Full Breakdown
Disney and Higher Ground Greenlight Original Animated Series “Journey” for Disney+
6/16/2026, 4:09:49 AM
Series Greenlight Details
Disney + and Higher Ground, the production company founded by former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, have officially greenlit an original animated fantasy series with the working title “Journey.” The show is being produced by ICON Creative Studio in association with Disney Television Animation and will be released under the Disney Kids & Family banner (formerly Disney Branded Television). Creator Matt Munn—known for *Ice Age: Collision Course* and *Spies in Disguise*—will serve as executive producer alongside Peabody-Award-winning Steve Loter (*Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur*, *Kim Possible*). Higher Ground head of television Jessie Dicovitsky also holds an executive-producer credit.
The narrative follows a young heroine, Journey, whose city’s protective energy shield begins to fail. Answering a mysterious call, she ventures beyond the city walls into forbidden lands, uncovers the truth about her father’s disappearance, and discovers a powerful magic within herself that may save her people. Music is described as a central storytelling element.
Background & Context
Higher Ground concluded an eight-year first-look deal with Netflix in April 2026, opting for a more independent production model. The Disney Kids & Family division was recently rebranded from Disney Branded Television, signaling a broader focus on original animated content for the Disney+ platform. “Journey” represents Higher Ground’s first major animation partnership since the Netflix split and expands Disney Kids & Family’s slate, which already includes *Bluey*, *Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+*, *Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends*, *Big City Greens*, and *Phineas and Ferb*.
Key Creators and Production Partners
- Matt Munn – Creator; animation credits include *Ice Age: Collision Course* and *Spies in Disguise*.
- Steve Loter – Executive producer; known for *Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur* and *Kim Possible*.
- Jessie Dicovitsky – Head of television at Higher Ground; executive producer on the project.
- Ayo Davis – President, Disney Kids & Family; oversees the series’ development.
- ICON Creative Studio – Production studio collaborating with Disney Television Animation.
Official Statements & Responses
Disney Kids & Family president Ayo Davis emphasized that the series centers on a courageous heroine and embodies themes of resilience, self-discovery, and belief in something larger than oneself—values traditionally associated with Disney storytelling. Higher Ground’s Jessie Dicovitsky highlighted the blend of adventure, imagination, and music, describing the project as a bold original that builds on Higher Ground’s history of delivering meaningful family content.
Why It Matters
The partnership marks a strategic expansion for both entities: Disney strengthens its pipeline of original animated properties for Disney+, while Higher Ground establishes a foothold in high-profile animation after its departure from Netflix. The series also diversifies Disney’s family slate with a music-driven fantasy narrative, potentially attracting new audience segments.
Criticism & Opposition
Commentator Roger noted that Disney “needs to keep expanding its animated lineup and it desperately needs some new original shows to form new franchises, rather than just being reliant on existing characters.” He expressed cautious optimism that the series’ magical elements could resonate with viewers but questioned the timeline for its release.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the series’ premise and production team, but no official release date, episode count, or season length has been disclosed. Details about voice talent and distribution strategy remain unreported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Journey is an epic adventure anchored by a remarkable young heroine whose courage inspires those around her,” — Ayo Davis, President, Disney Kids & Family
- “At its core, it’s a story about resilience, self-discovery and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself — the kind of universal themes that have defined Disney stories for generations.” — Ayo Davis
- “ Dicovitsky, who is head of television at Higher Ground, added, “Combining adventure, imagination and music, ‘Journey’ is a true original that takes bold swings.” — Jessie Dicovitsky, Head of Television, Higher Ground
- “Combining adventure, imagination and music, ‘Journey’ is a true original that takes bold swings. We’re proud to partner with Disney on this fantastical series and to build on Higher Ground’s history of delivering fun and meaningful stories for kids and families.” — Jessie Dicovitsky
- “ Roger’s Take: Disney needs to keep expanding its animated lineup and it desperately needs some new original shows to form new franchises, rather than just being reliant on existing characters.” — Roger, commentator
What’s Next
The announcement coincides with Disney Kids & Family’s upcoming presence at the Annecy International Film Festival, where a preview of *The Doomies* and an exclusive first-look panel for *Cars: Lightning Racers* are scheduled. “Journey” remains in production, and Disney has indicated it will join the platform’s animated lineup in a future release window.
