Danger Mouse is coming back to television!
It has been announced that Dublin-based animation company Boulder Media is teaming up with The BBC and London’s FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment to bring much-loved animated hero Danger Mouse and his sidekick Penfold back to the small screen in 2015.
Boulder Media’s Robert Cullen (‘The Amazing World Of Gumball,’ ‘Fosters Home For Imaginary Friends’) is directing with ‘Horrible Histories’ scribe Ben Ward on board to lead the writing team.
The new series, consisting of 52 episodes, will use a mixed media approach to give the show a distinct look and feel. Bursting with boundless confidence the show’s hero is still cooler than a polar bear’s toenails, facing fear with a perfect karate chop and a slightly elevated eyebrow. His distinguishing eye patch has now been replaced by an “i-patch” with multiple technological functions.
Also returning to the show are DM’s trusty sidekick and hapless hamster Penfold, and other familiar faces along with a host of new characters, locations, gadgets, villains and vehicles. Danger Mouse’s HQ will still be housed in a red post box but his nerve centre will be now packed with state-of-the-art wizardry.
Originally produced by Cosgrove Hall Films for Thames Television, ‘Danger Mouse’ ran on ITV from 1981 to 1992. Danger Mouse was originally voiced by David Jason, with sidekick Penfold voiced by the late Terry Scott; there’s been no word on who will provide the voices for the rebooted series.
The series also proved hugely popular overseas and was broadcast in over 80 territories worldwide including Australia, Germany and France and it was the first UK cartoon to really break into the USA.
In a statement, Cheryl Taylor, Controller of CBBC, said: “Danger Mouse is the last word in debonair and delightfully eccentric heroics and with Penfold at his side the much-loved duo will win over a whole new generation of fans. CBBC is thrilled to be kick-starting their adventures afresh with our equally enthusiastic partners Boulder and FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment.”
“I am delighted that a whole new generation will be introduced to his daring deeds and thrilled to be part of this new 21st Century series,” said Brian Cosgrove, co-creator of the original ‘Danger Mouse’ series. “I can’t wait to find out what he’s been up to for the last 23 years.”
Anne Tweedy and Peter Lewis of Boulder Media are producing the rebooted series with FremantleMedia’s Bob Higgins and Sarah Muller of CBBC serving as executive producers. Cosgrove will act as a consultant on the series.