Disney+, Pokemon Company Ink Global Distribution Deal, Including New Stop-Motion Series
Disney+ has agreed a global distribution partnership with The Pokémon Company International, expanding Disney’s access to Pokémon programming and including an exclusive new stop-motion series from Aardman. The deal matters because it brings a major family entertainment franchise more closely into Disney’s television and streaming services, beginning with classic Pokémon content and leading to a newly commissioned original series.
“Pokémon the Series: The Beginning” became the first programme released under the agreement when it began airing on Disney XD earlier this month; it is also streaming on Disney+ in the US and selected international markets. The new Aardman-made series, “Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu”, is due in 2027 and follows the two Pokémon on quests across the Galar region; it will air on Disney XD and stream exclusively on Disney+. The partnership was announced at Pokémon XP in San Francisco, while Aardman’s creative team includes director Tom Parkinson, IP development creative director Nat McKay and model-making creative lead James Young.
- Disney+ secures global Pokémon distribution deal.
- Aardman’s new Pokémon stop-motion series arrives in 2027.
- Disney XD and Disney+ will carry the new content.
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Pokémon is a long-running entertainment franchise owned by The Pokémon Company, with animated television series featuring creatures and the people who train them. Disney operates the Disney+ streaming service and Disney XD television channel, which show programmes for children and families.
The partnership gives Disney access to Pokémon programmes for its channels and streaming service in the US and some other markets. It also involves Aardman, the British studio known for stop-motion animation, making a new Pokémon series. The arrangement matters because it connects a major franchise with Disney’s international television and streaming outlets.