I would imagine that Matt Groening, creator of THE SIMPSONS and FUTURAMA, let out a Homer-style "Whoo-hoo!," when he'd learned that his new adult fantasy animated comedy series, DISENCHANTMENT, has been picked up by Netflix for an official 20-episode order. The new TV show is set to premiere in 2018, with the aforementioned 20 episodes being divided into two 10-episode seasonal runs.
Sweet! Of course, the question now is, who will be lending their voices to the show's cast? After all, Groening has worked alongside some of the most note-worthy voice acting talent in the game. Well, set to topline DISENCHANTMENT is BROAD CITY's Abbi Jacobson, Nat Faxon (FRIENDS FROM COLLEGE, MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES) and Eric Andre (DON'T TRUST THE B—- IN APARTMENT 23, 2 BROKE GIRLS).
DISENCHANTMENT is set to take place in the dilapidated medieval kingdom of Dreamland, where the show will follow the hapless adventures of a hard-drinking princess named Bean (Jacobson), her saucy elf companion Elfo (Faxon), and her personal demon Luci (Andre). Throughout their journey, the unlikely trio will encounter ogres, sprites, harpies, imps, trolls, walruses, and lots of human fools. Also lending their voices to the cast of characters are a few of Groening's usual suspects: John DiMaggio, Billy West, Maurice LaMarche, Tress MacNeille, David Herman, Matt Berry, Jeny Batten, Rich Fulcher, Noel Fielding and Lucy Montgomery.
In talking about his aspirations for the new series, Groening said that, “Ultimately, DISENCHANTMENT will be about life and death, love and sex, and how to keep laughing in a world full of suffering and idiots, despite what the elders and wizards and other jerks tell you.” Additionally, DISENCHANTMENT is set to be produced by The ULULU Company for Netflix, with Groening and Josh Weinstein (THE SIMPSONS, FUTURAMA) acting as the program's executive producers. Meanwhile, the series animation will be executed by Rough Draft Studios (FUTURAMA).
Recently, Cindy Holland, the VP of Original Content at Netflix, gushed at the thought of bringing the project aboard when she said that, “Matt Groening’s brilliant work has resonated with generations around the world and we couldn’t be happier to work with him on Disenchantment. The series will bear his trademark animation style and biting wit, and we think it’s a perfect fit for our many Netflix animation fans."
This is big news, you guys! At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if you think THE SIMPSONS is better than FUTURAMA or vice versa. The reality here is that, soon, we'll have another Matt Groening animated series to enjoy! I count that news as a win all round. Furthermore, with so many talented people signed on to this project, there's no telling how insane the jokes might get, particularly when you consider that the Netflix format will allow for Groening to take his particular brand of humor to new, dark, and adult-oriented places. I say we all pick up a sword and shield and dive into this one. Who's with me? Huzzah!
Let us know what you think of this news in the comments section below!
DISENCHANTED is set to premiere on Netflix in 2018.