In a surprising move following in the footsteps of Barbie’s transition into the Mattel Cinematic Universe, another major player is venturing into the entertainment industry. Crayola, renowned for its high-quality art and school supplies, is stepping into the limelight with the launch of Crayola Studios, dedicated to creating content for children and families. This unexpected foray into entertainment comes as a revelation that wasn’t anticipated by many observers.
According to Deadline, Crayola has partnered with MIMO Studios to embark on its inaugural project, “The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian.” Based on a Gen-Z Media podcast by Jonathan Messinger, the series revolves around an 8-year-old boy on a space station, accompanying his friends on explorations of new planets and aiding extraterrestrial beings. Unlike Barbie’s cinematic endeavors, Crayola Studios’ content is designed to cater to a broad audience, spanning various age groups within the kids and family demographic. Nonetheless, similar to many children’s content, it’s expected to include elements that resonate with adult viewers as well.
Crayola Studios plans to collaborate with intellectual property owners, animation studios, and other production companies for future ventures. Zarghami, leader of MIMO Studios and former Nickelodeon chief, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Crayola is synonymous with kids and color, and we are so excited to collaborate with them to bring these beloved journeys to life through world-class animation and artistry.” He highlighted the potential of adapting “The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian,” citing the captivating combination of great characters, creativity, adventure, and informative elements that the Gen-Z Media podcast successfully delivered.
The announcement adds another unexpected twist to the evolving landscape of entertainment, with both the Mattel Cinematic Universe and the potential emergence of a Crayola TV series and film empire. While Crayola may not possess iconic characters like Wishbone, the prospect of a box of crayons embarking on an adventure has the potential to captivate audiences. As the 2020s unfold, this decade continues to be marked by surprising developments and expansions into unconventional territories within the entertainment industry.