Disney Television Animation Has Begun Production On "JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES" Featuring Classic Characters Captain Hook And Smee, Alongside A New Crew Of Kid Pirates And Their Fearless Leader, Jake

Playhouse Disney Interactive Adventure Series Emphasizes Teamwork

Disney Television Animation has begun production on "Jake and the Never Land Pirates," an interactive 2-D and CG animated series for preschoolers and parents featuring the music and fun-filled adventures of classic characters Captain Hook and Smee, plus a new crew of kid pirates led by the enthusiastic and courageous Jake. The series, which will premiere on Playhouse Disney-branded blocks and channels around the world, is designed to emphasize teamwork. The announcement was made by Nancy Kanter, senior vice president, Playhouse Disney Worldwide.

Kanter said: "'Jake and the Never Land Pirates' will introduce preschoolers to the excitement of Never Land, an imaginative, engaging pirate world for kids and a wonderfully memorable one for their parents. Comedic foils Captain Hook and his well-meaning sidekick, Smee, will continue to amuse young kids, as the enthusiastic Jake leads his team of kid pirates on adventures that model teamwork for our young viewers."

Each episode features two fun and music-filled stories, as Jake leads his team - including Izzy, Cubby and their parrot lookout, Skully - aboard their amazing ship, Bucky, sailing from their Pirate Island hideout on a lost treasure hunt throughout Never Land. There, Jake and the team learn that they must work together to outsmart Captain Hook and Smee, earning gold doubloons as they conquer tasks. Whether the treasure is a skateboard, a guitar or a prized seashell, Captain Hook will do anything to get his hands on it, so Jake and his fellow kid pirates invite viewers to use teamwork, problem-solving and physical activity such as sliding down waterfalls, pulling vines and flying with the magic of pixie dust to reclaim their treasures.

"Jake and the Never Land Pirates" stars Colin Ford ("Sweet Home Alabama") as Jake, Disney Channel star Madison Pettis ("The Game Plan," "Cory in the House") as Izzy and Jonathan Morgan Heit ("Bedtime Stories") as Cubby. The series will feature original pirate jigs and rock chanteys, as well as music underscore by Loren Hoskins and Kevin Hendrickson of the Portland, Oregon-based pirate rock band, Captain Bogg & Salty.

Rob LaDuca ("Mickey Mouse Clubhouse") is executive producer and Howy Parkins ("Emperor's New School") is director.