Disney+ Partners with Higher Ground for New Animated Series 'Journey'

Disney+ has officially greenlit a new original animated series titled "Journey," a fantasy project developed in collaboration with Higher Ground, the production company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama. The series follows a young protagonist who ventures beyond her city’s protective barriers to uncover the mystery of her father’s disappearance and unlock latent magical abilities essential to her people's survival. The project is currently in production under the guidance of Disney Kids & Family and ICON Creative Studio.

The creative team behind the series is led by creator and executive producer Matt Munn, known for his work on "Spies in Disguise," alongside executive producer Steve Loter, who brings extensive experience from "Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur." Jessie Dicovitsky, the head of television at Higher Ground, is also serving as an executive producer, signaling a continued commitment from the Obamas' production house to expand its footprint in high-quality children’s and family programming.

This partnership is strategically significant for both parties. For Disney, "Journey" represents a continued investment in original intellectual property to bolster its streaming library, which already features heavy hitters like "Bluey" and "Big City Greens." For Higher Ground, the collaboration reinforces their reputation for producing content that balances entertainment with meaningful, character-driven narratives. By focusing on themes of resilience and self-discovery, the series aims to align with the classic storytelling values that have long been a hallmark of the Disney brand.

As streaming platforms increasingly compete for family-oriented viewership, the success of "Journey" will likely depend on its ability to blend high-fantasy world-building with the emotional resonance that Higher Ground has previously demonstrated in shows like "Ada Twist, Scientist." The series is poised to become a key addition to Disney+’s animation slate, offering a fresh, original narrative in an industry currently dominated by established franchises.