Original Force is at the helm of production for the highly anticipated Warrior Cats animated television series, marking a significant milestone as the first officially authorized animated adaptation of the globally recognized book franchise. This ambitious project is slated for a 2028 premiere on Tencent Video platforms, reaching audiences across China and Southeast Asia. Following this initial launch, the series will embark on an international rollout, making its way to Disney+ and the Disney Channel, promising a wide-reaching impact for the beloved book saga.
A Landmark Collaboration for a Global Phenomenon
The creation of the Warrior Cats animated series represents a powerful synergy between Original Force, Tencent Video, and Coolabi Group. This collaboration underscores the immense global appeal of the Warrior Cats universe, a franchise that has captivated millions of readers for over two decades. For Original Force, this venture signifies their ascent to a leading role as producer on a premium international animated series, leveraging their extensive experience and technical prowess. The company, renowned for its CG content creation and animation production capabilities, has a 25-year history of contributing to a vast array of film, television, gaming, and interactive entertainment projects. Their impressive portfolio includes collaborations on over 800 animation projects, notably through their long-standing partnership with DreamWorks Animation.
The strategic decision to have Original Force lead this production highlights their commitment to delivering a high-quality adaptation that honors the spirit and depth of the original books. With a workforce of over 2,700 professionals spread across studios in Nanjing, Beijing, Chengdu, Wuhan, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Bangkok, Original Force possesses the extensive resources and international reach necessary to manage a production of this magnitude. Their established infrastructure and proven track record in CG animation make them an ideal partner to translate the intricate world of the warrior cats to the screen.
Esteemed Creative Leadership at the Helm
The production is fortified by an exceptionally talented international creative team, spearheaded by showrunner A.C. Bradley and director Rodrigo Blaas. A.C. Bradley, an Emmy Award-winning showrunner, brings a wealth of experience from her work on acclaimed series such as Marvel’s Ms. Marvel, Marvel Studios’ What If…?, and the popular Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia. Her expertise in crafting compelling narratives and developing rich character arcs is expected to be instrumental in bringing the complex dynamics of the cat clans to life.
Joining her is Emmy Award-winning director Rodrigo Blaas, whose directorial credits span a remarkable array of visually stunning and critically lauded projects. Blaas’s impressive resume includes Star Wars: Visions – Sith, Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, and significant contributions to beloved Pixar films like Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and the Oscar-winning WALL·E. His visionary direction and keen eye for visual storytelling are poised to imbue the Warrior Cats series with a breathtaking aesthetic that will resonate with both long-time fans and new audiences. The combined creative vision of Bradley and Blaas promises an adaptation that is both faithful to the source material and innovative in its execution.
A Vision for Extraordinary Content
Harley Zhao, Founder and CEO of Original Force, articulated the company’s profound commitment to this project, stating, "Warrior Cats represents exactly the kind of project Original Force was built for. We have spent more than two decades developing the creative infrastructure, the technical excellence, and the international partnerships to lead a production of this scale and ambition. This is not simply a service engagement – it is Original Force stepping into its role as a global leader in CG-driven content production, bringing together the finest creative talent in the world to deliver something genuinely extraordinary." Zhao’s statement emphasizes Original Force’s strategic shift towards taking on lead production roles for ambitious international projects, showcasing their readiness to champion high-profile intellectual properties.
The production team at Original Force is further bolstered by Executive Producer Adam Zhang, whose credits include the animated features 10 Lives, Duck Duck Goose, and L.O.R.D., and Producer Yihuan Wu, known for her work on Honor of Kings: Chapter of Glory, Monsters in the Forbidden City, and Deer Squad Season 4. Zhang and Wu are tasked with overseeing the entire development and production pipeline, ensuring that the series adheres to the highest standards of quality from conception through to final delivery.
Adam Zhang elaborated on the significance of the creative team, noting, "What makes this production remarkable is the creative team we have assembled around this IP. A.C. Bradley and Rodrigo Blaas are among the most gifted storytellers working in animation today, and having the resources of Original Force behind them – combined with the trust of Tencent Video and Coolabi – creates conditions for something that can genuinely stand alongside the best animated series in the world." This sentiment highlights the collaborative spirit and the shared ambition to create a series that will set a new benchmark in animated storytelling.
The Enduring Legacy of Warrior Cats
The Warrior Cats franchise, originating from "Warrior Cats: The Prophecies Begin," has built an unparalleled legacy since its inception. Created by Working Partners, a subsidiary of Coolabi Group, the series immerses readers in the intricate lives and epic sagas of wild cat clans. Its profound impact is evident in its staggering sales figures, with over 90 million books sold worldwide. The franchise’s enduring popularity is further demonstrated by its translation into 38 languages and its remarkable 20-year continuous presence on The New York Times bestseller list, a testament to its consistent appeal across generations and cultures.
Beyond its literary success, Warrior Cats boasts a vibrant and highly engaged digital fanbase. The official website garners over 2 million annual visitors, while user-generated content across platforms like YouTube attracts more than 50 million monthly views. TikTok has seen nearly 3 billion views associated with the franchise, and the gaming world is equally captivated, with Warrior Cats: Ultimate Edition on Roblox accumulating over 735 million plays. This extensive digital footprint underscores the franchise’s adaptability and its deep connection with a diverse, modern audience, setting a strong foundation for the animated series.
Strategic Distribution and Global Reach
The partnership with Disney for international distribution is a pivotal element of the series’ global strategy. Will Harrison, CEO of Coolabi Group, expressed his gratitude for this key agreement, stating, "We are so grateful to reach such a key deal with Disney on behalf of Coolabi and Tencent Video. Disney is the perfect broadcast partner for such a hugely loved brand, and we look forward to expanding the fanbase further both in the U.S. and globally when the series hits the small screen." This collaboration ensures that the Warrior Cats animated series will reach a vast international audience, leveraging Disney’s extensive network and proven success in distributing popular family content.
Tencent Video, one of China’s preeminent online video streaming platforms, plays a crucial role in the series’ initial launch. Their platform offers a wide spectrum of content, including drama series, animation, films, variety shows, sports, and documentaries, catering to a broad demographic across multiple devices. Their involvement guarantees a robust premiere in China and Southeast Asia, tapping into a significant and growing market for animated content.
A Rich Tapestry of Partnerships
Coolabi Group, as the owner and developer of the Warrior Cats IP, is deeply invested in the success of this animated adaptation. The company specializes in children’s and family fiction, TV series, and digital products, with other notable IPs including Beast Quest and Lady Grace Mysteries. Their extensive catalog boasts over 2,000 titles, with books selling more than 200 million copies globally. Coolabi’s expertise in licensing and co-production, extending to over 40 territories, makes them an invaluable partner in expanding the Warrior Cats universe across various media. Their proactive approach to co-developing and co-producing live-action and animation projects with networks and producers worldwide signifies their commitment to bringing their beloved stories to life in compelling new formats.
The synergy between Original Force’s animation expertise, Tencent Video’s vast digital reach in Asia, Coolabi Group’s IP stewardship, and Disney’s global distribution power creates a formidable alliance. This multifaceted approach is designed to ensure that the Warrior Cats animated series not only meets but exceeds the high expectations of its global fanbase. The careful orchestration of production, creative leadership, and distribution channels points towards a meticulously planned launch aimed at maximizing the series’ impact and solidifying its place as a leading animated property worldwide. The series is poised to introduce the world of warrior cats to a new generation of viewers while offering a rich and engaging experience for existing fans, further cementing the franchise’s status as a cultural phenomenon.
