Credit: Disney Walt Disney Animation Studios has announced its first-ever collaboration with Kugali Media – an entertainment company “focused on telling stories inspired by African Culture using comic books, art and augmented reality. Our stories respect the history, embrace the present and imagine the future of Africa.”
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At D23 Expo on Friday, Disney revealed a first look at Iwájú, streaming on Disney+ in 2023. The series is described as a love letter to Lagos, Nigeria, focusing on two teens – one a poor boy and one a wealthy heiress – facing a threat to their lives:
Journey into a futuristic version of Lagos, Nigeria with this FIRST LOOK of Disney Animation and Kugali’s Iwájú! The all-new Original series streams on @DisneyPlus in 2023. #D23Expo
Journey into a futuristic version of Lagos, Nigeria with this FIRST LOOK of Disney Animation and Kugali’s Iwájú!
The all-new Original series streams on @DisneyPlus in 2023. #D23Expo pic.twitter.com/Y5rpL4i7mR
— Disney (@Disney) September 10, 2022
News reporter Scott Gustin shared the series’ logo and a look at the futuristic version of Lagos that Iwájú is set in:
IWAJU will be the first collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Kugali. Original series coming to Disney+ in 2023.
IWAJU will be the first collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Kugali. Original series coming to Disney+ in 2023. pic.twitter.com/27OQPmPFYf
— Scott Gustin 📍D23 Expo (@ScottGustin) September 10, 2022
In the first image from the series, we not only get a look at the lead characters but an adorable lizard that appears to have unusual powers and unique markings! In the background, city buildings are interspersed with drones, flying cars, and other sci-fi technology.
Notably, this is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first-ever outside studio collaboration.
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Inside the Magic will continue to share updates throughout the weekend. Disney D23 is “The largest Disney fan event in the world,” and this year’s convention is sure to be something special. D23 Expo celebrates the beautiful worlds of The Walt Disney Company, including Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, across film, television, theme parks, and more!
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Are you excited about Walt Disney Animations Studios and Kugali Media’s Iwájú?