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StudioCanal, Heyday Films and Submarine Announce 52-Episode 3D CGI Pippi Longstocking Series
Pippi Longstocking returns to screens in a brand‑new 52‑episode, 3‑D CGI adventure announced today by StudioCanal. The project is a collaboration between the French studio, Heyday Films—the production arm of David Heyman—Submarine, a Mediawan‑owned company, and The Astrid Lindgren Company, which owns the rights to the beloved author’s catalog.
Each episode will run for 11 minutes and will be produced in full‑color CGI. Production is slated to begin in October 2026, with no release window disclosed yet. StudioCanal will distribute the series worldwide, while StudioCanal Kids & Family will handle merchandising and licensing in France and the United Kingdom.
The writing team features Sara Daddy, who expressed enthusiasm for capturing Pippi’s “fiercely independent spirit, free‑thinking ways, and superhuman strength.” Max Hallén, CEO of The Astrid Lindgren Company, added that the character “remains at the heart of our journey” and that the new series marks a milestone in extending Lindgren’s stories to fresh audiences.
This reboot is the first major animated return of Pippi in almost thirty years. The last fully animated adaptation was the 1997 feature film from Columbia TriStar, followed by a single‑season television series co‑produced with Teletoon in Canada and ZDF in Germany. The new series is described as a “fresh and modern” version of the character, aiming to keep the red‑haired adventurer relevant for contemporary children.
StudioCanal’s involvement follows a recent history of successful children’s properties. The company has built a global brand around the Paddington franchise, producing a hit West End musical, a London Southbank immersive experience, an award‑winning animated series, and a new animated film in development. Heyday Films, which produced the Paddington animated series, brings a proven track record of high‑quality children’s content.
Submarine is known for live‑action, animated, and documentary productions. Its participation adds expertise in CGI animation and international distribution. The Astrid Lindgren Company has overseen several adaptations of Lindgren’s works, including the 2019 film “Ronja the Robber’s Daughter.”
While a release date remains unannounced, industry observers note that a 2027 debut would be the earliest possible launch, given the October 2026 production start. The 52‑episode format aligns with standard children’s television packages, allowing for weekly broadcasts or streaming releases.
The project’s development is part of a broader trend of reviving classic children’s characters for new media formats. By combining StudioCanal’s distribution network, Heyday’s production experience, Submarine’s animation capabilities, and the Astrid Lindgren Company’s intellectual property rights, the partnership aims to deliver a high‑quality series that respects the original spirit of Pippi while appealing to modern audiences.
At present, the series is in pre‑production. No further details on episode content, voice cast, or platform distribution have been released. StudioCanal has indicated that it will provide updates as the project moves forward, and the series is expected to be part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its children’s content portfolio.
In summary, StudioCanal, Heyday Films, Submarine and The Astrid Lindgren Company have announced a 52‑episode 3‑D CGI Pippi Longstocking series slated to begin production in October 2026. The project will be distributed worldwide by StudioCanal, with merchandising handled by StudioCanal Kids & Family in France and the UK. The series represents the first major animated return of the character in nearly thirty years and is positioned to bring a beloved classic to a new generation of viewers.
Each episode will run for 11 minutes and will be produced in full‑color CGI. Production is slated to begin in October 2026, with no release window disclosed yet. StudioCanal will distribute the series worldwide, while StudioCanal Kids & Family will handle merchandising and licensing in France and the United Kingdom.
The writing team features Sara Daddy, who expressed enthusiasm for capturing Pippi’s “fiercely independent spirit, free‑thinking ways, and superhuman strength.” Max Hallén, CEO of The Astrid Lindgren Company, added that the character “remains at the heart of our journey” and that the new series marks a milestone in extending Lindgren’s stories to fresh audiences.
This reboot is the first major animated return of Pippi in almost thirty years. The last fully animated adaptation was the 1997 feature film from Columbia TriStar, followed by a single‑season television series co‑produced with Teletoon in Canada and ZDF in Germany. The new series is described as a “fresh and modern” version of the character, aiming to keep the red‑haired adventurer relevant for contemporary children.
StudioCanal’s involvement follows a recent history of successful children’s properties. The company has built a global brand around the Paddington franchise, producing a hit West End musical, a London Southbank immersive experience, an award‑winning animated series, and a new animated film in development. Heyday Films, which produced the Paddington animated series, brings a proven track record of high‑quality children’s content.
Submarine is known for live‑action, animated, and documentary productions. Its participation adds expertise in CGI animation and international distribution. The Astrid Lindgren Company has overseen several adaptations of Lindgren’s works, including the 2019 film “Ronja the Robber’s Daughter.”
While a release date remains unannounced, industry observers note that a 2027 debut would be the earliest possible launch, given the October 2026 production start. The 52‑episode format aligns with standard children’s television packages, allowing for weekly broadcasts or streaming releases.
The project’s development is part of a broader trend of reviving classic children’s characters for new media formats. By combining StudioCanal’s distribution network, Heyday’s production experience, Submarine’s animation capabilities, and the Astrid Lindgren Company’s intellectual property rights, the partnership aims to deliver a high‑quality series that respects the original spirit of Pippi while appealing to modern audiences.
At present, the series is in pre‑production. No further details on episode content, voice cast, or platform distribution have been released. StudioCanal has indicated that it will provide updates as the project moves forward, and the series is expected to be part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its children’s content portfolio.
In summary, StudioCanal, Heyday Films, Submarine and The Astrid Lindgren Company have announced a 52‑episode 3‑D CGI Pippi Longstocking series slated to begin production in October 2026. The project will be distributed worldwide by StudioCanal, with merchandising handled by StudioCanal Kids & Family in France and the UK. The series represents the first major animated return of the character in nearly thirty years and is positioned to bring a beloved classic to a new generation of viewers.
