Cartoon Network Announces “Duck Dodgers” Premiere Date
[via press release – original release date uncertain]
Duck Dodgers Blasts onto Cartoon Network August 23
Daffy Duck and Porky Pig Star in New Comedy-Action Series
Daffy Duck is back and wackier than ever as he suits up to play Duck Dodgers in an all-new, half-hour action/comedy animated series from Warner Bros. Animation for Cartoon Network. Duck Dodgers premieres on Cartoon Network on Saturday, August 23, at 11:30 a.m. (ET, PT). A replay will air the following Friday at 7:30 p.m. (ET, PT).
Duck Dodgers showcases classic Looney Tunes characters Daffy Duck and Porky Pig in the 24th ½ century as they attempt to protect the planet Earth from its enemies. Each episode of Duck Dodgers will feature two 11-minute cartoons.
Duck Dodgers (Daffy Duck) is a hapless soul who was accidentally frozen inside a spacecraft in the 21st century and thawed out 351 years later. Through his scheming and lies, Dodgers has convinced the Earth’s Galactic Protectorate that he is a hero from the 21st century. He has been given a starship, the Sisyphus, and a crew including an adoring and eager young Space Cadet (Porky Pig) who is blind to the faults of his captain. Together they form a “galactic force” that must team up against Earth’s major foe, Mars, and its Martian Commander X-2 (played by Marvin the Martian). Each episode will revolve around Duck Dodgers’ adventures, blundering successes and “day-saving” defeats. He’s an unlikely hero who somehow always manages to come out on top, often thanks to the helping hands of the Cadet.
“Duck Dodgers is a perfect show for Cartoon Network,” said Jim Samples, General Manager and Executive Vice President, Cartoon Network. “It honors a few of our favorite classic Looney Tunes characters with a fantastic series involving exciting adventures and clever comedy with a modern sensibility.”
“This series embraces the timelessness of the classic Chuck Jones short,” said Sander Schwartz, President, Warner Bros. Animation. “With the unique sensibilities and artistry of Tony Cervone and Spike Brandt at the helm, Duck Dodgers will entertain and delight a new generation of kids and their parents with its colorful intergalactic settings, compelling characters and wild adventures.”
Duck Dodgers is created, written and directed by Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone with Paul Dini and Tom Minton serving as producers and writers. Veteran voice actor Joe Alaskey provides the voice for Duck Dodgers, as well as for the duo’s chief nemesis, Commander X-2, while Bob Bergen chimes in as Space Cadet. Other voices for the series will be provided by Richard McGonagle (Dr. I.Q. Hi), Tia Carrere (Martian Queen) and John O’ Hurley (Captain Star Johnson.)
Two musical heavyweights, Tom Jones and The Flaming Lips, have collaborated for the appropriately over-the-top theme song that pays tribute to the titular space hero.
Cartoon Network, currently seen in 83 million U.S. homes and 145 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network also showcases unique original ventures such as Codename: Kids Next Door, The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Justice League, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Ed, Edd n Eddy and other Cartoon Cartoons. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable’s highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network’s Web site is located at http://CartoonNetwork.com (AOL Keyword: Cartoon Network).
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., an AOL Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.
Warner Bros. Animation has been producing award-winning original programming since 1930, when it released its first cartoon, Sinking in the Bathtub. Since then, Warner Bros.’ animated characters have set the standard for inventive, quality animation. Providing programming for network, syndication and cable television as well as theatrical, home video and online product, Warner Bros. Animation is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, as well as for maintaining the studio’s rich cartoon heritage. The most honored animation studio ever, Warner Bros. Animation has garnered 30 Emmys, the highly coveted George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, the Parent’s Choice Award, the Prism Award and numerous Annie Awards, which honor excellence in animation.