Disney+ Greenlights 'Darkwing Duck' Revival with Hamill, Rogen

Key points

• Disney+ has ordered a new 'Darkwing Duck' animated series, confirming a project first reported in development in 2020.
• Mark Hamill will voice the titular character, Drake Mallard, replacing original voice actor Jim Cummings.
• Seth Rogen, Lizzy Caplan, and Lilimar join the cast as Launchpad McQuack, Gosalyn Mallard, and a new character named Duckie.
• The series is produced by Point Grey Pictures, with Sean Tretta and Borja Peña Gorostegui serving as executive producers.
• Original creator Tad Stones is consulting on the project, which reimagines the character in an alternate universe.

Background

The original 'Darkwing Duck' series ran for 91 episodes from 1991 to 1995, featuring Jim Cummings as the voice of the hero. The character has appeared in recent iterations of 'DuckTales,' but this new series marks the first standalone revival in over three decades. Point Grey Pictures, known for 'The Boys' and 'Invincible,' is producing the new show alongside Disney Television Animation.

How outlets are covering it

All four sources confirm the greenlight and the primary cast, but they differ in emphasis. Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter focus on the star power of the new cast, particularly the departure from Jim Cummings, which sparked fan debate. Variety highlights the six-year gap between the initial development report and the official order. The Disney+ press release emphasizes the 'action-packed' tone and the involvement of Point Grey Pictures, framing the show as a continuation of the franchise's legacy rather than a simple reboot. Commentators on Deadline noted the absence of original voice actors, with some fans questioning the decision to replace Jim Cummings, while others cited the passing of original cast member Christine Cavanaugh as a factor in the new casting choices.

Why it matters

The greenlight signals Disney+'s continued investment in reviving classic animated properties with modern, high-profile talent. The involvement of Point Grey Pictures, known for edgy animated content, suggests a shift in tone for the franchise, potentially appealing to older audiences while maintaining the core appeal for younger fans. The casting of Mark Hamill, a legendary voice actor, adds significant star power to the project.

What to watch

Production is expected to begin shortly, with no release date announced yet. The series will likely debut on Disney+ in 2027 or 2028, following the typical production timeline for animated series. Fans will be watching for the first trailer or promotional material to gauge the tone and direction of the new series.