There’s no need to fear! Shoeshine Boy’s heroic alter ego is returning to the screens in Underdog, a reboot of the classic canine action-comedy from Superprod Group’s Superprod Animation (France) and Red Monk Studio (Italy). The series is commissioned by French broadcasters M6 and Gulli and Italian pubcaster RAI; Superights will handle international distribution.
First introduced in 1959 through the General Mills-backed cartoons created by W. Watts Biggers and team, Underdog has remained popular through the decades with his own TV series (aired on NBC, CBS and Nickelodeon), comics and a 2007 live-action movie. Now, the midcentury favorite is getting a 3D CG update from Superprod Animation and Red Monk to introduce the plucky pooch to a new generation of kids and families.
The new 52 x 11′ Underdog series follows the crime busting adventures of a uniquely canine superhero. Clumsy yet lovable, Underdog is a superpowered dog who battles villains with the help of his team of fellow superheroes. Despite his bumble prone persona, his heart and determination make him a lovable and endearing hero. Created for a bridge audience, the series blends action and humor while promoting positive values such as friendship, courage and perseverance.
Underdog was developed for TV with Matt Smith (The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants, The Croods, The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show) and Shane Morris (Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph, Tangled, The PAW Patrol 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.
“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!'” said Jérémie Fajner and Clément Calvet, co- founders of the Superprod Group. “We are eager to bring this project to audiences and proud of this partnership with M6 Group and RAI.”
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.
