Italian
Lionel Messi‘s upcoming animated kids’ series has been acquired by Disney Branded Television.
The series, titled “Messi and the Giants,” was first reported to be in the works back in 2023. It will now premiere on the Disney Channel and stream globally on Disney+. A launch date will be announced in the future.
“I always dreamed of being involved in a project that would share the values of sports, the very same values that have been so important to my career, with younger generations,” Messi said. “Nothing truly is impossible with teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and hard work. I look forward to sharing this series with kids around the world, and I hope I will inspire them and motivate them to achieve their own dreams. Ever since I was a kid, I always loved animated series, and I look forward to watching this series with my own kids.”
The series is produced by Sony Music Vision and Sony Pictures Television – Kids (SPT – Kids). Per the official description, the action-adventure series follows “Leo, an ordinary 12-year-old boy with an extraordinary talent and a huge problem. The once-thriving world of Iko is in tatters at the mercy of the Giants who rule the 10 realms. Only one hero can save them … and he’s the size of a flea. Young Leo is plucked from another world to lead the fight against the tyrannical villains who have kept the 10 realms under their control.”
Popular on Variety “Football — or soccer as we call it in the United States — is the world’s most beloved sport, uniting and captivating millions of fans of all ages,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television. “We are proud to work with Lionel Messi and Sony Pictures Television to bring ‘Messi and the Giants’ to our passionate, global kids’ audience. We know that its themes of family, friendship, and teamwork will resonate with not only football enthusiasts but everyone everywhere who loves a great story.”
Joe D’Ambrosia, EVP and general manager of Sony Pictures Television – Kids, added, “Football is one of those rare sports that brings people together and shines a light on the true meaning of teamwork. It’s been a privilege to team with Leo and our colleagues at Sony Music on this first-time collaboration. We’re thrilled that Disney is giving a global platform to this fun take on a classic tale and look forward to launching a global consumer products and branded partnerships program alongside the show’s debut.”
Guy Toubes will serve as executive producer, overseeing all writing for the series. Atlantis Animation, a Canary Island-based company, and director Dan Creteur will serve as the show’s animation studio. The series was developed by Toubes and Creteur under the creative direction of Sony Music Vision and Sony Pictures Television – Kids, in partnership with Messi, and will be available in English, Spanish and many other languages.
“There is an incredible team all working together on this project, with Leo’s magic as the inspiration behind it all,” said Afo Verde, chairman and CEO of Sony Music Latin Iberia. “We are thrilled that Disney has now joined our roster to help bring this imaginative series to audiences and inspire fans all around the world.”
