Obamas Partner with Disney for New Animated Fantasy Series After Netflix Deal Ends

LOS ANGELES — Former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have announced their first major entertainment project following the conclusion of their long-running partnership with Netflix, joining forces with Disney to produce an original animated fantasy series aimed at children and families.

The new project, currently titled Journey, marks a significant milestone for the Obamas’ production company, Higher Ground, which concluded its eight-year first-look agreement with Netflix earlier this year. The collaboration with Disney signals a new direction for the company as it continues to focus on inspiring, educational and family-oriented storytelling.

The animated series is being developed in partnership with Disney Kids & Family and is created and executive produced by acclaimed animator and filmmaker Matt Munn, whose previous credits include Ice Age: Collision Course and Spies in Disguise.

According to Disney, Journey follows the story of a courageous young heroine named Journey, who embarks on an epic quest into forbidden lands in search of answers surrounding her father’s mysterious disappearance. Along the way, she discovers powerful magical abilities within herself while learning lessons about courage, identity and perseverance.

Disney executives say the project reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to stories that inspire audiences through imagination, adventure and meaningful life lessons.

Ayo Davis, President of Disney Kids & Family, described the series as an ambitious and emotionally rich adventure.

“Journey is an epic story anchored by a remarkable young heroine whose courage inspires everyone around her. At its heart, it explores resilience, self-discovery and the power of believing in something greater than yourself,” Davis said.

Higher Ground executives also expressed excitement about entering a new creative partnership with Disney.

Jessie Dicovitsky, Head of Television at Higher Ground, said the series combines adventure, imagination and music while delivering a message that resonates with young audiences and families.

“Journey is a truly original project that takes creative risks while offering meaningful storytelling. We are proud to collaborate with Disney and continue Higher Ground’s tradition of producing impactful content for children and families,” Dicovitsky said.

Founded in 2018 by Barack and Michelle Obama, Higher Ground quickly established itself as one of the most influential production companies in the entertainment industry. Through its partnership with Netflix, the company produced a range of critically acclaimed documentaries, films and television programs.

Among its most notable projects are the Academy Award-winning documentary American Factory, the acclaimed documentary Crip Camp, the Oscar-nominated film Rustin, and the celebrated musical documentary American Symphony. These productions earned multiple awards and helped cement Higher Ground’s reputation for creating stories that highlight social issues, human resilience and cultural diversity.

Industry observers view the Disney partnership as a strategic move that allows the Obamas to expand their reach into family and youth entertainment while continuing to promote themes of hope, empowerment and inclusion.

The announcement has generated considerable excitement within the entertainment industry, particularly among audiences eager to see how Higher Ground will translate its storytelling approach into the world of animated fantasy.

Production timelines and release dates for Journey have not yet been announced, but the project is already being positioned as one of Disney’s most anticipated upcoming family series.

As Higher Ground enters this new chapter, the collaboration with Disney demonstrates the Obamas’ ongoing commitment to creating stories that inspire, educate and entertain audiences around the world.

Courtesy: independent