck a deal with Moonscoop to carry the series in all territories outside the U.S.
