Deadline is reporting that streaming service Hulu has signed a deal with STX Entertainment for a new animated series based upon the cult plush toy line UglyDolls.
The 26-episode series will be inspired by STXfilms’ upcoming animated movie, which is slated for release in 2019. In addition to the series, Hulu will also get the exclusive U.S. SVOD streaming rights to the film following its theatrical run.
“UglyDolls is an ideal brand fit for STX, which was conceived for franchise building across all platforms from film to television, digital, virtual reality, consumer products, and more,” said Jada Miranda, STXtv’s EVP/Head of Scripted Television. “Our seamless infrastructure allows us to strategize across all divisions, and as a next-generation studio we are thrilled to partner with a next-generation premium streaming service of Hulu’s caliber to service the entire universe of the UglyDolls franchise. Our partners at Hulu fully embraced this opportunity and we felt confidence in their plan to realize the massive potential in what is STX’s first animated property.”
UglyDolls marks STX’s first animated franchise, and the studio has already signed a deal with Hasbro to server as the global master toy licensee.