After the successful airing of the re-imagined special in January, Cartoon Network has now announced the global return of one of its most beloved franchises, the Emmy-winning, The Powerpuff Girls.
Slated for a 2016 launch, this reboot will include an all-new television series produced by Cartoon Network Studios and a full licensing program that will roll out across all regions. The announcement was made today by Rob Sorcher, to kick off the 2014 Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.
“The original Powerpuff Girls was a franchise phenomenon for Cartoon Network, paving the way for a new generation of innovative storytellers and enthusiastic fans worldwide,” said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer, Cartoon Network. “We are calling these girls back into action based upon an overwhelming demand for sugar, spice and Chemical X.”
One of Cartoon Network’s most enduring original series, The Powerpuff Girls has earned two Emmy Awards along with five nominations, as well as countless animation honours throughout its 78-episode run. The series also inspired a feature film in 2003, a 10th anniversary special, and a re-imagined CG special, The Powerpuff Girls: Dance Pantsed which aired on Cartoon Network in January 2014 and featured Ringo Starr. The series is among the top-grossing Cartoon Network brands of all time, with more than US$2.5 billion in retail sales generated since its debut, and has endured as a global fashion brand with a range of apparel partners and fashion collections around the world.
“This news is three large spoonfuls of excitement for Cartoon Network Enterprises in Asia Pacific,” added Melissa Tinker, Vice President of CNE in Asia Pacific. “We can’t wait to unleash this unique brand of cute and chic into the Australia and New Zealand markets. While in Asia, this will further expand and complement our existing Powerpuff business, a licensing programwhich already enjoys great success across our markets.”
The Powerpuff Girls, which debuted on Cartoon Network in 1998, was created by Craig McCracken and revolves around three sugar-coated superheroes whose mission in life alternates between going to school, fighting crime and winning at hopscotch.
