StudioCanal and Heyday Films Announce New Pippi Longstocking Animated TV Series

StudioCanal has announced the development of a new animated television adaptation of Pippi Longstocking in partnership with The Astrid Lindgren Company. The series is being produced by StudioCanal, Heyday Films, and Submarine, with award-winning writer Sara Daddy attached as head writer and screenwriter.

The new series will consist of 52 x 11-minute episodes and will be produced in 3D CGI animation. Designed as a fresh and contemporary reimagining of Astrid Lindgren’s beloved character, the series will introduce Pippi’s fearless spirit, humour, and independence to a new generation of viewers. Production is scheduled to begin in October 2026.

Head Writer Sara Daddy comments, “To be entrusted by the Lindgren family and the brilliant Heyday and StudioCanal teams with the keys to Villa Villekulla is such a privilege. As the daughter of a seaman who overturned convention and took me out of school to sail around the world, I have always felt a connection with Pippi. I am having so much fun honoring her fiercely independent spirit, free-thinking ways, and, of course, superhuman strength. With the brilliant wit and warmth of Astrid Lindgren’s voice as our guide, our aim is to ensure Pippi remains a joyful, empowering icon for today’s children. It is a dream project.”

Max Hallén, CEO of The Astrid Lindgren Company, says: “Astrid Lindgren’s stories continue to grow their audience around the world, reaching new generations of children across markets, platforms and formats. Pippi Longstocking remains at the heart of that journey. Her courage, independence and playful way of challenging the world around her have inspired children around the world for over eighty years and continue to do so today. This series represents an important milestone in our ambition to expand the reach of Astrid Lindgren’s stories and create new opportunities for children everywhere to discover Pippi.”

An Award-Winning Creative Team

The series will be produced by David Heyman, Rosie Alison and Rob Silva of Heyday Films, the banner behind the Emmy and Annie Award-winning “The Adventures of Paddington” series, as well as the feature films “Paddington,” “Paddington 2” and “Paddington in Peru,” with “Paddington 4” currently in development.

A Global Children’s Classic

Red-haired Pippi Longstocking is the main character in the eponymous series of children’s books by celebrated Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. She originated from bedtime stories told to her daughter Karin about an anything but pious freckled little girl with boundless energy, strength and bravery.

A testament to Pippi Longstocking’s enduring and timeless global appeal, the Pippi books have sold over 70 million physical copies, been translated into 80 languages worldwide, and continue to sell 1.5 million annually.

Feature Film Also in Development

In addition to the animated series, a new Pippi Longstocking feature film based on Astrid Lindgren’s classic stories is currently in development. The film will be produced by David Heyman, Jeffrey Clifford, and Rosie Alison for Heyday Films.

Global Merchandising Programme

StudioCanal will oversee worldwide distribution of the series. StudioCanal Kids & Family will manage merchandising and licensing in France and the UK, while Rights & Brands will serve as the global merchandising agent for all other markets.

Contact, Merchandising:

Shatilla Holm, Brand Manager for Pippi, Rights & Brands +46 79 10 24 104
shatilla.holm@rightsandbrands.com

Kristin Tjulander, Nordic Commercial Director, Rights & Brands, +46 70 76 32 872, kristin.tjulander@rightsandbrands.com