New Animated Special Revives 'Backyard Sports' Franchise

The beloved '90s video game franchise "Backyard Sports" is making a comeback with a new animated TV special featuring the character Pablo Sanchez and his team of young athletes. The special, which is set to debut later this month, will first be showcased at Dave & Buster’s before its release on YouTube. The storyline revolves around a crisis faced by team superstar Stephanie "Bubbles" Morgan, who must recover her lucky bubble gum just 30 minutes before game time.

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The animated special boasts a diverse voice cast, including Tiffany Haddish as Kiesha Phillips, Chris Mintz-Plasse as Dmitri Petrovich, Donald Faison as Dante Robinson, Ego Nwodim as Stephanie Morgan, and Arturo Castro as Pablo Sanchez. The project is written by Joe Purdy, known for "Hey Arnold!", and directed by Mike Roberts, recognized for "Final Space" and "Bojack Horseman." The production is handled by Lighthouse Studios, which has previously worked on popular shows like "Bob’s Burgers the Movie" and "Rick and Morty."

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The revival of "Backyard Sports" comes as Playground Productions, the new rights holder, has been actively re-releasing the original games for modern platforms. This animated special is part of a broader strategy to reinvigorate the franchise, which includes the development of a new "Backyard Sports" game and additional projects in television and film.

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Lindsay Barnett, CEO of Playground Productions and voice of Vinnie, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the animated characters to life, stating, “We’re excited to bring these animated characters to the world and storytell in the ‘Backyard Sports’ universe.” Chris Waters, chief product officer, highlighted the blend of comedy and heart in the franchise, noting that the selected cast embodies the spirit of "Backyard Sports."

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While the excitement around the revival is palpable, some long-time fans express skepticism regarding the adaptation of the franchise into new formats. Concerns center on whether the new projects can capture the essence of the original games that many grew up with.

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The exact release date for the "Backyard Sports" animated special will be announced soon, as anticipation builds among fans eager to see the characters they cherished in their childhood. The special is expected to pave the way for further projects under the "Backyard Sports" brand, potentially expanding its reach in the entertainment industry.

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• “Each of these actors is a perfect fit for their role, and we can’t wait for fans to see these characters come to life on screen later this month.” — Chris Waters, Chief Product Officer, Playground Productions

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• “ Playground Productions chief product officer Chris Waters added: “Backyard is a wonderful blend of comedy, heart, and the joy of play.” — Chris Waters, Chief Product Officer, Playground Productions

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