Canal+ commissions new animated series ‘Max & Rabbit’ for young viewers
A fresh take on children’s animation
In an exciting development for fans of children’s programming, Canal+ has greenlit a new 2D animated series titled Max & Rabbit. This charming show, aimed at three- to five-year-olds, is being brought to life by the talented team at French animation house Dandelooo. The series is based on the beloved children’s book series by French author Astrid Desbordes, with illustrations by Pauline Martin.
A journey through daily adventures
Max & Rabbit follows the daily adventures of its titular characters, Max and his rabbit companion. The narrative is uniquely told from Max’s perspective, offering young viewers a relatable and engaging way to learn about emotions, listening skills, and problem-solving. The show promises to be both entertaining and educational, using clever storytelling tools to help children navigate everyday challenges.
Animation magic in the making
The animation for Max & Rabbit will be crafted at Dandelooo’s Ooolala studio in Cartoucherie, Valence, with production set to begin next month. The series will be directed by Clément Céard, whose impressive resume includes work on the Oscar-nominated film Persepolis, the popular adult animated series Lastman, and the 2D sequences in The Inventor by Jim Capobianco and Pierre-Luc Granjon.
A history of successful collaborations
This new project continues the fruitful partnership between Dandelooo and Canal+. The two companies have previously collaborated on the series The Upside-Down River, based on Jean Claude Mourlevat’s novel, and the award-winning short Mum is Pouring Rain, which won a jury award at Annecy in 2021.
Emmanuèle Pétry, Dandelooo’s Producer & Head of International, expressed excitement about the new commission: “With this new project, we are thrilled to continue our creative collaboration with Nathalie Leffray and Christine Cauquelin from Canal+. Building on the great teamwork established during the production of The Upside-Down River, we are eager to bring this beautiful IP to life.”
A promising new series for young audiences
Christine Cauquelin, Director of Programs and Channels for Documentaries, Youth, and Animation at Canal+, shared her enthusiasm: “The Max & Rabbit books by Astrid Desbordes and Pauline Martin have captured our hearts with their modern look and humorous tone. We believe the series will resonate with our youngest viewers, thanks to its kind, smart, and slightly mischievous characters. We have no doubt that our audience will love this new series.”
Looking ahead
Dandelooo will handle international distribution for Max & Rabbit, with the series set for delivery in Q4 2025. This new venture promises to be a delightful addition to the world of children’s animation, offering both entertainment and valuable life lessons for young viewers.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Max & Rabbit.
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
As a long-time enthusiast of animation and children’s programming, the announcement of Max & Rabbit is particularly exciting. The collaboration between Dandelooo and Canal+ has already produced some remarkable content, and this new series promises to continue that trend. The focus on emotional intelligence and problem-solving is a refreshing approach in children’s media, providing not just entertainment but also valuable life skills.
The involvement of Clément Céard as director adds an extra layer of anticipation. His work on Persepolis and Lastman showcases his ability to handle complex narratives and engaging visuals, which bodes well for Max & Rabbit.
For parents and caregivers, this series offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with children on important topics in a fun and accessible way. The characters of Max and Rabbit are sure to become beloved figures in many households, teaching young viewers about empathy, communication, and resilience.
In a world where children’s media can often be hit or miss, Max & Rabbit stands out as a promising new addition. I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to its release and the positive impact it will undoubtedly have on its young audience.
For those interested in exploring more about the series, don’t forget to check out the Max & Rabbit trailer and stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release date.