STX Entertainment announced today a new deal with Hulu for UglyDolls, STX’s highly anticipated animated franchise. The agreement includes a 26-episode series order of UglyDolls to be developed and produced as an animated kids series for Hulu, as well as the exclusive SVOD rights to the upcoming animated feature film following its theatrical run. Hulu will be the streaming home to both the series and the film in the U.S., with STX retaining the international rights.
STXtv will take on the dual role of studio and producer for the new animated kids series. Hulu is the latest major player to join STX’s first animated franchise which has also attracted Hasbro as global master toy licensee, and Walmart signed on to give UglyDolls its highest level of retail support – a commitment reserved for few premiere properties.
“UglyDolls is an ideal brand fit for STX, which was conceived for franchise building across all platforms from film to television, digital, virtual reality, consumer products, and more. Our seamless infrastructure allows us to strategize across all divisions, and as a next-generation studio we are thrilled to partner with a next-generation premium streaming service of Hulu’s caliber to service the entire universe of the ‘Uglydolls’ franchise,” said Jada Miranda, STXtv’s EVP/Head of Scripted Television. “Our partners at Hulu fully embraced this opportunity and we felt confidence in their plan to realize the massive potential in what is STX’s first animated property.”
Created as a plush toy line by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim, the Uglydoll brand quickly gained a cult following around the world and was named Toy of the Year by the Toy Industry Association in 2006. Beloved by children, teenagers and adults alike, Uglydoll characters are distinct for their endearing “ugliness,” in a wonderful “uglyverse” where differences are celebrated and embraced.
This new deal comes at a time when Hulu is making great strides to expand its family programming options. Earlier this month, Hulu announced its largest kids & family licensing deal to date with DreamWorks Animation for future slates of DreamWorks Animation feature films, as well as the rights to develop original kids & family series based on the company’s popular franchises. Hulu also recently announced a deal with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television and Warner Bros. Animation to create and premiere a brand-new version of the iconic cartoon franchise, Animaniacs.
There is no word yet on the released date of the series. However, the animated feature film of UglyDolls is expected to be released in 2019.
