Disney is set to expand its lineup with two exciting music-driven comedy series slated for a 2025 premiere on both Disney Channel and Disney+. These shows promise to deliver engaging narratives that resonate with both children and their families, infusing humor and musicality into their storytelling.
One of the highly anticipated series is “Vampirina,” which draws inspiration from the beloved children’s books by Anne Maria Pace and is shaped by the creative vision behind the Disney Jr. animated series from Chris Nee. The storyline centers around a spirited young vampire girl, Vee, who ventures away from her eerie home in Transylvania to enroll in a prestigious performing arts boarding school. There, she nurtures her deep-seated passion for music while juggling the complexities of maintaining her secret vampire identity. This mission becomes even more daunting due to her overprotective father, who enlists a quirky ghost to shadow her at school, adding an extra layer of comedic chaos to her new life, as detailed in the show’s logline.
The other series, “How We Became the Biggest Band in the World,” invites viewers to join three unforgettable characters from the renowned pop group Electric Bloom as they reminisce about their incredible journey from middle school friendships to global stardom. The narrative unfolds as these girls embark on a heartfelt adventure that not only leads them to become the biggest band in the world but also cements their bond as best friends in the universe, showcasing the power of music and friendship, as captured in the enchanting logline.
Both “Vampirina” and “How We Became the Biggest Band in the World” are working titles, hinting at the potential for further development as the series approach their debuts.
“Vampirina” features a talented cast, with newcomer Kenzi Richardson taking on the role of Vee, Jiwon Lee from “Rise Up, Sing Out” portraying Sophie, Shaun Dixon from “The Neighborhood” as Elijah, and Milo Maharlika, known for his role in “Les Miserables” Broadway National Tour, playing Demi. Additionally, newcomer Faith Hedley, who showcased her talents in Disney’s “The Lion King” international tour, will play Britney. Randi Barnes is at the helm as the showrunner and executive producer, alongside executive producers Tim Federle and Bronwyn North-Reist. The creative vision for the pilot was brought to life under the direction of Kimberly McCullough, who also served as an executive producer.
“How We Became the Biggest Band in the World” boasts an impressive cast, including Lumi Pollack of “The Fallout” as the character Posey, Carmen Sanchez, a newcomer taking on the role of Jade, and Ruby Marino debuting as Tulip, with Nathaniel Buescher from “Circuit Breakers” as Lucas. The series is led by Eric Friedman, serving as showrunner and executive producer, alongside talented writers and executive producers Alex Fox and Rachel Lewis. Notably, Diane Warren and Bahareh Batmang fulfill the roles of executive producers, bringing in their expertise, with Warren writing the catchy songs featured in the pilot. The pilot episode benefits from the directorial vision of Jody Hahn, who also partners as an executive producer.
Announcing the series, Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, expressed her enthusiasm in a statement: “‘How We Became the Biggest Band in the World’ and ‘Vampirina’ are two standout additions to Disney Channel’s comedy slate. Both new series are full of all the elements we know our young audiences love: relatable, aspirational characters, upbeat music and plenty of laughter, friendship and heart.”
**Interview with Disney Channel Programming Executive**
**Host:** Welcome to the show! Today we have a special guest, Jamie Lee, a programming executive at Disney Channel. Jamie, thank you for joining us!
**Jamie:** Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Disney is set to expand its lineup with some exciting new series launching in 2025. Can you tell us more about these music-driven comedy series?
**Jamie:** Absolutely! We’re thrilled to introduce two new series, “Vampirina” and “How We Became the Biggest Band in the World.” Both of these shows will not only entertain children but also resonate with families, weaving humor and musical storytelling throughout.
**Host:** “Vampirina” sounds intriguing! Can you elaborate on the character and story?
**Jamie:** Sure! “Vampirina” follows a lively young vampire named Vee who leaves her home in Transylvania to attend a performing arts boarding school. She has a passion for music, but her journey is complicated by her overprotective father and a quirky ghost who’s assigned to watch over her. It’s a delightful mix of comedy, adventure, and of course, music!
**Host:** That sounds like a lot of fun! And what about the other series?
**Jamie:** “How We Became the Biggest Band in the World” focuses on three friends from the pop group Electric Bloom. The series takes viewers through their journey from middle school to global stardom, emphasizing the strength of friendship and the magic of music. It’s a heartwarming story that showcases their growth as individuals and as a band.
**Host:** It seems you are tapping into themes that resonate with kids and families! Are these working titles likely to change before their premiere?
**Jamie:** Yes, both titles are currently working titles. As we get closer to the premieres, we may further develop them to ensure they reflect the final product.
**Host:** Fantastic! We can’t wait to see how both of these series unfold. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the upcoming lineup?
**Jamie:** Just that we’re dedicated to creating engaging content that connects with our audience. We believe these series will not only entertain but also inspire creativity and imagination in young viewers.
**Host:** Thank you, Jamie! We look forward to these exciting new shows on Disney Channel and Disney+!
**Jamie:** Thank you for having me!
