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Disney Unveils Bold New Animated Series for Kids at Annecy Festival, Including Sam Witch and Dragon Striker

Ahead of its major presentation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Disney Branded Television has revealed an exciting and diverse lineup of animated content for Disney+, Disney Jr., and Disney Channel. The new slate includes fresh series, first-look previews, and genre-defying projects that highlight Disney’s ongoing commitment to magical storytelling, musical moments, and multicultural narratives.

Among the standout announcements is Sam Witch, a highly anticipated new series that’s been greenlit for development. The series promises to captivate audiences with its dynamic blend of magic and adventure, marking a significant step in Disney’s broader strategy to expand its animation presence over the next few years.

A woman and a young girl are smiling, holding hands in front of vibrant, oversized cartoon character sculptures at Disney World. Several children are laughing in the background. The woman sports a red shirt with a cartoon mouse logo—just another magical moment when traveling with kids to Disney World Resort hotels with guests.
Credit: Disney

A New Line of Disney Shows

Also featured at Annecy is Dragon Striker, an ambitious new project that merges fantasy, action, and character-driven storytelling. This title is set to deliver an exciting mix of high-stakes adventure and intricate world-building that will resonate with fans of Disney’s traditional narrative style.

Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, spoke with Variety about the importance of the Annecy festival as the perfect venue to showcase the breadth and depth of the company’s animation slate. “Annecy is the perfect backdrop to showcase the creative ambition and global strength of our kids’ animation slate,” Davis shared, emphasizing the diverse array of projects Disney is investing in.

“From bold new originals like Sam Witch to fresh seasons of beloved hits like Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends and SuperKitties, to our growing lineup of original shorts, we’re building a strong lineup anchored by the world’s most beloved characters and designed for how kids watch today,” Davis added.

disney+ logo with TV remote
Credit: Disney+

Disney Commits to Children’s Entertainment

As Disney pushes into a new era of children’s entertainment, Davis stressed the importance of ensuring that these projects reflect a wide range of cultural experiences. Disney’s focus on inclusivity is evident across the new titles, as the company continues to craft stories that resonate with children and families from a variety of backgrounds. This approach reflects Disney’s global storytelling approach, offering content that feels personal and relevant to diverse audiences around the world.

The announcement of this expanded slate represents a major moment for Disney’s animation division, which has been steadily increasing its output to keep pace with the growing demand for high-quality animated content on streaming platforms like Disney+. By investing in bold, diverse shows, Disney aims to meet the needs of younger audiences who expect more dynamic, innovative stories.

Alongside the new series, the showcase at Annecy also included updates on fan-favorite series like Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends, which will return with fresh seasons, and SuperKitties, which also promises new episodes. These returning hits ensure that Disney fans of all ages will have a steady stream of content to look forward to.

Three animated Spider-Man characters from Disney Jr are in a park. Two give each other a high five while another hangs upside down from a streetlamp. Trees and buildings can be seen in the background.
Credit: Disney

As the company continues to grow its content portfolio, Disney is doubling down on its commitment to breaking new ground in children’s animation. From the enchanting magic of Sam Witch to the thrilling escapades of Dragon Striker, and the timeless appeal of familiar favorites, Disney’s upcoming animated projects are set to capture the hearts of the next generation of viewers.

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival serves as the perfect stage for these big reveals, setting the tone for the future of Disney animation. With a growing commitment to innovation and inclusivity, Disney Branded Television is undoubtedly paving the way for a new chapter in animated content—one that promises to entertain and inspire audiences for years to come.

Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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