Tencent Video has shown the first footage and character artwork from its forthcoming “Warrior Cats” animated series at a fan event in Shenzhen, marking the first public look at the adaptation’s visual style. The reveal matters because it confirms progress on bringing the globally popular children’s book franchise to screen, with the series scheduled for release in 2028.

Director Rodrigo Blaas unveiled a 3D model of Rusty, the housecat who joins a wild-cat Clan and ultimately becomes its leader, alongside work-in-progress animation featuring characters and environments. Original Force is animating the show, A.C. Bradley is showrunner and Blaas directs; the adaptation will draw on the first book arc, “Warrior Cats: The Prophecies Begin”, and launch on Tencent Video platforms in China and South-East Asia.